Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced legislation aimed at reassessing the United States’ relationship with South Africa. The bill, titled the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, seeks a comprehensive review of bilateral ties in response to what Kennedy describes as South Africa’s alignment with U.S. adversaries and support for Hamas following the October 7 terror attacks.
“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,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy criticized the South African government for actions he described as contrary to U.S. interests, including using its positions on international bodies to promote narratives supportive of Russia, China, and Hamas. He also pointed to the appointment of Ebrahim Rasool as Ambassador to the United States, noting Rasool’s past hosting of senior Hamas officials in South Africa and his description of former President Donald Trump as “a white supremacist.”
Further concerns cited by Kennedy include South African officials’ public statements blaming Israel for the October 7 attacks, threats against Israeli-South Africans serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, and what he called glorification of anti-Israel terrorists.
The bill highlights additional instances where South Africa has aligned itself with countries considered adversarial by the United States. These include joint naval exercises with Russia and China and permitting a Russian cargo ship under U.S. sanctions to dock in its ports. Kennedy also noted that South Africa has become increasingly reliant on Chinese-linked firms through participation in China’s belt-and-road initiative.
If enacted, the proposed legislation would require a full review of bilateral relations between the two countries and mandate a presidential certification on whether South Africa undermines U.S. national security interests. It would also call for a classified list identifying certain South African officials eligible for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act and end South Africa’s eligibility for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
The full text of Senator Kennedy’s bill is available online.
