
US–South Africa Diplomatic Relations in 2025: Navigating Tension and Opportunity
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, US–South Africa relations have evolved from cautious engagement to a multifaceted partnership. The United States became one of South Africa’s largest trading and investment partners, while joint initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) helped save millions of lives. Over three decades, collaboration extended to counter-terrorism, climate change, and regional security. However, as we entered 2025, new challenges emerged that tested the resilience of this strategic alliance and reshaped the diplomatic landscape. February 2025 Executive Order: Afrikaner Asylum and Aid Suspension In February 2025, President Donald Trump issued a controversial…