US to review bilateral relations with South Africa

The United States Congress has introduced a bill calling for a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship it has with South Africa. 

In the last few months, the US has withdrawn all funding for HIV/AIDS treatment from South Africa and last week expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool for critical comments made about its government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Monday that the US is engaging South Africa through official diplomatic channels following concerns that the Trump administration has been raising grievances informally.

The latest move by the US Congress comes amid growing concerns over the ANC led government’s foreign policy actions, which are seen by the US as acting against its interests.

The bill, titled the "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act," has been referred to the foreign affairs committee. 

The legislation requires the US President Donald Trump to conduct a thorough review of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, including an assessment of SA's actions and their impact on US national security and foreign policy interests.

The bill's findings highlights SA's "history of siding with malign actors" and its "pursuit of closer ties with the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation". 

The legislation also expresses concern over South Africa's support for Hamas, which it describes as a "U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and a proxy of the Iranian regime".

South Africa's foreign ministry has been criticised for its response to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the US accusing the country of taking a biased stance against Israel. 

The bill notes that South Africa's former Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, had accepted a call with Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh and had visited Tehran to meet with President Raisi of Iran.

The review required by the bill will assess the impact of these developments on US national security and foreign policy interests. 

Trump will be required to submit a report to Congress within 120 days, outlining the findings of the review and recommending actions to address any concerns.

"It is essential that we take a closer look at our relationship with SA and assess whether their actions align with our values and interests. This review will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the bilateral relationship and inform our future policy decisions," the legislation reads.

International relations expert Dr Noluthando Phungula, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said the bilateral trade between the two countries is critical.

“There are approximately 600 US companies operating in SA employing 200, 000 employees. Considering the country's unemployment and socio economic issues, bilateral trade is critical. 

“SA is the US's biggest trading partner in the region and is the gateway to Africa for all western trade and as such, is still a strategic partner for the US. 

“Then there is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is important for Africa,” Phungula said.

She said Agoa has offered unilateral preferential access to the US market for a wide range of African states and their markets. 

“Over 59% of SA’s manufacturing exports and 75% of agricultural exports entered the US market on a preferential basis. This grants SA a competitive edge over other markets. This advantage becomes increasingly important as the country faces instability politically and with other challenges post Covid-19.

“It is an interesting testing time to be studying international relations and geopolitics. The re-election of Trump is important in many ways. His presidency is accelerating the decline of US dominance and the birth of an alternative system."

Phungula said numerous states including South Africa, will be forced to reconsider self-reliance.

"Yes, we live in a globalised and multi-polar world but it is increasingly important for sovereign states to be somewhat self reliant,” she said. 

Asked what could be done to mend relations, Phungula said both nation states are sovereign global players that gain mutual benefit from bilateral trade. 

“While the relationship may not be balanced, both partners are significant and have a lot to lose if the relations are disrupted,” she said.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za