US House resolution on SA indicative of devasting consequences ANC’s Russia-Ukraine stance has for the country
24 February 2023
The tabling of a United States (US) House of Representatives resolution (Resolution 145, 21 February), calling for the US to review its bilateral relations with South Africa, is another example of the pitfalls the ANC government’s commitment to supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine has for South Africa.
The resolution followed South Africa participating in a joint military exercise with Russia and China, and again abstaining from a United Nations (UN) resolution calling for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.
If the resolution is approved, it has potentially devastating economic consequences for South Africa as the country’s participation in the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act may be reviewed which limits favourable trading conditions between the two countries.
South Africa currently has a trade surplus of $6.5 billion with the US - our largest trading partner - compared to a trade deficit of $210 million with Russia, further reiterating how the ANC’s communist-driven loyalty to Russia has little to no benefit for the people of South Africa.