By Kennedy Nalyanya
A bill proposing a comprehensive review of the United States' relationship with South Africa, and potentially paving the way for sanctions against South African officials, has taken a significant step forward in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 34-16 on Tuesday to advance the "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act" to the full House for consideration.
While many bills at this stage do not proceed to a full vote, the committee's approval underscores a growing rift between Washington and Pretoria. The move comes as South Africa is actively working to avoid a looming 30% U.S. tariff and counter "false claims of white 'genocide'" made by President Donald Trump, which have strained relations. South Africa's foreign ministry and a spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa have declined to comment on the bill's advancement.
Introduced in April by Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas, who celebrated the committee's vote on X, the bill accuses South Africa of undermining U.S. interests. Jackson stated, "South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists."
The proposed legislation specifically highlights South Africa's close ties with Russia and China, both significant allies and trading partners for the nation. Furthermore, it accuses South Africa of backing the Palestinian militant group Hamas, currently engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza – an accusation South Africa has vehemently denied. The bill also cites South Africa's 2023 case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, as a point of concern. South Africa has historically been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.
The "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act" calls for a "full review of the bilateral relationship" and aims to "identify South African government officials and ANC leaders eligible for the imposition of sanctions." These potential sanctions would target individuals determined by President Trump to have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses, though no specific individuals are named in the bill.
The relationship between the United States and South Africa has notably deteriorated during Trump's second term, marked by his accusations of anti-white racism against the South African government and the initiation of a refugee program for Afrikaners, descendants of European settlers. This bill's progression signals continued pressure and scrutiny on South Africa's foreign policy alignments and domestic affairs from within the U.S. legislature
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