Controversial U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety II has resigned, less than two weeks after the American elections. He said his resignation was due to the change of presidential administration.

AN HONOUR

Brigety said he informed the South African Government today that he will resign as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa effective 10 January 2025. "This is in accordance with standard procedure during a change of presidential administration. Serving in this role and fostering the strong relationship between the United States and South Africa has been an immense honour," he said. In his resignation letter, Brigety explained that US ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the President. "Therefore, with the recent election in the U.S., the American people have expressed their choice for the future direction of our country, reflecting our shared commitment to democratic principles. During my tenure, we have witnessed remarkable progress in the U.S.-South Africa partnership."

GRATEFUL 

Brigety said as he concludes his service, he expresses profound gratitude to the government and people of South Africa for their warm hospitality and unwavering partnership. "To my U.S. Mission team, thank you for continuing to advance our mutual interests and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. I know the mission will continue to deepen the U.S.-South Africa relationship and it will flourish thanks to the strong foundations we've built together," he added.

CONTROVERSY

Previously, Brigety had made claims that South Africa sold weapons to Russia. He claimed that a Russian vessel was loaded with ammunition and weapons in Cape Town in December last year. South Africa denied the allegations and President Cyril Ramaphosa immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation called Brigety to order and he later apologised. "Dirco finds this behaviour by the U.S. ambassador to South Africa puzzling and at odds with the mutually beneficial and cordial relationship that exists between the United States of America and South Africa. Following a meeting, ambassador Brigety admitted that he crossed the line and apologised unreservedly to the government and the people of South Africa. "South Africa is known globally for having one of the most stringent processes when selling arms to other countries. The process is managed by the National Convention Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which was created through an Act of Parliament, the National Conventional Arms Control Act 41 of 2002 (NCAC Act), and the Constitution," Dirco said in a statement.