The already fragile relationship between South Africa and the United States has entered a new phase, as the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has passed the “US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025.”
This legislation aims to impose sanctions on individuals within the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African government under America’s Global Magnitsky Act, targeting those deemed complicit in human rights abuses or corruption.
The bill highlights concerns over what the US perceives as South Africa's increasingly adversarial stance, particularly its military cooperation with Russia, ties with China and Iran, and perceived alignment with groups like Hamas. These relationships, combined with South Africa's support for the efforts to downgrade the dollar (de-dollarisation), have led to this move by the US lawmakers.
Unhappy that the “white genocide” in South Africa rhetoric popularised by US President Donald Trump didn't check out, this latest legislation indicates a shift towards seeking justification to punish South Africa for advocating for Palestine at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
As a result, the sanctions could deepen the factionalism within the ANC, between the radical economic transformation faction and the more moderate, pro-West elements. This might give oxygen to those within the ANC who think a shift towards strengthening ties with nations like China and Russia would help South Africa's cause.
A broader consequence of these sanctions could extend beyond the political arena and impact South Africa’s economy. With foreign investment already struggling, potential sanctions and restrictions on key government figures may deter international businesses. The stability of the South African rand is already under scrutiny, and an increase in tariffs on South African exports, set to take effect next month, could increase these economic concerns.
The tariffs, particularly on vital sectors such as automobiles, agricultural products (especially citrus and wine), and textiles, pose a serious threat to an economy struggling against stagnant growth and high unemployment rates.
However, in the face of all this adversity, there lies an opportunity; South Africa may use this juncture to strengthen self-sufficiency and develop closer ties with fellow BRICS nations, especially China and Russia.