By: MRN Strategic Research Team

The operational footprint of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and its advocacy arm, FDD Action, within the Republic of South Africa represents a highly specialized intersection of transnational policy advocacy, financial compliance monitoring, and narrative warfare. As a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy, the FDD has increasingly prioritized South Africa as a critical theater for its broader strategic objectives concerning the containment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the monitoring of the “Axis of Resistance,” and the global alignment of democratic states against a perceived “Anti-American Axis” comprising Russia, China, and Iran. This analysis examines the multifaceted network of individuals, think tanks, and policy structures that link the FDD’s D.C.-centric research to South African domestic and foreign policy debates.

South African Network Mapping

The FDD’s network in South Africa is defined not by a physical branch office, but by a “force multiplier” model that leverages local think tanks, advocacy organizations, and individual analysts to amplify its policy recommendations. At the center of this mapping is the Middle East Africa Research Institute (MEARI), a Johannesburg-based entity that serves as the primary domestic interlocutor for the FDD. The relationship between the FDD and MEARI is characterized by frequent collaboration on virtual panels, research outputs, and media engagements, effectively grounding the FDD’s Washington-centric perspective in South African regional dynamics.

The primary figure bridging these two spheres is Benji Shulman, the Executive Director of MEARI. Shulman’s role is multi-dimensional; he acts as a localized expert for the FDD while simultaneously holding positions within the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) as a director of public policy and serving on the board of the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI). This interlocking directorate creates a seamless pipeline for FDD narratives to move from U.S.

policy briefs into South African media and political circles. Shulman frequently appears alongside FDD analysts like Max Meizlish and David May to discuss the deterioration of U.S.-South Africa relations and the implications of South Africa’s foreign policy shifts.

Beyond Shulman, the network includes analysts such as Kenneth Mokgatlhe and Kenneth Kgwadi, both research fellows at MEARI who contribute to the narrative alignment by publishing op-eds that critique the African National Congress (ANC) for “selective activism” and its perceived abandonment of a balanced foreign policy. These individuals provide the domestic “authentic voice” that validates the FDD’s harder-line positions on Hamas and Iran. The network also extends to informal alignment with members of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the primary opposition party, whose spokespersons often echo FDD critiques regarding the ANC’s

alignment with “America’s enemies”.

Personnel and Institutional Interlocking Map

Organization/Entity	Key Individual	Relationship to FDD	Primary Function
FDD (Washington, DC)	David May	Research Manager & Senior Analyst	Primary researcher on South Africa
FDD (Washington, DC)	Max Meizlish	CEFP Research Fellow	FATF and illicit finance specialist
FDD (Washington, DC)	Jonathan Schanzer	SVP for Research	Strategic oversight of Hamas/Iran analysis
MEARI (Johannesburg)	Benji Shulman	Executive Director	Core local partner and panelist
MEARI (Johannesburg)	Kenneth Mokgatlhe	Research Fellow	Media commentator and op-ed contributor
SAZF / SAFI	Rolene Marks	Narrative Alignment	Local amplification of FDD reports
SAFI	Daniel Yakobi	Operational Liaison	Organized MP trips cited by FDD
FDD Action	Daniel Vaynshteyn	Advocacy Liaison	Liaison to U.S. Helsinki Commission

This mapping reveals a sophisticated ecosystem where research produced in Washington is localized through MEARI, amplified by Zionist advocacy structures (SAZF/SAFI), and then introduced into the legislative environment through FDD Action and its congressional allies. The alignment is not merely ideological but operational, involving shared virtual platforms, coordinated media releases, and the synchronization of “fact-finding” missions with specific policy alerts.

Government and Diplomatic Connections

The FDD’s engagement with South African government structures is primarily antagonistic toward the ANC-led executive while being supportive of opposition parliamentary elements and specific diplomatic counter-currents. The FDD and FDD Action have focused extensively on the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Review Act,” a piece of legislation that seeks to compel the U.S. President to certify whether South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine U.S. national security. This act is a direct legislative manifestation of the FDD’s research, targeting Pretoria’s ties to Russia, China, and Iran.

