The US has decided it’s time to sit down and have “the talk” with South Africa about their relationship.
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that would require the Biden administration to conduct a full review of America’s relationship with South Africa. Recent tensions between the United States and South Africa have cast uncertainty on their bilateral relationship, especially concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
This legislation would also require the administration to report to Congress on whether South Africa “has engaged in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests.”
The legislation in question was propelled into the spotlight by Republican Representative John James who proposed the bill earlier this year. The bill was prompted by growing concerns about South Africa’s cosying up to what Uncle Sam sees as the “wrong crowd.” The bill highlights concerns regarding South Africa’s international relations with entities considered adversaries of the United States, including Palestine, China, and Russia.
The House of Representatives passed the bill with 272 votes in favour and 144 against. Most of the votes in favour (211) came from Republicans, but a notable 63 Democrats also backed the move, proving that bipartisan eyebrow-raising is indeed a thing.
These measures, submitted by James as amendments to the massive annual National Defense Authorization Act, garnered significant support from both sides of the aisle. This strategic move could speed up the process, ensuring his concerns get the attention they deserve.
However, there’s a plot twist. Before the legislation can become law, it still needs approval from the Senate, which is controlled by the Democratic Party and tends to be more forgiving towards South Africa.
In his passionate address to the House, James didn’t mince words. He highlighted South Africa’s shift from its traditional stance of non-alignment to what he sees as a worrying alignment with Russia and China. “The ANC of today is no longer the party of Mandela,” he declared, citing examples like military exercises with China and Russia and hosting the BRICS conference in Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove has slammed the amendments as condescending, arguing that South Africa is a key partner for the US and accusing the amendments of the classic “wagging your finger” diplomacy that no one really appreciates.
Despite the drama, it’s still uncertain whether these amendments will become law. The Senate might block them, and even if they pass, President Biden could veto them.
If the bill passes, there could be economic repercussions for South Africa. Here’s why: it demands a thorough review of how the US and South Africa do business together, from trade deals to economic partnerships. That kind of uncertainty can rattle trade flows and investments between the two countries.
South Africa is the largest beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to the US market for thousands of goods. In 2022, South Africa exported goods worth approximately R65 billion to the US, making it the largest US trade partner in Africa. “Any negative outcomes from this review could jeopardise these benefits, potentially leading to increased tariffs and reduced market access for South African exports,” said Neil Diamond, president of the SA Chamber of Commerce in the US (and no, not the singer).
“Our primary concern revolves around the potential implications for trade and investment flows between the two nations, which have historically benefited from a stable and predictable bilateral agreement and relationship,” said Diamond.
While uncertainties linger, the future of US-South Africa relations hangs in the balance, awaiting Senate deliberation.
