South Africa is facing increased diplomatic strain with the United States as a congressional committee in Washington advances a bill that could significantly impact bilateral relations and impose sanctions on select South African officials.
The proposed legislation, titled the U.S.–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, was approved in a 34–16 vote by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and now heads to the full House of Representatives. If passed, it would compel the U.S. State Department to conduct a comprehensive review of diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Pretoria.
The bill reflects mounting frustration among American lawmakers over South Africa’s foreign policy direction — particularly its close ties with BRICS nations like Russia and China, its support for Palestine amid the Gaza conflict, and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The legislation, reported by Reuters, also calls for the identification of government officials and leaders of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) who may be subject to U.S. sanctions.
In April, Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas, who introduced the bill, wrote on social media:
“South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists.”
Read Also: Ghana Scrambles to Settle $3.6M Debt as Scholarship Students Risk Eviction from US University
Adding to the tension are ongoing trade disputes, including a looming 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S., as well as controversial claims of “white genocide” that have reignited friction between former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Critics argue that the bill risks damaging decades of U.S.–South Africa cooperation in areas like health, economic development, and regional stability. However, its supporters insist the U.S. must hold partners accountable when their policies conflict with American values and strategic interests.
Should the bill pass, it could mark a major shift in U.S. foreign policy toward South Africa, with broader implications for Washington’s relationship with the BRICS bloc and its position in Africa.
Image Credit: MSN