While direct engagement with ANC cabinet ministers is rare and characterized by public criticism—most notably of former Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and current Justice Minister Ronald Lamola—the FDD has built significant connections with South African parliamentarians from the Democratic Alliance. FDD analysts frequently cite the work of DA Shadow Ministers, such as Ryan Smith (International Relations) and Emma Louise Powell, to demonstrate that the ANC’s foreign policy is “not unified” and faces domestic opposition.

Legislative and Diplomatic Engagement Points

The FDD’s influence on the diplomatic relationship between Washington and Pretoria is exerted through several key mechanisms:

1. Congressional Briefings: FDD Action provides “direct support including legislative drafting assistance” and “private briefings” to U.S. lawmakers. This support has been instrumental in the development of the “Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries (HARM) Act 2.0” and the “U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Review Act”.
2. Support for Fact-Finding Missions: The FDD utilizes data and narratives generated by parliamentary delegations, such as the April 2024 mission to Israel organized by the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI). FDD analyst David May used the findings of this delegation—which included nine South African MPs—to argue that South Africa’s official foreign policy is “hostile” and out of sync with a segment of its own legislature.
3. Ambassadorial Pressure: The FDD monitors and cites statements from U.S. diplomats, such as Ambassador Brent Bozell, who has stated that an “association with Iran is an impediment to good relations”. The FDD uses these diplomatic markers to reinforce the narrative that South Africa is “testing President Donald Trump’s patience”.
4. Traditional Leadership Engagement: A unique diplomatic vector identified in the research is the engagement with traditional South African leaders. The FDD-aligned network supported the visit of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to Israel, where he met President Isaac Herzog. This “sub-national diplomacy” is used by the FDD to highlight a “moral and ethical abyss” within the ANC central government, as traditional leaders seek “practical solutions” (e.g., water technology) from Israel that the national government rejects.

The relationship with the South African Treasury and financial intelligence structures is primarily conducted through the lens of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FDD positions itself as a watchdog, frequently critiquing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for being “underfunded, understaffed, and subject to political interference”. This critique is designed to maintain South Africa’s “grey list” status, thereby creating economic leverage for the U.S. to demand policy concessions regarding Hamas and Iran.

South African Media Ecosystem

The FDD’s narrative dissemination within South Africa relies on a niche but highly effective media ecosystem. The primary platform for FDD-aligned content is the South African Jewish Report (SAJR). This publication serves as the domestic “newspaper of record” for FDD research, frequently publishing op-eds by David May, interviewing Max Meizlish, and providing a platform for MEARI analysts like Kenneth Mokgatlhe. The SAJR facilitates “narrative synchronisation,” where FDD’s Washington-based analysis is presented as a central concern for the South African public.

Another critical hub is 101.9 Chai FM, a community radio station that frequently hosts FDD experts. David May and Jonathan Conricus have appeared on programs like “Morning Mayhem” to discuss topics ranging from the “MTN affair” to the extent of Hamas’s influence in South Africa. These appearances allow the FDD to bypass traditional gatekeepers and speak directly to a policy-conscious segment of the South African population.

Media Engagement and Amplification Map

Media Outlet	Primary Format	FDD/Aligned Contributors	Key Narratives
South African Jewish Report	Print/Online	David May, Max Meizlish	ANC corruption, Hamas links, ICJ case critique
101.9 Chai FM	Radio/Podcast	David May, Kenneth Mokgatlhe	Iran’s “broken moral compass,” FATF status
Politicsweb	Online Opinion	Benji Shulman	MTN’s Iran exposure, US legal pressure
The Star	Online Opinion	Kenneth Mokgatlhe	Mandla Mandela’s “selective activism”
Daily Maverick	Online Analysis	J Brooks Spector	Critical analysis of FDD “hawkish” reports
YouTube (@FDD)	Video Panels	Shulman, Meizlish, Schanzer	Virtual panels on U.S.-SA relations

The narrative synchronization between the FDD and local media is particularly evident in the treatment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case. While the majority of South African media outlets covered the case as a moment of national pride, the FDD-aligned media ecosystem characterized it as “legal warfare” and a “distraction” from ANC failures. This creates a bifurcated media environment where FDD-aligned audiences receive a geopolitical framing that is diametrically opposed to the national consensus. Social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), acts as the connective tissue, where David May (@DavidSamuelMay) and MEARI analysts share their work, often tagging South African journalists and political figures to ensure maximum visibility.

