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Ramaphosa responds to Trump’s funding threat over South Africa’s land policies

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to cut funding to South Africa.

Trump accused the country of confiscating land and mistreating certain groups of people, sparking a diplomatic row.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), Trump declared on Sunday that he would halt all future financial aid to South Africa until a thorough investigation into the matter was conducted.

“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.

“I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Addressing journalists later, Trump further criticized South Africa’s leadership, claiming it was involved in “terrible and horrible things.”

However, he did not provide specific details or evidence to support his claims.

“We are currently investigating the situation. Until we fully understand what is happening in South Africa, we will withhold funding.

They are confiscating land and engaging in actions that may be far worse,” he added.

Ramaphosa responded on Monday through his X (formerly Twitter) account, refuting Trump’s claims and asserting that South Africa remains committed to the rule of law, justice, and equality.

He emphasized that his government had not confiscated any land.

Reacting to Trump’s funding cut announcement, Ramaphosa acknowledged that the United States is a key political and trade partner but clarified that South Africa does not rely on direct financial assistance from the U.S.

He noted that the only U.S.-funded program benefiting South Africa is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program.

“South Africa is a constitutional democracy built on the principles of justice and equality.

“The South African government has not confiscated any land,” Ramaphosa wrote in his statement.

He also explained that the recently enacted Expropriation Act is not a tool for land confiscation but rather a legal process guided by constitutional provisions to ensure fair and just land access.

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“Like the United States and many other nations, South Africa has laws that allow for expropriation while protecting property owners’ rights.

“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration to clarify our land reform policy and strengthen bilateral relations,” he added.

Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining its relationship with the U.S.

He reiterated that, aside from the PEPFAR aid, South Africa does not receive financial assistance from Washington.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), land ownership in South Africa remains a divisive issue.

Efforts to address historic land inequality, which resulted from apartheid policies, have drawn criticism from conservative groups.

Among those critical of South Africa’s land policies is billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa and is a known Trump supporter.

Last month, Ramaphosa signed a bill allowing the government to offer “nil compensation” under certain circumstances when expropriating property for public interest purposes.

However, Pretoria insists that the legislation does not permit arbitrary expropriation.

Officials argue that the government must first attempt to reach a settlement with property owners before initiating compulsory land acquisition.

Despite these assurances, some groups fear that the law could lead to situations similar to Zimbabwe’s land seizures.

Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the government forcefully took over white-owned farms, often without compensation, leading to economic collapse.

Historical land inequality in South Africa

Land ownership remains a sensitive and politically charged topic in South Africa.

More than three decades after the end of apartheid, the majority of commercial farmland is still owned by white South Africans.

Over the years, South African land courts have presided over numerous disputes, often returning land to displaced Black communities after lengthy legal battles.

The government traces the roots of the land issue to the 1913 Natives Land Act, which displaced thousands of Black families by restricting land ownership to white settlers.

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The debate over land redistribution has become a rallying point for right-wing figures, including Musk and British conservative commentator Katie Hopkins.

These critics argue that white landowners are being unfairly targeted under the country’s land policies.

Musk, who was born in Pretoria on June 28, 1971, left South Africa in his late teens.

He has often commented on the country’s policies, aligning himself with Trump’s views on the matter.

Trump, who has cultivated strong ties with influential figures from Silicon Valley, has surrounded himself with business leaders who grew up in apartheid-era southern Africa.

Among them is David Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and one of Trump’s key advisors on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Sacks co-founded PayPal alongside Musk.

Another notable figure in Trump’s circle is billionaire Peter Thiel, a PayPal co-founder who has been linked to Trump’s political strategies.

Thiel spent part of his early life in Namibia, which was then under South African control.

Thiel has previously been accused of supporting the apartheid system that upheld white rule at the expense of South Africa’s Black majority.

However, a spokesperson for Thiel has denied these allegations.

Ramaphosa’s stance on land reform and U.S. relations

Ramaphosa has consistently advocated for land reform, emphasizing that the process must be handled lawfully and fairly.

He maintains that South Africa’s policies are not intended to target any racial group but rather to correct historical injustices.

His administration has sought to strike a balance between ensuring equitable land distribution and maintaining investor confidence in the economy.

While Trump’s allegations have caused a diplomatic stir, Ramaphosa remains committed to engaging with Washington on land reform and other bilateral matters.

He has reassured international investors that South Africa’s legal framework will continue to uphold property rights, even as the government implements land redistribution initiatives.

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With Trump’s decision to cut funding, the diplomatic dynamics between the two nations could shift.

However, Ramaphosa has reiterated that South Africa values its partnership with the U.S. and remains open to dialogue.

As the debate over land policies continues, Ramaphosa’s leadership will be tested in balancing domestic reforms with maintaining positive international relations.

Global reactions and economic implications

The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from the global community. While some Western politicians have echoed Trump’s concerns, others have urged caution, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement.

Economists warn that political uncertainty surrounding land reform could impact investor confidence. However, Ramaphosa has assured the business community that South Africa remains committed to economic stability.

Experts argue that Trump’s decision to cut funding is largely symbolic, given that South Africa does not rely on direct financial aid from the U.S.

Nevertheless, the move highlights the complex nature of international politics, where economic partnerships can be influenced by ideological differences.

Ramaphosa has stated that his government will continue implementing policies that align with South Africa’s constitutional principles, regardless of external pressures.

As South Africa navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that land reform is conducted in a manner that promotes social justice while sustaining economic growth.

The coming months will determine how the South African government responds to international scrutiny and whether dialogue with U.S. officials can help ease tensions.

For now, Ramaphosa remains firm in his position, defending his country’s policies while calling for a balanced and respectful engagement with international partners.

 

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