by LUKE ZUNGA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THIS is the second installment of commentary by ordinary South Africans on the controversial US Bill HR 2633, the United States-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025.
Sponsored by Senator Ronny Jackson of Texas, the Bill seeks to review relations between the United States and South Africa, and to identify government officials and African National Congress (ANC) leaders for possible sanctions.
Critics in South Africa view the legislation as misguided and punitive. They argue it undermines the country’s sovereign right to express independent positions on global conflicts, including Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine.
Senator Jackson’s move appears aimed at punishing the ANC for maintaining solidarity with the Palestinian people — a stance rooted in the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who consistently urged the world not to ignore the Palestinian struggle.
South Africans stress that dialogue and negotiation, not coercion, remain the most effective tools for peace.
Concerns also arise over inaccuracies in the Bill. For example, former foreign minister Naledi Pandor’s statements on mercenaries were misrepresented, while claims about ANC leaders supporting militant groups or renaming streets lack substantive evidence. Critics argue such allegations reduce serious diplomacy to rumour-driven politics.
South Africa insists its engagement with Israel, Palestine, Russia, and Ukraine demonstrates its commitment to dialogue, multilateralism, and conflict resolution.
The government has also taken the genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice, a move that resonated across Africa and beyond.
Analysts warn the US risks alienating one of Africa’s most strategic partners. Many South Africans believe the Bill reflects a dated Cold War mindset, ignoring the multipolar realities of today’s world.
They argue that South Africa poses no security threat to the US, but instead offers a bridge for constructive engagement across Africa.
If Washington chooses hostility over partnership, observers say, it may only accelerate Africa’s pivot towards other global powers such as China and Russia, both of which supported the anti-apartheid struggle.
– CAJ News