A legislative proposal in the U.S. Congress, the “Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025,” introduced by Representative Gregory Steube (R-Fla.), aims to impose targeted sanctions on South African political leaders.
The bill, which has sparked international debate, focuses on antisemitic rhetoric, legal actions against Israel, and widespread corruption, potentially affecting key figures in the African National Congress (ANC) and government officials.
The legislation seeks to suspend direct U.S. assistance to South Africa and penalize individuals who use public office to promote antisemitism, target the State of Israel, particularly through international courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), or engage in gross corruption, including the misuse of foreign aid.
Rep. Steube, representing Florida’s 17th congressional district, framed the bill as a necessary response to South Africa’s diplomatic moves, notably its high-profile ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza following the October 2023 conflict escalation.
Who Will Be Affected in South Africa?
The bill’s impact could ripple through South Africa’s political elite, with potential targets including senior ANC leaders and cabinet members. Analysis suggest that President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has overseen South Africa’s pivot toward BRICS nations and its legal challenge against Israel, could face indirect pressure.
The ANC, which has governed since 1994, might see its international standing and access to U.S. aid, estimated at $600 million annually for health and development programs, threatened if the bill passes.
Specific individuals likely under scrutiny include:
- Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, due to his public support for the ICJ case against Israel and statements condemning Israeli actions as genocide, which could be interpreted as targeting Israel through diplomatic platforms.
- Naledi Pandor, former foreign minister of South Africa, a vocal critic of Israel and architect of the ICJ case, who could be targeted for her diplomatic rhetoric and legal strategy.
- Ronald Lamola, minister of justice, involved in shaping South Africa’s international law engagements, potentially facing sanctions for supporting the Gaza litigation.
- Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary-General, due to his public statements supporting South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, calling for Israel’s isolation, and criticizing its actions as genocide, which could be interpreted as targeting Israel through diplomatic platforms.
- Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), due to his public statements supporting Iran’s strikes on Israel and calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa, which could be interpreted as aligning with the bill’s criteria for antisemitic rhetoric.
- Shameemah Salie, Al Jama-ah MP, criticized South Africa’s trade with Israel, calling it an “apartheid state,” and participated in pro-Palestine protests.
- Mogamad Nazier Paulsen, EFF MP, made antisemitic remarks blaming Jews for property issues in Cape Town.
- ANC Officials Linked to Corruption: Figures like former President Jacob Zuma, already embroiled in graft scandals (e.g., the Gupta case), or current officials accused of misusing public funds, could be named in the required 90-day State Department report.
The bill mandates this report to detail South Africa’s actions against Israel, Jews, or Jewish institutions over the past five years, alongside a summary of U.S. assistance.
Annual updates for three years will keep the pressure on, with sanctions lifting only if South Africa halts politically motivated legal actions, reforms to curb corruption, and boosts cooperation with the U.S. and its allies.
Potential Economic and Social Fallout
Losing U.S. aid could strain public services, particularly in health and education, disproportionately affecting low-income communities already reeling from a 32.9% unemployment rate.
Corruption, a focal point of the bill, remains a sore spot. A 2021 Afrobarometer survey found 76.2% of South Africans believe whistleblowers face retaliation, and scandals involving state capture have fueled domestic calls for accountability.
International and Domestic Reactions
Supporters praise it as a stand against antisemitism, citing a 400% global rise in incidents since the Gaza war.
The South African government has yet to issue an official response. The bill’s fate hinges on congressional support, with Steube’s Republican base likely to push it forward.
Looking Ahead
If enacted, the bill could reshape U.S.-South Africa ties, a partnership that includes $20.7 billion in annual trade.
For South African leaders, the stakes are high, and for South Africans the economic implications are real.
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