GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General
23 July 2025
The set of values under-pinning South Africa’s commitments to achieving post-apartheid socio-economic redress, its membership of the BRICS power block, and its opposition to Israeli barbarism in Palestine will outlast US President Donald Trump. The United States Congress’ greenlighting of the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 today has some way to go before landing on President Trump’s desk.
That its passing was swiftly applauded by ultra conservative SA organisations, Afriforum and Solidarity today tells you everything you need to know about the openly coercive piece of draft legislation. It is another blow to SA’s hopes to be able to undo punitive trade tariffs set for introduction by the US next week.
The US and SA are sovereign nations led by politicians with a mandate from their citizens. The US is an important trading partner, with more than enough economic muscle to hurt South Africa – an important consideration.
SA’s options, in response, are to back down or double down on its values. Backing down would be a poor choice. The first move the President should make is to appoint a trusted ambassador skilled in diplomacy. As stated last week, a briefing from the SA President on developments in the relationship with the US is overdue.