US Ambassador to SA Reuben Brigety resigns
Brigety's departure is standard procedure following an election in the US.
US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety. Picture: X/@USAmbRSA
JOHANNESBURG - United States (US) Ambassador Reuben Brigety has thanked the South African government and its people, in a statement, where he’s announced that he’ll be vacating office in January 2025.
His departure is standard procedure following an election in the US.
Last week, Americans voted to return convicted felon Donald Trump to the White House.
While Brigety has thanked the country for its partnership, warmth and unwavering support during his tenure, in the two years he’s been in South Africa, he has not earned himself much favour.
He became persona non-grata following claims he made, that this country, in the cloak of darkness defied its own laws to provide arms to Russia.
While the episode earned him the ire of many, along with calls for his removal, he stayed on.
As he prepares for his exit, Brigety said it has been an immense honour to foster the relationship between the US and South Africa.
He said collaboration between the two countries had been impactful, listing progress made through African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), job creation, AIDS relief and educational opportunities, among many others.
Brigety also defined the cultural exchanges and increased understanding as equally enriching.
The ambassador’s resignation will take effect on 10 January 2025.