The United States and South Africa’s Bilateral Ties Under Scrutiny: What’s Next?
The U.S. State Department has long touted its relations with South Africa as “strong” and “strategic.” However, recent developments have brought these ties under scrutiny, with U.S. congressmen John James and Jared Moskowitz introducing a bill in the House of Representatives on Feb. 6 aimed at reviewing the relationship between the two nations.
Rep. John James has accused Pretoria of aligning with countries and entities that pose a threat to U.S. national security, citing military and political cooperation with China and Russia, as well as support for U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hamas. He specifically criticized South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), labeling it as politically motivated and erroneous.
In response, South Africa’s top diplomat, Naledi Pandor, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering trade relations with the U.S. market. She defended South Africa’s sovereign right to shape its foreign policy, expressing concern over attempts to associate the nation with terrorism.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers, noting that many issues have been addressed through internal judicial processes. He pointed to the recent ICJ ruling, which he believes undermines claims of South Africa’s wrongful or politically motivated actions.
While the bill introduced by James and Moskowitz awaits further discussion and potential passage, it follows previous efforts by U.S. lawmakers to penalize South Africa. Last June, a bipartisan group urged the Biden administration to relocate the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum from Johannesburg, citing South Africa’s alleged support for Russia’s invasion. However, South Africa reaffirmed its hosting of the forum, asserting continued support from the U.S. government.
