Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, aiming to require a comprehensive review of the relationship between the United States and South Africa. The move comes after concerns over South Africa’s alignment with countries considered adversaries of the U.S., as well as its government’s actions following the October 7 terror attacks.
Kennedy said, “America’s foreign policy should always put American interests first. The South African government has chosen to cozy up to Russia and China while making shameful, antisemitic attacks against our ally Israel. This bill holds South Africa accountable and ensures our relationship is serving U.S. national security—not undermining it.”
According to Kennedy, South Africa’s government has repeatedly acted in ways that conflict with U.S. interests, especially through its participation in international bodies where it advances anti-U.S., pro-Russia, pro-Hamas, and pro-China positions.
South African officials have reportedly heightened tensions with the United States by appointing Ebrahim Rasool—who previously hosted senior Hamas figures in South Africa and called President Donald Trump “a white supremacist”—as Ambassador to the United States. Additionally, statements from the South African government have included support for anti-Israel groups, blaming Israel for recent violence in Gaza, and threatening Israeli-South Africans who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces.
The bill highlights instances where South Africa has cooperated with U.S. adversaries by holding joint naval exercises with Russia and China and permitting a sanctioned Russian cargo ship to dock at its ports. It also notes that South Africa has increasingly depended on Chinese companies tied to Beijing’s belt-and-road initiative—some of which face restrictions from Washington due to security concerns.
If enacted, Kennedy’s legislation would require a thorough review of bilateral ties between the two nations along with a presidential certification regarding whether South Africa poses risks to U.S. national security interests. The proposal would also mandate a classified list of officials from both the South African government and its ruling party—the African National Congress—who could be subject to sanctions under existing law such as the Global Magnitsky Act. Finally, it would end South Africa’s eligibility for trade benefits under programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
The full text of Kennedy’s proposed bill is available online.
