NATIONAL NEWS - Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated after a US congressional committee approved a bill that could pave the way for sanctions against ANC officials and senior members of government.
According to The Witness, the US–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, introduced by Republican congressman Ronny Jackson in April, was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee this week with minor amendments, bringing it closer to a full vote in the House of Representatives.
The bill calls for a review of the entire relationship between the two nations, citing South Africa’s growing alignment with ‘malign actors’, including Hamas, China and Russia. It also seeks to identify South African officials eligible for sanctions.
Jackson, a vocal ally of US President Donald Trump, said on social media: “The days of allowing our so-called ‘allies’ to walk all over us are over!”
AfriForum welcomes progress
AfriForum welcomed the development, saying it supports ‘targeted sanctions’ rather than blanket penalties on the country.
“Ordinary citizens should not be punished for the extremism and corruption of politicians,” said Ernst van Zyl, the organisation’s head of public relations.
ANC’s response
Deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said the party was prepared to ‘sacrifice’ in the name of justice and sovereignty.
“Throughout our struggle, we know that leaders had to sacrifice. We will continue to pay the price of standing for justice, humanity, equality and the rule of law,” she said.
She added that ANC allies, including Cuba, had been sanctioned by the US, but the party would not compromise.
“We will continue to speak for ourselves. But who are we when it was just a few years ago that Nelson Mandela was removed from the list of terrorists? The struggle continues.”
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured in recent months under Trump’s second term. In May, Trump revoked aid funding to South Africa and imposed 30% tariffs on all SA exports to the US, citing what he claimed was a ‘persistent trade deficit’. The tariffs take effect from August 1.
Additionally, former SA ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled earlier this year and has not been replaced.
The US reportedly rejected Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy, further straining ties.
Trade union Solidarity has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently repair diplomatic relations and recommit to a non-aligned stance.
“This must include co-operation on terrorism, military and intelligence matters,” said Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans.
Solidarity is also lobbying the US government directly and plans to meet with US lawmakers before the final vote on the bill.
The Presidency has not yet issued a formal response to the bill’s advancement.
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