Latest news with #BilateralRelationsReviewAct
The Citizen
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa hopes diplomacy amid US push for sanctions on SA
The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed a bill tabled by Republican Ronny Jackson calling for a full review of US relations with South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is in the dark about the United States' push to ban ANC leaders, hoping that diplomacy will prevail. The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs this week passed a bill tabled by Republican Ronny Jackson in April, calling for a full review of US relations with South Africa. Sanctions bill The Committee voted 34-16 on Tuesday to send the 'US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act' to the full House of Representatives, where it could be subject to a vote. Jackson introduced the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, providing tools to impose sanctions on 'corrupt South African government officials' who support America's adversaries like China, Russia and Iran, among others. ALSO READ: US Congressman Ronny Jackson introduces bill to hold SA accountable He introduced a bill that would mandate a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa. Jackson said Representative John James was co-leading the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act legislation. Ramaphosa responds The bill comes as relations between the US and South Africa are at an all-time low after US President Donald Trump cut financial aid to South Africa, citing Pretoria taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and 'strengthening ties with Iran, which supports terrorism globally'. Speaking to the media after his visit to the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, Ramaphosa said he and his administration had taken note of the passing of the bill, adding that it would not impact South Africa's approach to dealing with the United States. 'We have heard what has happened in the US House committee, and that whole process still has a long way to go,' he said. 'Discussions will be ongoing, and we don't know exactly what is driving all this.' 'Our bilateral discussions and dealings with the United States will continue, and we will talk about all manner of things, including precisely this issue and many others. We've got good diplomatic relations with the US, and we want to enrich them and make them better. So, we are very positive,' Ramaphosa said. [WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is in the dark about the United States' push to ban ANC leaders. He adds that he is positive about the outcome of engagements between the two countries.#Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 24, 2025 ALSO READ: Is Trump about to slap sanctions on SA for misguided 'white genocide?' US tensions South Africa's relationship with the US sharply deteriorated during Donald Trump's second term, during which he has accused the government of anti-white racism and started a refugee programme for white farmers and Afrikaners. Relations were further strained following the remarks of former South African Ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool on Trump. Rasool was expelled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he claimed in a webinar that US President Trump (and, later, Elon Musk) are leading a global white supremacist movement. Rasool was not replaced, and it was recently revealed that the US had, several months ago, rejected the South African government's appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to its country. The Presidency said that while Jonas, as special envoy, does not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated heads of mission or other diplomats do, he had helped facilitate trade and international relations efforts 'to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States'. Tariffs Ramaphosa met with Trump in May amid the rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two countries. Earlier this month, the US hit South Africa with 30% tariffs 'on any and all South African products sent into the United States'. The tariff will take effect on 1 August. In a letter to Ramaphosa, Trump claimed that the steep tariffs were necessary to correct what he described as 'a persistent trade deficit between the two countries'. However, this was challenged by Ramaphosa, who said the decision was based on a flawed interpretation of trade data. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office
Business Insider
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
South Africa faces potential sanctions as U.S. lawmakers back critical bill
South Africa faces mounting diplomatic pressure from the United States after a key congressional committee advanced a bill aimed at reassessing bilateral relations and potentially imposing sanctions. The "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act" was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a 34-16 vote, sending it to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The legislation reflects growing frustration among U.S. lawmakers over South Africa's foreign policy stance, particularly its perceived alignment with countries like Russia and Iran, and its criticism of Western positions on global conflicts. If passed, the bill would require the U.S. State Department to conduct a thorough review of Washington's relations with Pretoria, including trade, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. It could also open the door to sanctions against certain South African officials. U.S. flags BRICS, Gaza stance as South Africa's sins The bill, sighted by Reuters, proposes ' a full review of the bilateral relationship ' between the United States and South Africa and calls for the identification of South African government officials and ANC leaders ' eligible for the imposition of sanctions.' This legislative move comes as tensions between Washington and Pretoria deepen over a range of foreign policy disagreements. South Africa is currently battling to avoid a 30% tariff on its exports to the U.S., while also navigating fallout from claims of ' white genocide ', an accusation that has fueled diplomatic friction between President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa's strong affiliation with BRICS and its vocal support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in the ongoing Gaza conflict, have further widened the rift. Pretoria's decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide has been especially contentious in Washington. When introducing the bill in April, Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ' South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists. ' The bill also accuses South Africa of undermining U.S. interests by maintaining close ties with Russia and China, its fellow BRICS members, and of supporting Hamas, a designation South Africa strongly rejects. Critics of the bill argue that it threatens long-standing ties between the two countries and could undermine cooperation on security, health, and economic development. However, its supporters maintain that the U.S. must hold its partners accountable when their policies are at odds with American interests and democratic values.
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US lawmakers advance bill that could sanction South Africa over its foreign policy
FILE PHOTO: Golfer Ernie Els speaks in the Oval Office during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo JOHANNESBURG - United States lawmakers have voted to advance a bill that proposes reviewing the U.S. relationship with South Africa due to objections over its foreign policy and potentially imposing sanctions on South African officials. The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 34-16 on Tuesday to send the "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act" to the full House of Representatives, where it could be subject to a vote, according to a video of the proceedings. The measure would need to pass both the House and the Senate before it could be signed into law. Many bills at this stage never go to a vote. However, the committee's approval took the bill a step further and underscored tensions between Washington and Pretoria as South Africa seeks to fend off a looming 30% U.S. tariff and counter false claims of white "genocide" made by President Donald Trump. South Africa's foreign ministry and a spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa declined to comment. The bill was introduced in April by Ronny Jackson, a Republican congressman from Texas who cheered the move on X, writing: "South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists and terrorists". The bill accuses South Africa of undermining U.S. interests by maintaining close relationships with Russia and China, which are among its allies and trading partners. It also accuses South Africa of backing Palestinian militant group Hamas that is at war in Gaza with Israel, which South Africa has denied. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Judge asks prosecution for more information on Kpods in first case involving etomidate-laced vapes Singapore Male victim of fatal Toa Payoh fire was known to keep many things, say residents Singapore 5 teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Sport Bukayo Saka the difference as Arsenal beat AC Milan at National Stadium Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Singapore Over 1.15 million Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 have claimed SG60 vouchers Singapore Singapore Oceanarium will enhance tourism while supporting sustainability: Grace Fu South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and filed a case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice in 2023, which is mentioned in the bill as one of its concerns. The bill proposes "a full review of the bilateral relationship" and to "identify South African government officials and ANC leaders eligible for the imposition of sanctions". It later says that these would be people determined by Trump to have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses. No individuals are named. South Africa's relationship with the United States has sharply deteriorated during Trump's second term, during which he has accused the government of anti-white racism and started a refugee programme for Afrikaners, who are descendants of European settlers. REUTERS