NGO and Civil Society Links

The FDD’s relationship with South African civil society is bifurcated: it maintains deep, collaborative links with pro-Israel and Zionist organizations while conducting aggressive investigative reporting on NGOs it perceives as being aligned with Hamas or Iran. The primary civil society partners are the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI). These organizations provide the ground-level infrastructure for the FDD’s narrative goals, such as organizing the parliamentary trips that the FDD then cites as evidence of domestic dissent.

Conversely, the FDD has launched a concerted campaign against a different segment of South

African civil society. Its report, “Hiding in Plain Sight: A Playbook for Combating Hamas in South Africa,” targets several prominent NGOs and individuals. The report calls for U.S. Treasury investigations into the Gift of the Givers and its founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, alleging links to the “Union of Good,” a designated terrorist-financing organization. It also targets the Media Review Network (MRN) and the Al-Quds Foundation of South Africa, characterizing them as hubs for “extremist propaganda” and Hamas fundraising.

Civil Society Alignment and Antagonism

Organization	Relationship Type	Strategic Objective
SAZF / SAFI	Partner / Aligned	Countering the BDS movement and ANC foreign policy
MEARI	Research Partner	Providing local intellectual
Organization	Relationship Type	Strategic Objective
		framing for FDD narratives
Gift of the Givers	Target of Investigation	Alleging misuse of humanitarian funds for Hamas
Media Review Network	Target of Investigation	Delegitimizing pro-Palestinian advocacy as “propaganda”
Al-Quds Foundation SA	Target of Investigation	Identifying and shutting down Hamas fundraising networks
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation	Criticized	Critiqued for its support of Palestinian figures like Barghouti

This strategy of “naming and shaming” local NGOs is a hallmark of the FDD’s operational footprint. By identifying specific individuals—such as Mandla Mandela and activist cleric Ebrahim Gabriels—the FDD seeks to create “consequences, not rewards” for South African civil society actors who deviate from the U.S. national security consensus. This has led to counter-allegations from the MRN and others, who view the FDD as a “Zionist lobby” attempting to “criminalize speech” and “undertake a witch hunt” against South African sovereignty.

Academic and University Connections

The FDD’s engagement with South African academia is primarily reactive, focusing on monitoring and critiquing “anti-Israel” sentiment and boycotts within major universities. The most prominent example is the FDD’s focus on the University of Cape Town (UCT). David May has been particularly vocal regarding UCT’s 2024 resolutions to boycott academic relations with the Israel Defense Forces and its rejection of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. May characterizes these moves as “reputationally and possibly financially” damaging, suggesting that the university’s alignment with “Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad” will have long-term consequences.

The FDD’s “National Security Network” (NSN) provides another, more indirect link to academia. The NSN includes mid-career national security professionals who participate in FDD fellowships and trips to Israel. While the snippets primarily highlight U.S.-based participants, the NSN’s goal is to cultivate a “nuanced understanding of regional challenges” among the next generation of leaders. The network includes individuals with expertise in North Africa and counter-terrorism, who may interact with South African academic or policy seminars as part of their professional development.

Academic and Policy Seminar Focus

The FDD’s influence in academic circles is exercised through:

1. Monitoring “Lawfare” and Boycotts: FDD analysts track academic resolutions in South Africa, using them as evidence in briefings to U.S. lawmakers about the “hostile” environment in Pretoria.
2. Narrative Intervention: When South African academic entities host conferences that the

FDD perceives as “whitewashing Hamas,” such as Al Jazeera’s research arm events, FDD analysts produce “insights” to counter the narrative and label it as “anti-Israel propaganda”.

3. Fellowship Programs: The FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) offers fellowships for military officers and national security practitioners, some of whom focus on “humanitarian relief and contingency operations” in Africa, potentially creating a network of alumni who engage with South African think tanks or defense colleges.

The research suggests a lack of formal university partnerships, which is consistent with the FDD’s role as a “hawkish” policy institute that often views mainstream academic departments as being captured by “anti-Western” ideologies.

Financial and Corporate Relationships

The financial dimension of the FDD’s South African operations is centered on the Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP), led by Elaine Dezenski and Mark Dubowitz. The FDD’s

primary objective in this sector is to identify and expose South African corporate and state-owned enterprise (SOE) entanglements with sanctioned regimes, particularly Iran. A major focus has been the “MTN affair,” where the FDD monitors allegations of bribery and sanctions evasion related to MTN Group’s 49% stake in Irancell.

The FDD also scrutinizes South African SOEs like Eskom and Transnet, framing them as sites of “rampant public sector looting” and “state capture”. By linking these domestic corruption issues to international financial crime watchlist criteria, the FDD seeks to maintain pressure on the South African government to implement specific reforms, such as the Zondo Commission recommendations.

Corporate Scrutiny and Financial Targets

Sector / Entity	FDD Interest	Alleged Risk / Narrative
MTN Group	Iran exposure	Bribery, manipulation of foreign policy, sanctions evasion
Eskom / Transnet	State capture	Fraudulent contracts fueling a “high-risk” financial environment
Financial Institutions	AML/CFT compliance	South African banks are “at risk” due to weak terror finance oversight
Rosatom (Russia)	Nuclear energy	$76 billion deal described as a “national security concern”
	Gift of the Givers	NGO financing
Irancell	Telecoms	Strategic entanglement between ANC interests and the IRGC

The FDD does not appear to have formal “funding relationships” with South African corporations, which is consistent with its policy of not accepting donations from foreign governments or entities that might compromise its U.S.-centric mission. Instead, its relationship with the corporate sector is one of monitoring and “compliance-shaming,” where it warns South African private sector firms that “refueling, maintenance, logistics, or other services to Russian or Iranian vessels” will result in U.S. and EU sanctions. This creates a powerful indirect influence, as South African businesses are forced to choose between the ANC’s ideological alliances and access to the U.S. financial system.

Palestine, Israel, and Iran Policy Influence

The FDD’s most visible impact in South Africa is the framing of the Palestine-Israel conflict and the South Africa-Iran relationship. The FDD consistently characterizes the ANC government’s policy as “doing the bidding of Hamas” and acting as “Hamas’s lawyer on the international stage”. This narrative is designed to delegitimize South Africa’s legal case at the ICJ by framing it not as a human rights initiative, but as an act of “political warfare” conducted on behalf of a designated terrorist organization.

Recurring voices in this policy debate include Jonathan Schanzer, who analyzes the “ANC-Hamas-Iran-Qatar” nexus, and David May, who critiques the ANC’s support for Palestinian figures like Marwan Barghouti, comparing him unfavorably to Nelson Mandela. These analysts identify a “striking contradiction” in South African foreign policy: a constitutionally democratic nation aligning itself with “authoritarian regimes” and “militant proxies”.

Policy Influence Patterns and Recurring Narratives

The FDD’s influence on these policy areas follows a consistent pattern:

1. Defining the “Enemy”: FDD research consistently groups the ANC government with the “Axis of Resistance” (Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis) and the “Anti-American Axis” (Russia, China).
2. Delegitimizing the ICJ: The FDD characterizes the genocide allegations as “false” and “lawfare,” intended to “undermine the credibility of international legal institutions”.
3. Pressure via FATF: As analyzed elsewhere, the FDD uses the financial “grey list” as a leverage point to demand that South Africa “designate Hamas as a terrorist organization” and “close bank accounts associated with Hamas-linked ‘charities'”.
4. Promoting the “Abraham Accords” Model: The FDD and its partners (MEARI, SAZF) promote engagement with Israel on technology, water, and security as a superior alternative to the ANC’s “ideological hostility”.

The FDD’s “Sanctions and Pressure Playbook” provides a clear roadmap for U.S. policy influence, recommending that Washington “should increase diplomatic pressure on South Africa… to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation” and “levy sanctions against any political entity in South Africa backing [anti-Israel] objectives”. This demonstrates that the FDD’s goal is not just research, but a fundamental realignment of South African foreign policy through external coercion.

FATF and Financial Pressure Networks

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” serves as the primary technical mechanism through which the FDD exerts influence over South African financial and policy institutions. South Africa’s placement on the grey list in February 2023 provided the FDD with a powerful narrative: that the country’s financial system is a “hotspot for transnational organized crime” and a “permissive environment for terrorist financing”.

The FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) has been at the forefront of the campaign to prevent South Africa from being removed from the list prematurely. In the report “5 Reasons Why South Africa Must Remain on FATF’s Financial Crime Watchlist,” the FDD explicitly links technical deficiencies in AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing) to the ANC’s political alliances.

FATF Compliance vs. Geopolitical Demands

FDD Argument for Continued Grey-listing	Specific Entity/Target Mentioned	Strategic Geopolitical Demand
Endemic and Systemic Corruption	Zondo Commission / State Capture	Establishment of an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission
Terror Financing Hub	Al-Quds Foundation SA	Formal designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization
Organized Crime Transit Point	Zama-zamas / Chinese Syndicates	Stronger prosecution of financial crimes
Weak Enforcement / Political Interference	NPA / Hawks / FIC	Regulatory independence and information sharing with US
Alignment with U.S. Adversaries	Iran / Russia / China	Withdrawal of ICJ case and distancing from Tehran

The FDD Action arm has translated this research into direct pressure on the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They urge Congress to “insist that the U.S. Department of the Treasury hold the line and fight to keep South Africa on the grey list” until Pretoria “prosecutes terror networks” and “dismantles ties to Iran-backed entities”. This strategy effectively turns the FATF plenary into a diplomatic negotiation where South Africa’s economic stability is the bargaining chip. The FDD even suggests that if South Africa is removed from the list, it would “reward its failures” and signal to other countries that they can “lobby their way out of scrutiny”.

Social Media and Digital Influence Mapping

The FDD’s digital influence in South Africa is characterized by “coordinated amplification” and “narrative synchronization” between Washington-based analysts and local South African influencers. The primary platform for this activity is X (formerly Twitter), where David May, Max Meizlish, and Benji Shulman frequently interact. The “FDD Morning Brief” and “Foreign Podicy” podcasts also play a central role, providing the content that is then broken down into “X threads” and “shorts” for a South African audience.

Digital Influence and Coordinated Amplification

1. Shared Narratives: The narrative that South Africa is “doing the bidding of Hamas” is consistently echoed across the social media accounts of the FDD, SAZF, and MEARI. When the FDD publishes a “Policy Brief,” it is immediately picked up and shared by local actors like Rolene Marks and Bafana Modise.
2. Podcast Appearances: FDD experts appear on local South African podcasts and radio shows (e.g., Chai FM), which are then archived and shared on social media, creating a persistent digital footprint of “hawkish” analysis.
3. Targeted Tagging: FDD analysts often tag South African government departments (e.g., Dirco) and political figures in their posts to create a sense of direct engagement and pressure.
4. Video Shorts: FDD utilizes “YouTube Shorts” to distill complex policy discussions into 60-second clips for easy consumption by South African social media users. For example, a clip of Benji Shulman discussing South African corruption during an FDD panel was specifically promoted as a “short” to increase its viral potential.

This digital strategy ensures that the FDD’s analysis reaches beyond traditional policy circles into the “living rooms in South Africa,” where it can influence public opinion and the broader political discourse. The coordinated nature of this amplification makes the FDD’s perspective appear as a widely held “international” view, rather than the specific position of a D.C.-based think tank.

Criticism and Counter-Allegations

The FDD’s influence in South Africa has drawn significant criticism from the ANC, pro-Palestinian NGOs, and critical media activists. These critics characterize the FDD as a “hawkish,” “pro-Israel,” and “Zionist lobby” that seeks to undermine South African sovereignty and criminalize its foreign policy.

Verified vs. Speculative Claims regarding FDD Influence

Type of Claim	Description of Claim	Evidence / Counter-Evidence
Verified Evidence	FDD Action drafts U.S. legislation targeting South Africa.	FDD Action website and congressional records confirm this role.
Verified Evidence	FDD analysts partner with MEARI and SAZF for virtual panels.	YouTube and conference records provide clear documentation.
Credible Finding	FDD reports identify Gift of the Givers as having “Union of Good” links.	These links are based on historical open-source data from U.S. Treasury files.
Speculation	FDD is a “mouthpiece for the Israeli state”.	FDD denies foreign government funding, but narrative alignment is strong.
Ideological Accusation	FDD is conducting a “witch hunt” against South African sovereignty.	This is a framing used by the MRN to describe FDD’s investigative reporting.
Unsupported Allegation	FDD is part of a “coordinated plot” involving MI6 and the White House.	This claim by Paul Hendler lacks primary source evidence in the snippets.

