October 10, 2025 | Endorsements
H.R.2633, U.S. South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act
October 10, 2025 Endorsements
H.R.2633, U.S. South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act
Bottom Line Up Front
The U.S.–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act would require a comprehensive review of the U.S. relationship with South Africa and authorize identification of South African officials and ANC leaders for possible U.S. sanctions. It aims to hold Pretoria accountable for alignment with adversarial powers and undermining U.S. foreign policy interests.
Why It Matters
- Reasserts U.S. leverage over a drifting partner: Over recent years, South Africa has increasingly adopted diplomatic and legal postures at odds with U.S. interests: filing ICJ proceedings against Israel, maintaining ambiguous stances toward Hamas, and more openly engaging with Russia and China. This bill restores U.S. leverage by putting Pretoria on notice that alignment matters.
- Enables calibrated pressure without severing ties: The bill doesn’t call for wholesale decoupling; instead, it mandates a targeted review and sanctions only against individuals or actors found complicit in malign actions or corruption.
- Exposes corruption, human rights abuses, and illicit alignment: The legislation demands a report within 120 days naming officials linked to corruption, human rights violations, or policy choices that undermine U.S. security interests. This transparency is critical to enabling accountability.
- Protects U.S. commercial, tech, and security interests: The bill could force reconsideration of key cooperation in military sales, high-tech exports, investment treaties, and trade benefits (e.g. under AGOA) if Pretoria fails alignment tests.
FDD Expert Analysis
“South Africa’s diplomatic trajectory is increasingly at odds with U.S. interests — from prioritizing legal campaigns against Israel at the ICJ to cultivating relationships with Russia, China, and Iran-aligned actors. When a partner uses its system to shield corruption, enable terror financing, or wage lawfare against U.S. allies, soft engagement no longer suffices. This legislation ensures that Pretoria’s alliances and internal conduct face real consequences, restoring clarity and credibility to U.S. policy.”
Fast Facts
Bill Number: H.R.2633/ S.2752
Bill Name: U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025
Summary: Requires a full review of the bilateral relationship and directs identification of South African government and ANC figures eligible for sanctions.
Chamber: Bicameral
Sponsor(s): Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) , Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)
Date Introduced: 04/03/2025
Click here to read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors.