October 10, 2025 | Endorsements

H.R. 2633 / S. 2752, U.S. South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act

October 10, 2025 Endorsements

H.R. 2633 / S. 2752, U.S. South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act

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Bottom Line Up Front

H.R. 2633 / S. 2752, the U.S.–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, would require a comprehensive review of the U.S. relationship with South Africa and authorize the identification of South African officials and ANC leaders for possible U.S. sanctions. The bill aims to hold Pretoria accountable for its growing alignment with adversarial powers — including Russia, China, and Iran-aligned actors — and for undermining U.S. foreign policy interests, including through legal campaigns against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Bill Information

Bill Number H.R. 2633
Bill Name U.S.–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025
Summary Requires a comprehensive review of the U.S.–South Africa relationship and authorizes sanctions against South African officials and ANC leaders found to be acting against U.S. interests.
Chamber Bicameral
Lead Sponsor Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX)
Original Cosponsors Rep. John James (R-MI)
Date Introduced 04/03/2025
Companion Bill S. 2752
Companion Lead Sponsor Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors for the House and Senate versions.

FDD Action 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.”

Nick Stewart

Managing Director of Advocacy, FDD Action

Why It Matters

  • Over recent years, South Africa has increasingly adopted diplomatic and legal postures at odds with U.S. interests, including 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 with U.S. partners and interests carries real consequences.
  • The bill does not call for wholesale decoupling. Instead, it mandates a targeted review and authorizes sanctions only against individuals or actors found complicit in malign actions or corruption, enabling calibrated pressure while preserving the broader bilateral relationship.
  • The legislation requires a report naming officials linked to corruption, human rights violations, or policy choices that undermine U.S. security interests. This transparency is critical to enabling meaningful accountability for conduct that has gone unchecked.
  • Depending on findings, the bill could force reconsideration of key areas of cooperation — including military sales, high-tech exports, investment treaties, and trade benefits under AGOA — if Pretoria fails to demonstrate meaningful alignment with U.S. interests.

Congressional Press Releases

Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:

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About FDD Action

FDD Action is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that works directly with policymakers to advocate for a robust U.S. foreign policy — one that strengthens U.S. national security, does damage to America’s adversaries, and supports allies and partners. FDD Action serves as a trusted resource for congressional offices and executive branch policymakers navigating complex national security challenges, leveraging a team with decades of experience on Capitol Hill and in the policy arena.

Learn more about FDD Action’s mission and work here.

Issues:

Sanctions and Illicit Finance South Africa