Critics like Paul Hendler and Iqbal Jassat of the Media Review Network have issued detailed refutations of the FDD’s “Hiding in Plain Sight” report, calling it a “shameful promotion of the Zionist settler-colonial regime”. They argue that the FDD’s goal is to “force the ANC-led government to… undertake a witch hunt against individuals and organisations supportive of Hamas”. The Al Jama-ah party has even taken the step of initiating criminal charges against DA parliamentarians who participated in FDD-aligned “fact-finding” missions, labeling such trips “an activity of apartheid and a crime against humanity”. This demonstrates the intense “political struggle” that the FDD’s presence has catalyzed within the South African landscape.

Intelligence and Geopolitical Analysis

The FDD’s activities in South Africa are deeply aligned with the broader U.S. National Security Strategy, particularly regarding the “Great Power Competition” with China and Russia and the “Maximum Pressure” campaign against Iran. FDD analysts characterize South Africa as a “key enabler of authoritarian influence” and a “vocal defender of Tehran,” positioning the country as a primary obstacle to U.S. regional interests.

Geopolitical Alignment and Strategic Objectives

1. BRICS and Global Realignment: The FDD views South Africa’s role in BRICS as a

“Trojan horse for Moscow’s war machine” and a platform for China to expand its “anti-American ambitions”. The FDD advocates for “consequences, not rewards” for Pretoria’s membership in this bloc.

2. Iran and the “Axis of Resistance”: South Africa is seen as a vital node in Iran’s “global threat network” and its “sanctions evasion case”. The FDD’s focus on the “MTN affair” and nuclear cooperation highlights its mission to “bleed Iran’s economy” and “force concessions”.
3. Russia and the Africa Corps: FDD Action’s support for the “HARM Act 2.0” is designed to designate the Wagner Group’s successors (e.g., Africa Corps) as terrorist organizations, thereby pressuring South Africa to end its “deepened diplomatic and military ties with Russia”.
4. China and the Indo-Pacific: The FDD frames South Africa’s naval exercises with China and Iran as a “stress test for American will” and a threat to the “deterrence architecture” of the Indo-Pacific and Hormuz.

In light of this, the FDD’s operational footprint in South Africa is best understood as a

“forward-deployed” policy effort to prevent a “contagion” of anti-Western alignment in the Global South. By targeting South Africa—the “weakest link” in the BRICS chain according to some critics—the FDD seeks to demonstrate that the costs of aligning with U.S. adversaries will outweigh the ideological benefits.

Deliverables: Mapping the Influence Network

The following tables synthesize the connections, timelines, and influence patterns identified in the research.

Table: Entity Connection Map (Direct and Indirect)

Source Entity	Target / Aligned Entity	Nature of Relationship
FDD Action	U.S. Congress	Legislative drafting and private briefings
FDD	MEARI	Research collaboration and panel participation
MEARI	SAZF / SAFI	Interlocking board members (Benji Shulman)
SAFI	DA Parliamentarians	Organizing fact-finding trips to
Source Entity	Target / Aligned Entity	Nature of Relationship
		Israel
FDD	SA Jewish Report	Primary media platform for op-eds and interviews
FDD	101.9 Chai FM	Radio platform for narrative dissemination
FDD	Gift of the Givers	Investigative target (alleged Hamas links)
FDD	MTN Group	Monitoring for Iran sanctions violations

Table: Timeline of Key FDD South Africa Engagements (2023-2026)

