H.R. 4051 — Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025

This section sets forth congressional findings regarding the Republic of South Africa's diplomatic and legal actions targeting Israel and Jewish communities, misuse of international legal institutions to advance politically motivated and antisemitic narratives, alignment with authoritarian regimes hostile to U.S. national interests and democratic values, and the inappropriateness of using U.S. taxpayer dollars to subsidize such conduct.

This section states the policy of the United States to (1) oppose antisemitic actions and rhetoric in any international forum, (2) hold foreign governments accountable for abuse of international institutions for political targeting, and (3) respond proportionately to governments that engage in hostility toward United States allies and international stability.

This section prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for direct assistance to the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the government (1) has ceased all formal support for international legal actions that unfairly target the State of Israel or Jewish individuals based solely on religious or ethnic identity; (2) has implemented meaningful reforms to address corruption within state institutions; and (3) has engaged constructively with U.S. diplomats regarding the normalization of international legal standards and the protection of religious minorities. The prohibition does not apply to humanitarian aid or public health programs administered by nongovernmental organizations.

This section directs the President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Global Magnitsky Act)—which authorizes sanctions on foreign persons for serious human rights abuses or significant corruption—against any current or former official of the Government of South Africa who (1) promotes or implements antisemitic policies or rhetoric in an official capacity; (2) uses public office to unjustly target the State of Israel or Jewish individuals through international courts or diplomatic platforms; or (3) engages in gross corruption, including the misuse of foreign aid or public funds.

This section directs the Secretary of State to submit to Congress, not later than 90 days after enactment, an initial report detailing (1) all legal, diplomatic, or rhetorical actions taken by the Government of South Africa in the past five years targeting the State of Israel, Jews, or Jewish institutions; and (2) a summary of U.S. assistance provided to South Africa, including military training, law enforcement support, and financial assistance. The section further requires annual updates to the report for three years following enactment.

This section terminates the provisions of sections 4 and 5 upon certification by the President to Congress that the Government of South Africa has (1) ceased participation in politically motivated international legal actions against allies of the United States; (2) implemented institutional reforms sufficient to prevent further abuse of international law and reduction of corruption; and (3) taken concrete steps to improve diplomatic and security cooperation with the United States and its democratic allies.

This section establishes a rule of construction clarifying that nothing in this Act may be construed to (1) prohibit U.S. diplomatic engagement with the Government of South Africa; (2) restrict private humanitarian or charitable assistance; or (3) affect trade agreements or tariffs not directly linked to the behavior addressed in this Act.