Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has voiced firm opposition to a proposed U.S. bill that could pave the way for sanctions against African National Congress (ANC) leaders. The party has called on South Africa to remain resilient in the face of what it describes as foreign intimidation.
The controversial U.S. legislation, introduced by Congressman Ronny Jackson, is titled the US and South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. If passed, it could grant the U.S. President enhanced authority to sanction ANC officials over alleged ties with geopolitical rivals such as China, Russia, and Iran.
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa criticized the move, warning that the United States should not overstep in its diplomatic dealings with South Africa.
“These matters can be handled through dialogue, not punitive measures,” Mutsvangwa stated during his address at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit held in Kempton Park on Friday. “If Washington chooses to go it alone, let it. We’ve dealt with sanctions for more than 20 years.”
He argued that U.S. sanctions had not derailed Zimbabwe’s development trajectory. “Despite sanctions, Zimbabwe continues to make strides. In fact, we are now building what may become one of Africa’s most dynamic economies,” he said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika. “Who would’ve thought Zimbabwe would emerge with a third-world steel industry that might even stir envy in America?”
Tensions between the United States and Zimbabwe have been ongoing for over two decades, originating in the early 2000s when the U.S. imposed economic and travel restrictions on late President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle over alleged democratic backsliding.
In March 2024, however, then-President Joe Biden officially terminated the longstanding sanctions regime on Zimbabwe, lifting restrictions on individuals and entities previously targeted.
Mutsvangwa urged South Africa to learn from Zimbabwe’s experience and stand firm. “We’ve been down this road. There’s no need to be bullied by global powers. Africa has the means and shared history to overcome such challenges,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the bill last week while visiting BMW South Africa. He acknowledged the developments in the U.S. Congress but stressed that the legislative process still had multiple stages to go through.
“We are aware of what’s happening in the U.S. House committees, but this process is far from over,” Ramaphosa noted. “South Africa will continue engaging with the U.S. on a range of issues, including this one.”
Ramaphosa expressed confidence in continued diplomatic engagement with Washington. “We value our bilateral relationship and believe ongoing discussions will yield balanced and constructive outcomes,” he added.
The ANC has responded by looking to allies in the Democratic Party, particularly those with historical ties to the anti-apartheid movement, to help block the bill. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized the party’s opposition to what it sees as attempts to undermine its sovereignty.
“There are many Democrats who supported us during apartheid and who understand the importance of defending national sovereignty,” Bhengu-Motsiri said. “The ANC will actively resist any efforts to isolate it through sanctions.”
She reminded observers that during apartheid, sanctions were used against the system, but that the ANC itself also faced isolation by nations that cooperated with the regime — including the United States at the time.
The proposed bill has already passed through both the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees and now awaits a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives.
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