US TO PUNISH TOP ANC OFFICIALS OVER FOREIGN POLICY, GRAFT ALLEGATIONS

Relationship between two countries on a diplomatic knife-edge

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

SOUTH Africa's relationship with the United States is on a diplomatic knife-edge, as the US House Foreign Affairs Committee push forward a bill that could see senior African National Congress (ANC) leaders hit with sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes.

The proposed US - South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 calls for a sweeping 120-day probe into Pretoria’s foreign policy stance, targeting individuals accused of corruption or of acting against American interests.

The looming sanctions have intensified diplomatic tensions, placing several senior ANC figures squarely in the crosshairs. President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, former International Relations Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor, ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, and former US Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool have all been flagged as potential targets of the proposed US action.

The bill's advancement has triggered a political storm in Pretoria, with ANC leaders condemning it as an affront to South Africa's sovereignty and its right to pursue an independent foreign policy. Although the US legislation stops short of naming individuals, growing pressure is falling squarely on President Ramaphosa and his cabinet, whose diplomatic choices have increasingly drawn fire from US lawmakers.

At the heart of the growing rift is South Africa's vocal and consistent defence of Palestine. Pretoria has become one of the strongest international voices condemning Israels war on Palestinians, and this has not gone unnoticed in Washington.