REUBEN Brigety, the United States Ambassador to South Africa, has confirmed he will resign from his post, effective January 10, 2025. His resignation comes in line with standard diplomatic procedure following a change in the US presidential administration. This announcement comes just days after US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, stepped down, following the election victory of President Donald Trump.
In a statement released on Monday, Brigety expressed his honour in serving as the ambassador and highlighted the strengthening of US-South Africa relations during his tenure. He noted that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president, and with the US election having taken place, it was time for him to step down.
‘I informed the Government of South Africa today that I will resign as the US Ambassador to South Africa, effective January 10, 2025, in accordance with standard procedure during a change of presidential administration,’ Brigety said. ‘Serving in this role and fostering the strong relationship between the United States and South Africa has been an immense honour.’
Reflecting on his time in office, Brigety praised the remarkable progress achieved in bilateral trade, notably through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates duty-free access to the US market for eligible African countries. Brigety noted that this programme has been key in supporting South African businesses, particularly in sectors like automotive, chemicals, agriculture, and transportation. These efforts have supported over 267,000 jobs in South Africa.
However, many African nations, including South Africa, are concerned about the future of AGOA, especially given that the programme is set to expire in September 2025. There are fears that the incoming Trump administration might not renew the agreement, potentially impacting the trade status of many African nations.
‘If AGOA is scrapped, many African countries will lose preferential trade status with the US, which will have serious economic consequences,’ warned Jan Hofmeyr, head of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town. He added that Trump had signalled during his campaign the possibility of imposing blanket tariffs on up to 10% of all imports.
Rashweat Mukundu, Africa adviser for International Media Support, also voiced concerns that nations like South Africa, which have increasingly close ties with Russia, could face pressure and possibly be removed from AGOA.
In addition to trade, Brigety underscored the significant collaboration between the US and South Africa in global health, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the two nations have made notable strides in improving health outcomes, especially in South Africa’s healthcare system.
Brigety also highlighted joint efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as initiatives to boost vaccine production, thereby enhancing health security and equity across the region.
As Brigety prepares to step down in January, his departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter in US-South Africa diplomatic relations, one shaped by shared economic goals and health cooperation.
