By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which would mandate a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.
This is a follow up of legislation that passed the House of Reps in the last Congress but was not taken up by the Democratic led Senate, now the Republicans control both Houses.
In the US system, bills have to be approved by the House and the Senate and signed by the president to become law.
Republicans won a 53-to-47 majority in the Senate in the November election, giving them “trifecta” control of both houses of Congress and the White House.
The bill mandates a comprehensive review to identify South African government officials and leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) who may be subject to sanctions for their support of American adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran.
In a press release, Jackson accused South Africa of undermining US foreign policy.
“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 stated.
The congressman emphasised that the legislation aims to hold corrupt officials accountable while ensuring Congress conducts a thorough review of what he termed a supposed “ally.”
If passed, the bill would bolster President Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda by allowing him to impose sanctions on corrupt or uncooperative South African officials.
“The era of governments undermining American interests without repercussions ends now,” Jackson declared.
US-South Africa relations have deteriorated sharply since Trump returned to power in mid-January.
Since taking office, Trump and his ally, South-Africa born Elon Musk, have singled out South Africa, in particular criticising it over its land reform policies.
Trump has cut all aid to the country and, despite his hard-line stance on most refugees and asylum seekers, says that members of South Africa’s white, Afrikaner community would be granted refugee status in the US because of the persecution he says they face at home.
Bill text can be read here.