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US Lawmakers Move to Sanction South Africa Over Ties With China, Russia and Iran
The United States Congress is weighing sanctions against top South African officials as tensions mount over the country’s growing alignment with America’s geopolitical rivals.
This week, U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, a bill that calls for a full reassessment of diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. If passed, the legislation would allow President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on South African government and ANC leaders who are found to support China, Russia, Iran, or terrorist groups like Hamas.
Why the US Is Targeting South Africa
“South Africa has brazenly abandoned its relationship with the United States to align with China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist organizations—a betrayal that demands serious consequences,” Jackson said in a statement. He accused the ANC-led government of undermining U.S. national security and betraying its former position of neutrality.
Jackson, a known supporter of Israel and co-chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, said the bill represents a turning point in U.S. foreign policy:
“The era of governments undermining American interests without repercussions ends now.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman John James, who also criticized South Africa for “intentionally aligning with Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran” and pushing what he called an anti-Israel agenda.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the proposed law, the U.S. President must submit a classified report within 120 days that includes:
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A list of senior South African officials and ANC leaders accused of corruption or human rights abuses.
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A description of the conduct that justifies each person’s inclusion.
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A recommended timeline for implementing sanctions.
The bill outlines eight key areas of concern, including:
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South Africa’s perceived abandonment of its non-aligned foreign policy.
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Support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
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Growing ties with China and Russia, both of which are in conflict with U.S. strategic goals.
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Allegations of antisemitic rhetoric following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
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Statements by former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who called Trump “extreme” and labelled him a white supremacist.
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The ANC’s alleged economic mismanagement and failure to deliver essential public services.
A Blow to Bilateral Relations?
The proposed sanctions could have far-reaching implications for trade, diplomacy and development funding between the U.S. and South Africa. With Trump’s foreign policy taking a more hardline stance, the bill may mark the beginning of a much more confrontational chapter in the countries’ relationship.
While the bill has yet to be voted on, it has already rattled South Africa’s diplomatic corps, especially as the country navigates post-Agoa trade uncertainty and increasing global scrutiny over its stance on Israel and the Russia-Ukraine war.
{Source BusinessTech}
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