ANC in the crosshairs as US sanctions loom in 2025

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A path is being cleared for US sanctions against South Africa, as officials in Congress introduce a scathing new bill. Presented by US Congressman Ronny Jackson, and supported by fellow Republican John James, it pushes for retaliation against any ANC government officials supporting American ‘adversaries.’ Titled the 2025 US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, it demands a full review of US-SA bilateral relations, reports BusinessTech.

Furthermore, this news comes just one week after President Trump announced his ‘Liberation Day’ global tariffs that set world markets spinning. Ambassador Rasool was also kicked out of the United States for calling President Trump a ‘white supremacist.’ Nevertheless, the new bill is slated to embolden Trump’s foreign policy agenda. And give him the necessary firepower to impose harsh US sanctions on South Africa.

US SANCTIONS IN 2025

A key supporter of the bill is Republican John James. Image: File

South Africa is part of the expanded BRICS+ bloc, which includes China, Russia and Iran. Less troubling members in the eyes of the US are India, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the bill goes beyond just the BRICS+ arrangement. It asserts that South Africa’s foreign policy has long ceased to reflect a stance of non-alignment. And the ANC has a proven history of siding with ‘malign actors’ in the world.

According to Congressman Jackson: “South Africa has brazenly abandoned its relationship with the United States. It has aligned with China, Russia, Iran and terrorist organisations. It’s a betrayal to the US that demands serious consequences. This new legislation ensures we conduct a comprehensive review of this supposed ‘ally’ while holding any corrupt officials accountable. The era of governments undermining American interests without repercussions ends now,” explained Jackson.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

We will know the fate of US sanctions against the ANC and South Africa in four months from now. Image: File

The Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury will submit a classified report to President Trump 120-days after the bill’s enactment. Key considerations will be:

Government officials and ANC leaders that have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses.
Explanation describing the conduct of the person’s included on the list.
An expected timeline for US sanctions to be imposed.

The bill identifies eight key problem areas within the ANC in South Africa:

ANC policies are inconsistent with a stated policy of non-alignment in international affairs.
The ANC has a history of siding with ‘malign actors.’ These include Hamas, Iran, People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Russian Federation.
The ANC government’s ‘antisemitic and anti-Israel’ statements are cause for concern.
ANC interactions with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), who are implementing economically coercive tactics around the globe.
The ANC’s history of substantially mismanaging state resources. Proving incapable of effectively delivering public services and threatening the South African people and economy.