Meet the man working night and day to sanction South Africa in the United States. He’s a Republican Representative in US Congress and he’s just put forward a comprehensive bill to sanction South Africa diplomatically.
His name is Greg Steube and he argues the US should sanction South Africa over the legal action we took against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In fact, the US Congressman tabled a bill on US Independence Day – Friday 4 July – titled: ‘Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025.’
WHY HE WANTS TO SANCTION SOUTH AFRICA
Furthermore, the timing of the bill couldn’t be worse, as South Africa waits to hear about high-level trade talks with the United States. Ever since US President Donald Trump hit a 90-day pause on 30% trade tariffs against South Africa, the country has been waiting for an outcome on several DTIC trade proposals. However, with the deadline falling this week – Wednesday 9 July 2025 – everyone is hoping for a deadline extension.
However, just as the diplomatic impasse appeared to easing, Congressman Steube’s bill is a renewed call to sanction South Africa. Steube accuses South Africa of, “advancing an antisemitic narrative under the guise of international law”, reports IOL. Worse still, the Congressman says South Africa is, “unfairly targeting the State of Israel to incite hostility towards the United States and our allies,” according to Steube’s latest statement.
SOUTH AFRICA’S CORRUPT GOVERNMENT
Moreover, his calls to sanction South Africa are only growing stronger. He says America has no business engaging with South Africa’s corrupt government. And that working with South Africa jeopardises American national security by, :indulging terrorist organisations and their sponsors.” Latterly, the Congressman is referring to the signing of an economic cooperation deal between South Africa and Iran involving oil refinery projects.
As such, if the bill is passed, the US will sanction South Africa and suspend all direct assistance/trade with the country. This will be possible under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. South Africa will have to, “implement institutional reforms to combat corruption, and improve diplomatic cooperation with the United States,” if it wishes to avoid this heavy-handed outcome.
WHAT CAN SOUTH AFRICA DO?
Moreover, political experts warn the bill could result in ‘tangible consequences’ if the US decides to sanction South Africa. The country has received an estimated $6 billion in direct US foreign direct investment over the last decade. As such, South Africa’s best chance to sidestep this may be to lobby Republicans to oppose the bill.
Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor is yet to issue a formal response against these calls to sanction South Africa. However, senior ANC leaders continue to defend the country’s actions in the ICJ, following the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in 2024.
DO YOU THINK ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA ARE JUSTIFIED?
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