The board of the FW de Klerk Foundation has formally distanced itself from statements made by its outgoing executive director Christo van der Rheede, regarding US policy toward South Africa.

In a statement released on Monday, the foundation clarified that Van der Rheede’s remarks do not represent the organisation's official stance.

This follows Van der Rheede’s voluntary resignation on August 19, after which he publicly criticised recent US visa restrictions and punitive measures aimed at South Africa.

Van der Rheede had characterised Washington's diplomatic approach as "ethno-nationalistic", arguing that viewing South Africa's transformation and land reform policies through an ideological lens deepens racial divisions rather than solving domestic problems.

The foundation confirmed that the board has accepted Van der Rheede’s resignation.

By mutual agreement, he will serve out his notice period and officially vacate his post on December 31.

The board has formed a committee to manage all executive decisions between meetings.

While Van der Rheede remains part of the committee during his notice period, all delegations previously vested solely in the executive director must now be exercised in conjunction with other committee members, the foundation said.

The committee holds strict oversight over how the foundation is represented and any public statements made in its name, it stressed.

The board advised the media that it disassociates itself from any statement made on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation from the date Van der Rheede gave notice of his intention to resign.