Washington Targets ANC: U.S. Bill Clears Key Hurdle Toward Sanctioning South African Officials
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| Congressional Sanctions Bill Signals Shift in U.S. Policy Toward South Africa Samuel Corum/Getty Images |
Washington, D.C. A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress that could significantly reshape diplomatic ties between the United States and South Africa has cleared its first major legislative hurdle. The U.S. South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 (H.R.2633), introduced by Republican Representative Ronny Jackson on April 3, 2025, has passed through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs with majority support.
The bill calls for a comprehensive evaluation of U.S. South Africa relations, including security, economic, and diplomatic engagements. It also seeks to identify senior officials within the South African government and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) who may qualify for targeted sanctions, particularly under the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows for punitive measures against individuals implicated in corruption or human rights violations.
A Strategic Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
According to Rep. Jackson, the bill is a response to what he described as South Africa's increasing alignment with America's geopolitical adversaries. In a statement following the committee's approval, Jackson said:
“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. South Africa made its choice when it abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists.”
His remarks refer to growing concerns in Washington over South Africa’s diplomatic engagements with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, and allegations that the ANC government has displayed sympathy toward groups labeled as terrorist organizations by the U.S., including Hamas.
What the Bill Proposes
The key provisions of H.R.2633 include:
- Mandating a formal review of bilateral relations between the U.S. and South Africa.
- Identifying individuals within the South African government and ANC leadership for possible sanctions.
- Empowering the U.S. President to enact travel bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures.
The bill must still pass through the House Judiciary Committee before moving to a full vote in the House of Representatives. If it succeeds, it would then require approval in the Senate and the President’s signature to become law. Given former President Donald Trump’s recent return to office and the strong Republican support for the bill, it is likely to receive executive backing if it reaches his desk.
Implications for South Africa
While no ANC officials have yet been sanctioned, the legislation represents a significant escalation in U.S. pressure. If enacted, it could:
- Lead to visa bans or asset seizures for South African leaders accused of corruption or hostile foreign policy alignment.
- Strain U.S. South Africa relations further at both governmental and civil society levels.
- Prompt diplomatic retaliation or policy recalibration from Pretoria.
South African officials have thus far responded with caution, acknowledging the growing tension but urging continued dialogue and diplomacy. Civil society organizations like AfriForum and Solidarity have also weighed in, lobbying U.S. lawmakers to take action against individuals within the ANC accused of misconduct.
Looking Ahead
The passage of this bill through committee is only the first step in a longer legislative journey, but it underscores a growing bipartisan concern in the U.S. about the trajectory of South Africa's foreign policy and internal governance.
If passed, H.R.2633 would mark the most serious U.S. legislative rebuke of South Africa since the apartheid era, setting a precedent for targeted sanctions against leaders in one of Africa’s most prominent democracies.
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