U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced legislation calling for a comprehensive review of the United States’ relationship with South Africa, citing the country’s growing alignment with nations seen as adversaries and its response to the October 7 attacks in Israel.

The U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act would require the President to determine whether South Africa’s government undermines U.S. national security and to provide a list of officials eligible for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act. The bill also proposes ending South Africa’s eligibility to benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access for certain exports to the U.S.

Kennedy cited South Africa’s engagements with Russia and China, including joint naval exercises, and its hosting of a U.S.-sanctioned Russian cargo ship. He also pointed to the South African government’s interactions with Hamas officials and a series of actions described as antisemitic in the wake of the October 7 attacks. “America’s foreign policy should always put American interests first. This bill ensures our relationship is serving U.S. national security,” Kennedy said.

The legislation references the appointment of Ebrahim Rasool as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington. Rasool has hosted senior Hamas officials and criticised former President Donald Trump. The bill also notes South Africa’s growing economic reliance on Chinese-linked firms through the Belt and Road Initiative.

If enacted, the law would mandate a presidential certification on the state of bilateral ties, along with a classified list of South African government and ruling party officials potentially subject to sanctions.