Daily Maverick

Sanctions? Not So Fast — Redi Tlhabi on What the U.S. Bill Really Means for South Africa

Episode Summary

In this solo episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi cuts through the panic and misinformation surrounding the US–SA Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. Are sanctions really imminent? What stage is the bill really at? From Washington, Tlhabi explains the legislative process, the politics behind the headlines, and why it’s crucial to stay informed, not alarmed.

Episode Notes

In this solo episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi cuts through the panic and misinformation surrounding the US–SA Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. Are sanctions really imminent? What stage is the bill really at? From Washington, Tlhabi explains the legislative process, the politics behind the headlines, and why it’s crucial to stay informed, not alarmed. 

00:27 Understanding the Legislative Process 
01:39 Current Developments and Misreporting 
02:10 Clarifying the Sanctions Situation 
04:10 The Role of the Global Magnitsky Act 
05:25 Review of Bilateral Relations 
06:28 The Real Motive: The ICJ Case 
06:48 Corruption and Accountability 
07:30 Foreign Influence and Domestic Issues 
08:19 Historical Corruption Cases 
09:08 US Multinationals and Corruption 
12:35 South Africa's Diplomatic Engagement 
16:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Produced by Emilie Gambade, Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa 

You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify! 

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/