SA rejects US allegations of release of its officials’ private information

South Africa has rejected allegations by the United States that its officials were detained and that their personal information was publicly released, insisting that the country’s immigration enforcement was lawful and that claims of state involvement in data breaches are unsubstantiated.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the government said the recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was carried out “in strict accordance with South African immigration law”, noting that “these individuals were engaged in work without the necessary work permits”.

“The government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” the ministry said.

Dirco also dismissed allegations concerning the alleged release of US officials’ private information, saying: “Separately, we have noted an unsubstantiated allegation regarding the private information of US officials. South Africa treats all matters of data security with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols. We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions.”

South Africa said diplomatic engagement with Washington was under way. “Nonetheless, we remain committed to principled and transparent diplomacy. Official channels have been opened with the United States Government to seek clarity on this allegation and to reinforce that our bilateral engagements must be grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue,” the ministry said.

The response follows a sharply worded statement from the US Department of State alleging that South African governments detained U.S. officials performing their duties to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners”.

Washington further alleged that sensitive information had been made public, saying “the public release of our U.S. officials’ passport information is an unacceptable form of harassment”.

The US warned that the incident could be seen as intimidation. “This can only be seen as an attempt to intimidate U.S. government personnel in South Africa on official business. The United States will not tolerate such behavior toward its government’s officials or toward any of its citizens who are legally and peacefully operating abroad.”

It added that “the public release of personal identifying information puts the official in harm’s way,” and warned that “failure by the South African Government to hold those responsible accountable will result in severe consequences”.