US Bill which could sanction ANC officials clears first hurdle in Congress

702's Clement Manyathela is joined by David Smith - Guardian's Washington DC bureau chief, Professor Christopher Isike - Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, and Professor Hennie Strydom - Professor of International Law at the University of Johannesburg.

Listen below:

A Bill introduced to the United States Congress by a well-known Republican and Donald Trump supporter, could potentially impose sanctions on senior ANC officials.

The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 (H.R.2633) has cleared its first legislative hurdle when it was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee this week in a 34-16 vote.

It calls for a review of the relationship between the US and South Africa and, if approved, could see travel and financial sanctions imposed on certain South African government officials and ANC leaders under the US Global Magnitsky Act.

On Tuesday, six Democrats were among those who supported the Bill, but Smith says most Democrats view the Bill as something of a 'stunt' and are aware of Donald Trump's hostility towards South Africa.

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"I think most Democrats would still be opposed to it, this is being driven by Republicans."

- David Smith, Washington DC Bureau Chief - The Guardian

But Smith adds that there's still a long road ahead before the Bill is voted on by the full House of Representatives and the Senate.

"This is far from a done deal...but of course Republicans do hold the majority here, so the could pass the Bill with no Democratic votes or just a few."

David Smith, Washington DC bureau chief - The Guardian

Professor Christopher Isike says this is not the first time a Bill of this nature has come before the House.

"The difference between then and now... was you had President Biden who viewed South Africa a bit more favourably than President Trump."

- Professor Christopher Isike, Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences - University of Pretoria

Professor Hennie Strydom says South Africa could face sanctions such as travel bans and the blocking of certain financial transactions, the latter of which, he says, would be particularly problematic.

"Because that is circulated through the whole banking industry in the world."

- Professor Hennie Strydom, Professor of International Law - University of Johannesburg

What would the passing of the Bill mean for South Africa? Scroll up to the audio player above to hear the full conversation.