US House Advances Bill for South Africa Sanctions Review

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, a bill introduced by Congressman Ronny Jackson that mandates a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship and authorizes sanctions against South African government and African National Congress (ANC) officials. The legislation accuses South Africa of aligning with US adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Hamas, and criticizes Pretoria's condemnation of Israel's war in Gaza, including President Cyril Ramaphosa's genocide claims against Israel. The bill passed the committee with a 34-16 vote and now awaits approval from the full House, Senate, and President Donald Trump before becoming law. Supporters argue the bill provides necessary tools to hold South African officials accountable for what they see as a betrayal of US interests, while opponents, including top Democrat Greg Meeks, advocate for diplomacy over sanctions. The growing diplomatic rift has already resulted in the US cutting aid, expelling South Africa's ambassador, imposing tariffs, and denying diplomatic visas, leaving South Africa without representation in Washington for months. This development marks a significant escalation in US-South Africa relations, reflecting President Trump's aggressive foreign policy stance amid concerns over South Africa's shifting international alliances.