Date	Event / Activity	Key Individual(s)
Feb 2023	FATF places South Africa on “grey list.”	FDD begins pressure campaign
Dec 2023	South Africa files ICJ case against Israel.	FDD labels it “legal warfare”
Apr 2024	SAFI organizes MP trip to Israel.	David May uses findings to critique ANC
May 2024	ANC loses absolute majority in elections.	FDD analyzes new “GNU” coalition risks
May 2025	Report: “5 Ways SA Undermines U.S. Interests.”	Max Meizlish, David May, Melissa Sacks
Aug 2025	Report: “Hiding in Plain Sight” (The Playbook).	David May, Max Meizlish
Aug 2025	Panel: “Reexamining the U.S.-SA Relationship.”	Shulman, Meizlish, Schanzer
Jan 2026	SA Naval Exercise with China, Russia, Iran.	FDD warns of “confrontation with Trump”
Feb 2026	FDD urges FATF to keep SA on grey list.	FDD Action Policy Alert
Mar 2026	King Dalindyebo visit to Israel highlighted.	David May analyzes domestic SA dissent

The trajectory of the FDD’s influence in South Africa indicates a shift from general policy advocacy toward “actionable” investigative reporting designed to trigger U.S. sanctions and financial pressure. The integration of D.C.-based research with local “authentic” voices and sub-national diplomatic efforts (such as engagement with traditional leaders) suggests a highly sophisticated operational model intended to isolate the ANC government and force a realignment of South Africa’s geopolitical stance. While the ANC continues to resist this pressure through its BRICS and ICJ initiatives, the FDD’s network has ensured that this resistance carries a significant, and potentially increasing, economic and diplomatic price tag.

Works cited

1. FDD | The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, https://www.fdd.org/ 2. Reexamining the

U.S.-South Africa Relationship – YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzRzNtR6aV4 3. 5 Ways South Africa Undermines U.S. Interests — and What Must Change – FDD,

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/05/20/5-ways-south-africa-undermines-u-s-interests-and-what

-must-change/ 4. Iran: SA’s broken moral compass – Politicsweb,

https://www.politicsweb.co.za/news/iran-sas-broken-moral-compass 5. Framing US-Israel War Against Iran as ‘Self-Defense’ Undermines Media Integrity,

https://www.palestinechronicle.com/framing-us-israel-war-against-iran-as-self-defense-undermin es-media-integrity/ 6. SA’s protection of Albanese ‘profound moral failure’ – SA Jewish Report, https://www.sajr.co.za/sas-protection-of-albanese-profound-moral-failure/ 7. Tshwane to use Israeli water expertise – Jozi may follow – SA Jewish Report,

https://www.sajr.co.za/tshwane-to-use-israeli-water-expertise-jozi-may-follow/ 8. Middle East

Press On: Pakistan Backed by China, US Iran Peace, Israel, US Israeli Order, US Adopts Israel’s Gaza-Beirut, Iran Ceasefire, 09 April 2026 – New Age Islam,

https://www.newageislam.com/middle-east-press/new-age-islam-edit-desk/middle-east-press-pa kistan-backed-china-iran-peace-israel-israeli-order-adopts-israel-s-gaza-beirut-iran-ceasefire-09

-april-2026/d/139604 9. What should the focus of US sanctions against South Africa be? – YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DYXWJnxYrHM 10. Why Somaliland should be recognised by the world – SA Jewish Report, https://www.sajr.co.za/why-somaliland-should-be-recognised-by-the-world/ 11. Mandla Mandela’s selective activism – The Star,

https://thestar.co.za/opinion/2025-10-20-mandla-mandelas-selective-activism/ 12. Mandla Mandela’s selective activism speaks loudly – SA Jewish Report,

https://www.sajr.co.za/mandla-mandelas-selective-activism-speaks-loudly/ 13. South Africa Eyes Confrontation With Trump Over Growing Ties to China, Russia, Iran – FDD,

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2026/01/16/south-africa-eyes-confrontation-with-trump-over-growin g-ties-to-china-russia-iran/ 14. Policy Alert: Congress Must Act to Keep South Africa on FATF Grey List – FDD Action,

https://www.fddaction.org/policy-alerts/2025/10/08/policy-alert-congress-must-act-to-keep-southafrica-on-fatf-grey-list/ 15. South African MPs Seek to Criminalize Speech Defending Israel From Apartheid Allegations,

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/policy_briefs/2025/06/09/south-african-mps-seek-to-criminalize-spe ech-defending-israel-from-apartheid-allegations/ 16. New South African Government Likely to Continue Anti-Israel, Anti-U.S. Policies – FDD,

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/07/03/new-south-african-government-likely-to-continue-anti-is rael-anti-u-s-policies/ 17. What is the FDD, the pro-Israel think tank shaping Trump’s Iran policy?

