U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act

This bill tells the President to take a hard look at the United States’ relationship with South Africa. Within 120 days of becoming law, the President must report what the review found and clearly say whether South Africa has acted against U.S. national security or foreign policy interests . The bill is driven by concerns about South Africa’s ties with Hamas, Russia, and China, and about corruption and poor management inside South Africa that hurt services like power, rail, and clean water .

If the review finds South Africa has undermined U.S. interests, the President must end South Africa’s eligibility for key U.S. trade benefits. That could raise costs for businesses that trade between the two countries and affect jobs linked to that trade . The bill also requires a classified list of senior South African officials who may face sanctions for corruption or human rights abuses, with explanations and a timeline for action .

• Who: U.S. executive agencies; South African government; businesses and workers involved in U.S.–South Africa trade
• What: A full relationship review; a public certification on whether South Africa undermines U.S. interests; possible end to trade preferences; a sanctions-focused report on specific officials
• When: Within 120 days after the bill becomes law for the review and reports; trade benefits must be ended if the President certifies that South Africa undermined U.S. interests