US ambassador Brigety resigns after Trump victory

His resignation comes in the wake of Donald Trump's election as president during last week’s elections in the US. 

Brigety, a Democrat appointed by outgoing President Joe Biden, is set to leave South Africa in January, ahead of Trump's inauguration.  

Brigety made headlines last year after accusing South Africa of supplying arms to Russia during the war in Ukraine.

The claim, which South Africa strongly denied, caused a major diplomatic storm between South Africa, Russia and the US.

He later apologised for his comments - which led to some demanding that he be recalled as ambassador.  

In a statement, Brigety says his resignation is standard during a change in US administrations.

He described it as an honour to serve and strengthen US-South Africa relations.

"U.S. ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the President, and 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.  

“On trade, we have supported South African businesses in accessing the U.S. market through AGOA and fostered investments in the automotive, minerals, chemicals, agricultural products, and transportation sectors.

“These initiatives have contributed significantly to the country’s economic development and support more than 267,000 jobs in South Africa," said Brigety.

He said the collaboration in global health has also been impactful, with significant joint investments through the U.S. 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.

“We have also worked together to address the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance vaccine manufacturing capabilities, improving health security and equity.”

Brigety added that the facilitation of cultural exchanges, educational opportunities have been equally enriching.  

"We have strengthened U.S.-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.  

“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 toward job creation for others.

“Our outreach to youth audiences across South Africa has engaged over 210,000 young South Africans with programs ranging from youth leadership, entrepreneurship and technology readiness. Our advising efforts have helped bright young South Africans receive R42 million in scholarships.”

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of South Africa “for their warm hospitality and unwavering partnership”.  

"This partnership forges stronger ties between the United States and South Africa by leveraging the institutions, civil rights legacy, creative industries, and economic dynamism of Atlanta and South Africa for the benefit of our citizens.”

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