– Al Jazeera,

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/6/what-is-the-fdd-the-pro-israel-think-tank-shaping-trum ps-iran-policy 18. Action Alert: Cosponsor the Bipartisan Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries (HARM) Act 2.0,

https://www.fddaction.org/action-alert/2026/02/20/action-alert-cosponsor-the-bipartisan-holdingaccountable-russian-mercenaries-harm-act-2-0/ 19. South Africa – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/topic/south-africa/ 20. AbaThembu king moves to dethrone Mandela – SA

Jewish Report, https://www.sajr.co.za/abathembu-king-moves-to-dethrone-mandela/ 21. 5 Reasons Why South Africa Must Remain on FATF’s Financial …,

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/02/12/5-reasons-why-south-africa-must-remain-on-fatfs-finan cial-crime-watchlist/ 22. David May – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/team/david-may/ 23. Will pro-Hamas-linked South Africans face US sanctions?,

https://www.sajr.co.za/will-pro-hamas-linked-south-africans-face-us-sanctions/ 24. Broadcast Appearances | Page 125 of 289 – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/category/in_the_news/broadcast-appearances/page/125/ 25. Chai FM, https://www.chaifm.com/feed/podcast/morning-mayhem/ 26. South African Government Continues Antagonizing U.S. – FDD,

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27. Washington-based Zionist lobby demands punitive sanctions on …,

https://mediareviewnet.com/2025/09/washington-based-zionist-lobby-demands-punitive-sanctio ns-on-south-africa-due-to-hamas-links-2/ 28. Teacher fired for pro-Israel status heads to labour court – SA Jewish Report,

https://www.sajr.co.za/teacher-fired-for-pro-israel-status-heads-to-labour-court/ 29. RE-2 Employee Post Travel Disclosure of Travel Expenses – Senate Gift Rule,

https://giftrule-disclosure.senate.gov/media/2025/pP7n032uk0ejOKdfibmWSg.pdf 30. Visiting Military Officer Program – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/visiting-military-officer-program/ 31. Andom Gherezghiher – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/team/andom-gherezghiher/ 32. Aaron Malcom – FDD, https://www.fdd.org/team/aaron-malcom/ 33. John Field – FDD,

https://www.fdd.org/team/john-field/ 34. American Economic and Financial Power and the Iran File – FDD,

https://www.fdd.org/podcasts/2025/08/20/american-economic-and-financial-power-and-the-iran-f ile/ 35. FDD Events Podcast – RedCircle, https://redcircle.com/shows/fdd-events 36. PAGE Ties to Tehran: South africa’s democracy & it’s relationship with Iran 1,

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5.pdf 37. Ramaphosa signs support for convicted terrorist – SA Jewish Report,

https://www.sajr.co.za/ramaphosa-signs-support-for-convicted-terrorist/ 38. The day the music died – SA Jewish Report, https://www.sajr.co.za/the-day-the-music-died/ 39. 2024 SOUTH AFRICA, HAMAS, IRAN, AND QATAR – ISGAP,

https://isgap.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SA_Report_Final_121124-2.pdf 40. The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz – Apple Podcasts,

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-iran-breakdown-with-mark-dubowitz/id1798788194 41. Nyati pitches pro-Israel stance in bid for DA leadership – South African Jewish Report, https://www.sajr.co.za/nyati-pitches-pro-israel-stance-in-bid-for-da-leadership/ 42. FDD’s Foreign Podicy – Apple Podcasts,

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fdds-foreign-podicy/id1598406003 43. FDD Morning

Brief – RedCircle, https://redcircle.com/shows/fdd-morning-brief 44. ‘SWIFT’ Warfare – Amazon S3,

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/defenddemocracy/uploads/publications/Cyber_Enabled_S wift.pdf 45. Op-eds – AE – Aykan Erdemir, https://aykanerdemir.com/op-eds/ 46. Rethinking U.S. Africa Policy Amid Changing Geopolitical Realities,

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