International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola Slams U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson of Spreading Lies, Misinformation, and Propaganda About South Africa

(The Post News)- With the filing of a bill by U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson that seeks to examine and perhaps sanction South African officials for the nation’s expanding relationships with China, Russia, and Iran. The U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 aims to remedy this change.

In a press release, Jackson sharply criticized South Africa, accusing the nation of “brazenly abandoning its relationship with the United States” to form alliances with what he described as “terrorist organizations and hostile states.” He expressed concerns that these relationships pose a direct threat to both South Africa’s democratic institutions and U.S. national security.

U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson has come under fire from Ronald Lamola, the minister of international relations and cooperation, for spreading misinformation and lies against South Africa. Lamola underlined that South Africa is an independent country dedicated to equality, human decency, and constitutional government. He voiced alarm over what seems to be a disinformation effort intended to distort the nation. Lamola also pointed out the paradox of deporting immigrants and refusing them sanctuary while granting refugee status to economically affluent groups.

In response to the bill, Minister Lamola, emphasized the nation’s dedication to upholding its foreign policy. Lamola emphasized that South Africa is still a non-aligned nation and that it maintains diplomatic ties with all countries, even those that might not share its objectives. He emphasized that this most recent law is only a part of the ongoing process by which the United States assesses its foreign ties on a regular basis.

“We will engage with the bill at the level of Congress and continue to clarify misconceptions about our foreign policy,” Lamola said in an interview. “South Africa is an emerging and developing country, and we have always maintained our non-alignment stance. To categorize us in a particular way does not reflect the views of the South African government.”

Lamola’s remarks also touched on domestic issues, particularly the notion that the U.S. could target high-ranking officials within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Lamola assured that the ANC was aware of the geopolitical challenges but remained focused on addressing domestic issues independently. “South Africa has enough domestic capabilities to address issues like corruption and land reform through established institutions and an independent judiciary,” he stated.

Lamola furthermore underlined that the goal of bilateral ties, including those with China and Russia is to benefit both parties and not to antagonize the US. by saying, “As a developing nation, we need to engage with a variety of global players, and we will continue to do so.” He said that the nation is still dedicated to democracy and human rights, which are values that are ingrained in South Africa’s own past. Lamola is certain that South Africa’s foreign policy will continue to represent its national interests and its dedication to interacting with all nations, regardless of their global alignments, in spite of the growing political pressure.