Johannesburg – A U.S. bill proposing a review of relations with South Africa and potential sanctions towards ANC officers has handed its first legislative hurdle.
On April 3, 2025, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) launched the *U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025*, which mandates a full evaluation of bilateral ties and empowers President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on South African officers accused of supporting U.S. adversaries like China, Russia and Iran.
Representative John James (MI-10) is co-sponsoring the laws.
Today Jackson posted on X: “South Africa made its alternative after they deserted America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists.
“Today, my invoice to completely overview America’s relationship with South Africa and provides President Trump the instruments mandatory to carry their corrupt authorities accountable handed via committee.
“The days of permitting our so-called ‘allies’ to stroll throughout us are OVER!”
Sherwin Bryce-Pease, SABC News’ UN/US Correspondent, confirmed on X: “Congressman Ronny Jackson, who authored invoice to overview bilateral relationship between USA & South Africa says the laws has handed via committee.
“If House votes to go laws, it would head to the Senate. Unclear when a full House vote will happen after Speaker Johnson despatched lawmakers house till September.”
The invoice requires a categorized report inside 120 days figuring out ANC leaders and South African officers allegedly concerned in corruption or human rights abuses, together with a timeline for potential sanctions.
In a press launch three months in the past, Jackson accused South Africa of undermining U.S. pursuits: “South Africa has openly deserted its relationship with the United States to align with China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist organisations, a betrayal that calls for severe penalties.”
He added: “This laws ensures we conduct a complete overview of this supposed ‘ally’ whereas additionally holding accountable any corrupt officers.”
If enacted, the invoice would strengthen Trump’s international coverage by enabling sanctions towards officers deemed uncooperative.
“The period of governments undermining American pursuits with out repercussions ends now,” Jackson declared.
James and Jackson have criticized South Africa’s alignment with China, Russia, and Iran, in addition to its anti-Israel stance, arguing these actions threaten U.S. safety.
They additionally highlighted considerations over ANC ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), accusing Beijing of human rights violations and financial coercion.
Key Issues Cited within 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 officers post-October 7 assaults.
- Close ties with Russia, accused of battle crimes in Ukraine.
- ANC’s relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, criticized for human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
- Mismanagement of state assets and public service failures.
- Former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s remarks calling Trump “excessive” and a “white supremacist.”
The invoice now awaits a full House vote, with additional Senate approval required earlier than changing into legislation.
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
