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The African National Congress (ANC) is facing mounting scrutiny as allegations surface regarding financial ties to Iran and
potential corruption linked to South Africa’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel. Recent reports
indicate that the Trump administration has launched an investigation into claims that ANC leaders accepted Iranian funds in
exchange for taking Israel to the ICJ over alleged genocide in Gaza. This comes at a time when U.S.-South Africa
relations have significantly deteriorated, with aid cuts, trade agreement reviews, and potential sanctions looming.
The ANC’s relationship with Iran has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that South Africa’s alignment with adversarial states is damaging its international
reputation. The ANC has defended its stance, citing Iran’s historical support during apartheid. However, questions arise over the timing of key financial
transactions—with some alleging that Iran bailed out the ANC from near bankruptcy just as South Africa proceeded with its ICJ case against Israel. The claim, put
forward by Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, founder of Shurat HaDin Israel Law Center, suggests that South Africa served as Iran’s legal proxy in a move orchestrated to
harm Israel.
The U.S. response has been swift. Trump’s administration has cut financial aid to South Africa, with reports suggesting that $1 billion in climate funding has been
withdrawn. Additionally, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade agreement crucial to South Africa’s economy, is under review, and sanctions
against ANC leaders under the Magnitsky Act are being considered. This act allows the U.S. to freeze assets and impose travel bans on foreign officials
involved in corruption or human rights violations. If the allegations prove true, ANC leaders could face significant diplomatic and financial consequences.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has attempted to maintain a positive image, especially in preparation for the G20 summit. Efforts to clean up
Gauteng province and impress international delegates have been criticized as superficial, with many arguing that they do not address the underlying
corruption and mismanagement issues plaguing the ANC-led government. Ramaphosa’s leadership has come under fire, as critics highlight the government’s failure
to manage public funds effectively while continuously seeking external financial assistance.
The allegations of Iranian funding have also sparked strong reactions from Israel, with Darshan-Leitner urging South Africa to "stay away from Israel" and
warning that Hamas is not just Israel’s problem, but a growing threat to the West as well. She accused South Africa of playing into the hands of Iran and Hamas,
reinforcing the narrative that the ANC has made reckless diplomatic choices with far-reaching consequences.
As the U.S. investigation unfolds, the stakes for South Africa’s economic stability and international reputation continue to rise. With trade agreements at risk, financial
aid disappearing, and potential sanctions looming, the ANC faces increasing pressure to respond to corruption allegations transparently. If the U.S. confirms
that Iranian funds were indeed used to influence South Africa’s legal actions against Israel, the repercussions could be severe, further isolating South Africa from its
Western allies. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these allegations hold weight and what the broader implications will be for South Africa’s
political and economic future.
The ANC Under Scrutiny
Allegations surface regarding financial ties to Iran
South Africa’s diplomatic and economic choices have come under sharp criticism as the United States cuts financial aid and reviews key trade agreements. ActionSA
Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip, speaking in the National Assembly, blamed the ANC government’s foreign policy decisions for the country’s growing international
isolation. He pointed out that while South Africa once had the option of maintaining strong ties with the U.S., the government actively pushed the U.S. away—only to
now find itself struggling without support.
Trollip criticized the ANC’s approach to international diplomacy, highlighting the actions of Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations. He
accused her of deliberately insulting and alienating the U.S., only to now scramble to restore ties when the economic consequences have hit hard. He also mocked the
ANC’s past statements, recalling when government officials told the U.S. to "leave South Africa alone"—only for South Africa to now find itself struggling in economic
isolation.
The impact of the U.S. aid cuts is severe, particularly in healthcare. One of the biggest financial blows is the withdrawal of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programs, leaving
an 8.7 billion Rand budget shortfall. Trollip questioned whether South Africa’s so-called allies, such as Iran or its BRICS partners, have stepped in to help, only to
conclude that they have not. Instead, many of these countries are actively strengthening their own ties with the U.S., leaving South Africa with fewer economic and
diplomatic options.
Trollip also drew parallels between South Africa and Argentina, citing Argentine President Javier Milei’s recent warnings at the World Economic Forum. Milei argued
that socialist policies led Argentina into a century of economic decline, emphasizing that embracing free markets, economic freedom, and global trade is essential for
national prosperity. Trollip noted that South Africa is following Argentina’s failed path by prioritizing political ideology over sound economic policy.
The core message of his speech was clear: South Africa must reassess its diplomatic stance. He urged the government to pick a side in global politics rather than
hiding behind a non-aligned stance that has only led to economic hardship, global distrust, and increasing poverty. As the U.S. continues to review its trade
agreements with South Africa, including AGOA, the country faces critical decisions about its future. Will it continue its current course and risk further economic decline,
or will it realign itself with nations that can offer financial and diplomatic stability? The coming months will reveal whether South Africa chooses pragmatism over
political stubbornness—or if it will continue to suffer the consequences of its international isolation.
National Assembly, blamed the ANC government’s foreign policy
decisions for the country’s growing international isolation.
SA’s Growing International Isolation.
South Africa’s diplomatic and economic choices have
come under sharp criticism as the United States cuts
financial aid and reviews key trade agreements.
Read More
Source :
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BizNewsTv – "America is probing ANC leaders over Iran “bribe”" (March 7, 2025) YouTube URL:
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MorningShot – "Trump CANCELS MORE SA FUNDS | Is the ANC's Relationship with Iran just a FRAUD FRONT" (March 7, 2025) YouTube URL:
Source: Action SA's Athol Trollip - March 6, 2025 "You told Trump to leave us alone. Now we are alone!" - YouTube URL:
South Africa's Growing Isolation
ANC is Under Scrutiny