S 2752119th CongressIntroduced

U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act

Introduced: Sep 10, 2025

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act is a Senate bill that would require the President to conduct a comprehensive, government-wide review of the United States’ relationship with South Africa. The bill expresses concern that the African National Congress (ANC), which governs South Africa, has moved away from its stated policy of nonalignment and has cultivated closer ties with Hamas, China, and Russia. It directs the President to produce a report within 120 days assessing whether South Africa undermines U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, and to certify that assessment to Congress. It also mandates a separate, confidential (classified) report identifying South African officials and ANC leaders who may be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework, with timelines or justifications if sanctions are not imposed. If the certification finds that South Africa undermines U.S. interests, the bill would terminate South Africa’s eligibility for certain trade preferences under AGOA and related programs. The bill clarifies the relevant congressional committees and emphasizes deterring cooperation with adversaries like the PRC and Russia.

Key Points

1Findings about the bilateral relationship: The bill catalogs concerns about the ANC’s actions since 1994, including alleged alignment with Hamas, growing ties with China and Russia, and various public statements and actions viewed as antisemitic or anti-Israel. It also highlights issues such as governance, corruption, and mismanagement of state resources in South Africa.
2Sense of Congress: The bill states it is in U.S. national security interests to deter cooperation with the PRC and Russia, and claims the ANC’s actions undermine U.S. security and foreign policy goals.
3Full review requirement: The President, with key US government officials, must conduct a comprehensive review of the U.S.–South Africa relationship.
4Certification and reporting deadline: Within 120 days after enactment, the President must submit a report including the review’s findings and a certification on whether South Africa has engaged in activities undermining U.S. interests, with an unclassified form and a classified annex as needed.
5Sanctionsable persons reporting: Also within 120 days, a classified report identifying senior South African officials and ANC leaders who may meet Magnitsky Act criteria for corruption or human rights abuses, including explanations and timelines or justifications for potential sanctions.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- U.S. national security and foreign policy, particularly how Washington manages its relationship with South Africa and whether it considers South Africa a partner or potential threat; and the U.S. Congress, which would receive the reports and certifications.Secondary group/area affected- South African government officials and the ANC leadership (potential sanctions consideration) and South Africa’s economy, especially sectors affected by AGOA trade preferences.Additional impacts- Trade and economic policy: Possible loss of trade advantages under AGOA and related programs if the certification finds undermining interests.- Diplomatic dynamics: Could strain U.S.–South Africa diplomatic ties and influence future cooperation in areas like security, defense, and regional diplomacy.- Human rights and governance concerns: The Global Magnitsky Act-related findings could shape how Washington responds to corruption and human rights issues in South Africa.- Public and congressional oversight: The bill would increase formal U.S. government scrutiny of South Africa and could drive further legislative or executive actions depending on the review’s conclusions.

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