US Congress introduces bill for sanctions against SA leaders

A sweeping legislative proposal put forth in the United States Congress is set to escalate diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria, reports.

The ‘Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025,’ introduced by Representative Greg Steube from Florida, seeks to impose sanctions on key political leaders in South Africa while suspending all direct assistance to the country.

The bill emerges against a backdrop of increasing frustration within US political circles regarding South Africa’s diplomatic stance.

Steube’s office states that the proposed legislation is a direct response to what they term ‘the government’s antagonism towards the United States and its allies,’ specifically citing South Africa’s legal moves against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its burgeoning ties with Iran and Hamas.

In a forthright press release, Steube condemned the South African government’s actions, framing them as ‘antisemitism wrapped in a bad-faith interpretation of international law. It is clear as day that the Government of South Africa is unfairly targeting the State of Israel and inciting hostility towards the United States and our allies,’ He stated.

He called the engagement with the South African government imprudent as it is perceived to be aligned with corrupt practices and undermining of US interests.

The bill ties South Africa’s diplomatic relations with organisations perceived as hostile to the US into a broader narrative of national security concerns. Specifically, it points to an incident within days of the October 7 Hamas attacks, where South Africa’s foreign minister reportedly expressed support for Hamas during a conversation with its representatives.

This came shortly before a senior Hamas delegation visited South Africa for a convention advocating for Palestinian solidarity, an event welcomed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

Steube further emphasised the concerns surrounding South Africa’s alignment with Iran as a funding and military ally. The cooperation agreement signed in 2023 between Iran and South Africa, which aims to expand economic ties including the establishment of oil refineries has alarmed US officials who worry about Iran’s influence in the region.

By implementing this legislation, the United States aims to consolidate provisions from President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14204, which sought to address egregious actions by South Africa. Together with sanctions, the suspension of US aid is seen as a critical step to ensure accountability and a pivot in diplomatic strategy towards South Africa.