Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut all future funding to South Africa, citing allegations that the country is seizing land without compensation and discriminating against certain groups.
Trump’s statement, made on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, followed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of a controversial land reform bill that allows for expropriation without compensation in certain cases.
Land Reform Sparks Global Debate
Land ownership in South Africa remains a deeply contentious issue, as nearly 30 years after apartheid, the majority of farmland is still owned by white farmers. The new law, according to the government, is aimed at accelerating land redistribution and correcting historical injustices.
However, critics—both within and outside South Africa—fear the move could have severe consequences, discouraging foreign investment and leading to economic instability similar to what occurred in Zimbabwe following its land reform policies.
Trump and Musk Weigh In
Trump, in a media briefing, accused South Africa’s government of “doing some terrible things, horrible things”, adding that the situation is “under investigation”.
Tech billionaire and Trump adviser, Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, also joined the debate, questioning Ramaphosa on X (formerly Twitter):
🔹 “Why do you have openly racist ownership laws?”
South Africa Pushes Back
In response, President Ramaphosa dismissed the accusations, saying South Africa remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law.
🔹 “South Africa has not confiscated any land,” Ramaphosa stated.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola also criticized Trump’s comments, urging his advisers to “deepen their understanding” of South Africa’s policies before making baseless accusations.
Ramaphosa further clarified that South Africa does not rely on US financial aid, except for PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which funds 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS programme.
Will Trump’s Threat Impact US-South Africa Relations?
The US allocated $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023. However, Trump’s threat could have broader implications, particularly if he wins re-election in 2024.
For now, the land reform debate continues to fuel tensions, both within South Africa and on the global stage, as concerns mount over its economic and political impact.