The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting individuals it accuses of discriminating against South Africa’s white minority, marking the latest escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised South Africa over a number of policies, including measures aimed at addressing racial inequality.

President Trump has claimed that some of these policies discriminate against Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French settlers in South Africa. The South African government has repeatedly rejected the allegations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the South African government had not adequately addressed concerns previously raised by Washington.

According to Rubio, the new visa restrictions will target individuals accused of promoting “race-based discrimination”, inciting violence or enabling land confiscation without compensation in South Africa.

The US State Department did not immediately identify the individuals who would be affected by the restrictions.