The Institute for Race Relations (IRR), a Johannesburg think tank, has urged American lawmakers not to impose broad sanctions on South Africa in response to the government’s policy failures, warning such action would unfairly harm ordinary citizens. In a letter to Senator John Kennedy, the IRR said punitive measures would hit the middle class and the poor the hardest, while politically connected elites would be shielded.

The IRR argued that South Africans are not aligned with many of their government’s decisions. Citing polling, it noted that 84% of citizens support merit-based hiring over racial quotas, more than 80% support procurement based on best value rather than political favours, and nearly 70% oppose the Expropriation Act.

Instead of blanket sanctions, the IRR called for targeted accountability against individuals in government, while expanding trade and investment ties with South Africa’s private sector. It urged US policymakers to strengthen partnerships with civic groups, entrepreneurs, and communities committed to freedom, opportunity, and growth.

The IRR said holding leaders accountable without punishing citizens would be the most effective way to promote reform and prosperity.