On July 23, 2025, a bill called the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is now set to be considered by the full House of Representatives. The legislation calls for a process to identify which ANC and government officials could be sanctioned, based on criteria like alleged corruption, support for U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hamas), or actions undermining U.S. interests.

If the bill becomes law, sanctions would likely be imposed under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Act, which allows for financial and visa restrictions on individuals.

If the bill eventually becomes law: The U.S. President will be required to conduct a detailed review of the U.S.–South Africa relationship and report the findings to Congress within 120 days. The President would also have authority to sanction specific South African officials and ANC leaders—not the whole country—if they are found to be undermining U.S. interests, supporting adversaries, or involved in corruption.

U.S.–South Africa relations are strained due to disagreements over foreign policy and trade. The bill reflects these tensions, but no laws have changed yet. The U.S. House is currently on recess, so further action is expected later in 2025.

There are currently no sanctions or official action has been taken on South Africa. This is a proposal with potential for future action, depending on further votes in the U.S. Congress.

  • April 3, 2025: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) introduces the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. The bill, known as HR 2633, aims to require a full review of the relationship between the U.S. and South Africa. It also seeks to identify South African government officials and leaders of the ANC (the ruling party) who could be punished with U.S. sanctions for actions the U.S. sees as harmful to its interests—such as supporting countries like Russia, China, and Iran, or being involved in corruption.

  • April 2025: The bill is sent to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review.

  • July 23, 2025: The bill passes the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This means it moves to the next step: debate and a vote by the full House of Representatives.

  • July 24, 2025 (now): The bill has not been voted on by the full House, the Senate, or signed by the President. It is not yet law. The process is on hold until the House can hold a full debate and vote.

African National Congress (ANC)—who could face scrutiny under proposed U.S. legislation targeting officials accused of corruption, human rights abuses, or alignment with U.S. adversaries (e.g., Russia, China, Iran, Hamas). Below is a breakdown of their alleged violations and relevance to such a bill:

Key Figures & Allegations

1. Cyril Ramaphosa

  • Genocide Accusation: Publicly accused Israel of genocide (Oct. 2023), aligning with the bill’s criticism of anti-Israel rhetoric.

  • Foreign Ties: Maintains relations with Russia and China, cited as U.S. adversaries.

  • Phala Phala Scandal: Alleged corruption involving undeclared foreign currency (though not charged).

2. Naledi Pandor (Former Foreign Minister)

  • Hamas/Iran Ties: Engaged Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (Oct. 2023) and met Iran’s President Raisi, actions criticized as supporting U.S.-designated terrorist groups.

3. Ebrahim Rasool (Expelled Ambassador to U.S.)

  • Pro-Hamas/Iran Links: Hosted Hamas officials as Western Cape Premier and spoke at an Iranian event celebrating Hezbollah (2020).

  • Persona Non Grata: Expelled by U.S. in 2025 for anti-Trump remarks.

4. ANC Officials & Anti-Israel Rhetoric

  • Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri (ANC Spokesperson): Defended Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks as a response to “apartheid.”

  • Ronald Lamola (Justice Minister): Led South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel (Dec. 2023).

5. Corruption-Linked Figures

  • Gwede Mantashe (Mineral Resources): Implicated in Zondo Commission (Bosasa/Eskom scandals).

  • Ace Magashule (Former ANC SG): Charged in R255M asbestos scandal.

  • Nomvula Mokonyane (Deputy Tourism Minister): Zondo-linked Bosasa corruption.

  • Zweli Mkhize (Ex-Health Minister): Digital Vibes scandal.

  • Zizi Kodwa (Ex-Sports Minister): Arrested for bribery (2024).

6. Pro-Russia/China Alignment

  • Thandi Modise (Ex-Defense Minister): Oversaw military ties with Russia (Lady R ship incident).

  • Lindiwe Sisulu (Ex-Foreign Minister): Strengthened Russia/China relations.

7. Additional Corruption Cases

  • Malusi Gigaba: Gupta-linked state capture.

  • Fikile Mbalula (Transport Minister): Accused of misusing public funds.

  • Senzo Mchunu (Suspended Police Minister): Accused of protecting criminal syndicates.

Potential U.S. Actions

  • Sanctions: Under bills like the Countering Global Corruption Act or Magnitsky-style sanctions, individuals could face asset freezes or travel bans.

  • Diplomatic Pressure: The U.S. may leverage trade (e.g., AGOA) to demand accountability.

  • ICJ Fallout: South Africa’s case against Israel may further strain U.S.-SA relations.

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