Natalie Nyathi
A significant shift in the relationship between the United States and South Africa is unfolding as the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs recently passed the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. This bill, introduced by Republican Representative Ronny Jackson, signals a potential reassessment of the bilateral relationship and could lead to sanctions against South African government officials and leaders of the African National Congress (ANC).
The bill is now set to go before the full House of Representatives, where it is believed to have a strong chance of passing. If approved, it will need to pass through the Senate and then be signed by President Donald Trump to become law.
According to Congressman Jackson, this bill is necessary because he believes South Africa has distanced itself from the US and aligned with countries that the US considers adversaries. His comments reflect concerns about South Africa’s growing ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Hamas. Supporters of the bill see it as a way to hold the South African government accountable for its actions.
The bill raises several important issues. One major concern is South Africa’s increasing relationship with Russia and China, especially their joint military exercises. Additionally, the ANC’s direct interactions with Hamas leadership have drawn criticism. South Africa’s stance on Israel, particularly its decision to file a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, has also been contentious.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the bill’s progress in the US and has expressed a commitment to engaging with the US through diplomatic channels to address these concerns. He believes that South Africa has good diplomatic relations with the US and hopes to strengthen them. Ramaphosa has also emphasized the need for South Africa to explore other markets, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to reduce reliance on the US.
The potential effects of US sanctions on South Africa could be significant. Sanctions could disrupt trade and investment between the two countries, which is particularly concerning given the looming 30% tariff on South African exports to the US. Politically, the bill could strain relations and hinder cooperation on important issues like security and economic development. It might also lead to financial and travel restrictions on South African officials seen as involved in human rights abuses or corruption.
Critics of the bill argue that it could push South Africa further away from the US and undermine efforts to rebuild the relationship. Some experts believe South Africa should focus on creating connections with other countries while maintaining its principles.
The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 marks a crucial moment in the relationship between the two nations. As the bill moves through the US legislative process, its outcome could have major implications for South Africa’s foreign policy, economy, and its role on the global stage.