US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety has become the latest envoy to resign following the elections that saw Donald Trump romp to victory defeating Kamala Harris of the Democratic party.
In a statement dated November 18, Brigety said he will be quitting his job effective January 10, 2025.
The move, he noted, is in line with procedure after change in presidential administration.
“Today, I informed the Government of South Africa that I will resign as the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa effective January 10, 2025, in accordance with standard procedure during a change of presidential administration," Brigety said in a statement.
He noted that serving in this role and fostering the strong relationship between the United States and South Africa has been an immense honor.
According to Brigety, US ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president, and with the recent election in the US, the American people have expressed their choice for the future direction of the country.
He now becomes the second envoy to resign after Kenya’s Meg Whitman.
Reflecting on his achievements, Brigety noted that his tenure witnessed remarkable progress in the US-South Africa partnership including the fostering of investments in the automotive, minerals, chemicals, agricultural products and transportation sectors through AGOA.
These initiatives have contributed significantly to the country’s economic development and support more than 267,000 jobs in South Africa, he said.
“As I conclude my service, I express my profound gratitude to the government and people of South Africa for their warm hospitality and unwavering partnership,” he stated.
The collaboration between the two countries in global health, he noted, has been impactful, with significant joint investments through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
“These efforts have demonstrably improved the health and well-being of millions of South Africans and strengthened the country’s healthcare systems,” he added.
"We have also worked together to address the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance vaccine manufacturing capabilities, improving health security and equity," Brigety said.
In terms of cultural exchanges and educational opportunities, he pointed out that the US has increased understanding between our peoples has been equally enriching.
“We have strengthened TVET and CET institutions, including in cutting-edge fields such as renewable energy job readiness and student-driven entrepreneurship, and are giving youth greater access to better employment opportunities and a path towards job creation for others,” his statement further reads.
"We have strengthened US-South African higher education with partnerships among over 120 universities and colleges, and funded over R54 million in joint research, academic exchange, and curriculum development," he added.
