South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has declared it will not yield to demands from the Trump administration, even if it means facing US sanctions.
American lawmakers are reviewing a bill that could reshape Washington’s relationship with Pretoria, citing South Africa’s growing alliances with China, Russia, Iran, and what the legislation calls “terrorist organisations.” Introduced in April by Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas, the bill also raises the possibility of sanctions against unnamed “corrupt officials.”
The tensions come as the US prepares to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, the highest rate applied to any sub-Saharan African country. Set to take effect this Thursday, the move signals a major shift in US trade policy.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused the US of trying to force South Africa to abandon post-apartheid policies designed to address racial inequality.
“They want us to scrap certain policies. That’s not going to happen,” Mbalula said at a press briefing in Johannesburg. “If sanctions are the price for defending our democracy and sovereignty, so be it. We will never bow to imperialist pressure.”
He emphasised that the ANC would never compromise South Africa’s national interests, even under threat of economic penalties.
Tensions between the two nations have worsened since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The US president has repeatedly, and without evidence, accused South Africa of enabling the “genocide” of white farmers while criticising its foreign policy stances.
The US is a key export market for South African goods, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, which will bear the brunt of the new tariffs. Trade experts warn that up to 30,000 jobs could be at risk, exacerbating South Africa’s already severe unemployment crisis.
Despite the economic fallout, Mbalula remained defiant: “If they want to sanction us, let them. We will not be bullied into surrendering our principles.”
