Reuben Brigety, the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, has announced his resignation, effective January 10, 2025. His departure comes in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the US.
Brigety’s decision aligns with standard diplomatic procedure following a transition in presidential administration.
Brigety’s Resignation Announcement
In a statement dated November 18, Brigety confirmed his decision to step down, emphasizing that U.S. ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president. With the recent change in leadership, he noted, the American people have chosen a new direction for the nation.
“It has been an immense honor to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa and to strengthen the bonds between our two nations,” Brigety stated. He also extended gratitude to the South African government and its citizens for their warmth and cooperation during his tenure.
Brigety’s resignation makes him the second envoy to step down after Kenya’s Meg Whitman, who also resigned following the U.S. elections.
A Legacy of Economic and Health Collaboration
During his tenure, Brigety prioritized fostering economic partnerships and addressing global health challenges. His leadership saw significant advancements in the U.S.-South Africa relationship:
- Economic Development:
Under Brigety’s guidance, the U.S. strengthened trade and investment ties with South Africa, particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Key sectors such as automotive, minerals, agriculture, and transportation benefited, supporting over 267,000 jobs across South Africa. - Health Initiatives:
The U.S. invested heavily in South Africa’s healthcare systems, especially in combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). These efforts have improved the health and well-being of millions of South Africans and enhanced healthcare infrastructure. - COVID-19 Response:
Brigety also highlighted collaborative efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Joint initiatives focused on vaccine manufacturing and improving health equity and security within the region.
Education and Cultural Exchange
Brigety’s term also emphasized strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two nations:
- Technical and Vocational Training:
The U.S. supported the development of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and CET (Community Education and Training) institutions, focusing on cutting-edge fields like renewable energy and entrepreneurship. These efforts aimed to prepare South African youth for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. - Higher Education Partnerships:
Collaboration between over 120 U.S. and South African universities resulted in over R54 million in joint research, academic exchanges, and curriculum development. These initiatives deepened mutual understanding and paved the way for future innovations.
As Brigety prepares to conclude his service, he reflects on the profound impact of the U.S.-South Africa partnership during his tenure. “Our collaboration has not only strengthened bilateral relations but also contributed to the advancement of South Africa’s economic, health, and educational sectors,” he said. Brigety’s resignation marks the end of a notable chapter in U.S.-South Africa relations, leaving a legacy of mutual growth and shared achievements.
