Hostile GNU Takeover: DA Accused of Lobbying U.S. to Sanction ANC leaders & prominent BEE persons.

DA Accused of Collusion as U.S. Advances Sanctions Bill Targeting ANC Leaders

Johannesburg – 23 July 2025

South Africa is gripped by political turmoil following revelations that the United States is moving forward with legislation that could impose targeted sanctions on ANC leaders, as the Democratic Alliance (DA) faces accusations of influencing the process to trigger a hostile political takeover.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the “U.S.–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act” in a 34–16 vote. The bill mandates a full review of America’s relationship with South Africa and calls for the identification of senior ANC officials allegedly involved in corruption, human rights abuses, or support for hostile foreign powers including Russia, China, Iran, and Hamas.

If passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump, the legislation would enable asset freezes, visa restrictions, and financial penalties targeting individual South African leaders.

🔥 Political Accusations Mount

While the ANC has slammed the U.S. bill as “an unprecedented act of foreign interference,” internal intelligence sources claim the DA may have played a direct role in encouraging U.S. lawmakers to pursue the sanctions potentially as part of a broader strategy to cripple the ANC’s leadership structure and force early political change.

An ANC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:

“We are investigating credible reports that individuals within the DA have met with American lobbyists and congressional aides over the past 18 months. If proven, this is not diplomacy. This is a coup in a suit.”

DA Federal Council Chair Helen Zille dismissed the claims, calling them “delusional conspiracy theories from a party under pressure.”

“The DA has consistently called for accountability. If any government ours or abroad chooses to act against corruption and abuse of power, that is their sovereign right.”

⚠️ Growing Diplomatic Fallout

The sanctions bill follows escalating diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States. Earlier this year, the Trump administration halted certain aid programs and introduced visa restrictions on South African government officials, citing Pretoria’s deepening alliances with authoritarian regimes and its refusal to distance itself from global pariahs.

The ANC maintains that its non-aligned foreign policy reflects South Africa’s historical commitment to global justice and sovereignty. Critics, however, argue the ruling party is jeopardizing national interests for ideological loyalty.

🗳️ Tensions Ahead of 2026

With local elections due in 2026 and coalition governments struggling to govern effectively, the growing perception of foreign manipulation, coupled with internal ANC fractures, threatens to push South Africa into its most unstable political period since 1994.

Political analyst Dr. Noxolo Khumalo warned:

“This is no longer just about sanctions or lobbying. If the DA is found to have participated in backdoor diplomacy to provoke punitive action against their rivals, it could shatter public trust in the entire democratic process.”

🟡 What’s Next?

• The U.S. sanctions bill will now head to a full vote in the House.

• South Africa’s Parliament is considering a motion to investigate foreign collusion in domestic politics.

• ANC leaders are expected to meet with BRICS allies to counterbalance Western pressure.

Developing story follow for continuous updates.