Johannesburg – A U.S. bill proposing a review of relations with South Africa and potential sanctions against ANC officials has passed its first legislative hurdle.
On April 3, 2025, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the *U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025*, which mandates a full assessment of bilateral ties and empowers President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on South African officials accused of supporting U.S. adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.
Representative John James (MI-10) is co-sponsoring the legislation.
Today Jackson posted on X: “South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists.
“Today, my bill to fully review America’s relationship with South Africa and give President Trump the tools necessary to hold their corrupt government accountable passed through committee.
“The days of allowing our so-called ‘allies’ to walk all over us are OVER!”
Sherwin Bryce-Pease, SABC News’ UN/US Correspondent, confirmed on X: “Congressman Ronny Jackson, who authored a bill to review bilateral relationship between USA & South Africa, says the legislation has passed through committee.
“If House votes to pass legislation, it will head to the Senate. Unclear when a full House vote will take place after Speaker Johnson sent lawmakers home until September.”
The bill requires a classified report within 120 days identifying ANC leaders and South African officials allegedly involved in corruption or human rights abuses, along with a timeline for potential sanctions.
In a press release three months ago, Jackson accused South Africa of undermining U.S. interests: “South Africa has brazenly abandoned its relationship with the United States to align with China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist organisations, a betrayal that demands serious consequences.”
He added: “This legislation ensures we conduct a comprehensive review of this supposed ‘ally’ while also holding accountable any corrupt officials.”
If enacted, the bill would strengthen Trump’s foreign policy by enabling sanctions against officials deemed uncooperative.
“The era of governments undermining American interests without repercussions ends now,” Jackson declared.
James and Jackson have criticized South Africa’s alignment with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as its anti-Israel stance, arguing these actions threaten U.S. security.
They also highlighted concerns over ANC ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), accusing Beijing of human rights violations and economic coercion.
Key Issues Cited in the Bill:
- ANC’s alleged abandonment of non-alignment in favor of adversarial nations.
- Support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group linked to Iran.
- Anti-Israel rhetoric from South African officials post-October 7 attacks.
- Close ties with Russia, accused of war crimes in Ukraine.
- ANC’s relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, criticized for human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
- Mismanagement of state resources and public service failures.
- Former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s remarks calling Trump “extreme” and a “white supremacist.”
The bill now awaits a full House vote, with further Senate approval required before becoming law.
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
