WATCH | Ramaphosa baffled by US sanctions push — says SA ‘in the dark’ as tensions soar

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is uncertain about the motives behind the United States’ move to potentially sanction ANC leaders, but hopes diplomacy will prevail.

This follows the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs passing the “US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act”, introduced by Republican Ronny Jackson, which proposes sanctions against South African officials who support countries like China, Russia, and Iran.

The bill stems from growing tensions between the two nations, worsened by South Africa’s stance on global issues like its legal action against Israel at the ICJ and its ties with Iran.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the bill but said it won’t alter South Africa’s diplomatic approach and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue with the US.

“We have heard what has happened in the US House committee, and that whole process still has a long way to go,” the president said.

“Discussions will be ongoing, and we don’t know exactly what is driving all this.

[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is in the dark about the United States’ push to ban ANC leaders. He adds that he is positive about the outcome of engagements between the two countries.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/0Xhop3NNFC

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 24, 2025

“Our bilateral dealings and engagements with the United States will continue, and we will talk about all manner of things, including precisely this issue and many others. We’ve got good diplomatic relations with the US, and we want to enrich them and make them better. So, we are very positive that the outcomes of our engagements with the United States will be comprehensive and all-encompassing so that we can return to good dealings with the United States.”

Jackson first tabled the bill in April, amid heightened scrutiny over Pretoria’s foreign policy decisions, including its perceived neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing ties with BRICS member states.

The legislation’s passage through committee marks a key step toward a potential House vote.

South Africa has not yet responded to the latest development.

However, the country has repeatedly defended its non-aligned stance in global affairs, asserting that it remains committed to peaceful diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

Recently, Trump imposed 30% tariffs on South African goods, effective from 1 August, citing trade imbalances — a move Ramaphosa disputes, calling it a misreading of trade data.