By Johnathan Paoli
Trade union Solidarity has issued an urgent appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement five key political interventions to salvage South Africa’s deteriorating relationship with the United States, as a US congressional bill proposing sanctions against ANC leaders moves closer to becoming law.
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans warned that without swift political action from the South African government, the consequences could be economically catastrophic.
“In one week, a 30% import tariff on South African goods will come into effect. If Ronny Jackson’s bill is signed into law later this year, it will damage not only trade but also foreign investment and the broader economic stability of South Africa,” Kleynhans said.
The call comes a day after the US House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, introduced by Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas.
The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote and, if passed, will proceed to the Senate.
The proposed legislation calls for a complete reassessment of US–SA relations and the possible imposition of targeted sanctions on government officials and ANC members, citing concerns over South Africa’s alignment with “malign actors” such as Hamas, China and Russia.
To prevent further deterioration of bilateral ties, Solidarity has proposed five urgent interventions.
Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity should publicly and unequivocally recommit to a policy of non-alignment and mutual respect with the US.
Secondly, to pursue strategic cooperation with the US, SA should agree to collaborate with that country on key issues, including counter-terrorism in Africa, military and intelligence cooperation, and joint regional initiatives.
Thirdly, Solidarity urged Ramaphosa to immediately appoint a new ambassador to the US who was free of political baggage, following the earlier recall of Ebrahim Rasool and the rejection of Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy.
“No political resolution is possible without strong diplomatic representation in Washington,” Kleynhans said.
It has reiterated that Ramaphosa must declare farm attacks a priority crime and issue guarantees against the expropriation of agricultural land without compensation.
Lastly, Solidarity warned that existing “racial” laws and policies were red flags for US lawmakers.
It called on the president to commit to the gradual elimination of race-based legislation that hindered investment and social cohesion.
“These issues including property rights, farm violence and racial laws are being scrutinised by US policymakers. They see them as evidence of state-sanctioned instability,” Kleynhans noted.
Solidarity revealed it was in contact with the US Department of State and the White House to discuss the brewing crisis.
The union also plans to visit Washington again ahead of the congressional vote to meet with lawmakers, including Jackson.
“We are proposing sector-specific exemptions from the looming 30% tariffs, but it is clear that no trade solution is possible without a political reset,” Kleynhans said.
The bill’s approval has ignited widespread reaction in South Africa and the US.
AfriForum welcomed the proposed legislation, but stressed that sanctions should be narrowly targeted.
“Ordinary citizens should not suffer for the ANC’s extremism and corruption,” said AfriForum spokesperson Ernst van Zyl.
By contrast, the ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said the party was not prepared to “sacrifice” for its principles.
“We’ve always stood for justice and equality, even if it comes at a cost. The US once labelled Nelson Mandela a terrorist. That should remind us who we’re dealing with,” she said.
Relations between the two nations have sharply declined in recent months during US President Donald Trump’s second term.
Trump has revoked development aid to South Africa and imposed 30% tariffs on all South African exports, citing a persistent trade deficit and Pretoria’s geopolitical stance.
Jackson’s bill specifically cites South Africa’s joint military exercises with Russia and China, its engagement with Hamas, its legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and its downgrading of ties with Taiwan as evidence of hostile alignment.
The bill passed the House committee with 34 votes in favour and 16 against.
If adopted by the House and Senate, it could trigger sanctions against ANC officials under US anti-corruption laws, disrupt South Africa’s status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and force a reevaluation of US military and diplomatic ties with Pretoria.
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