In a heated exchange over land reform policies, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to former President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms, asserting that South Africa is a constitutional democracy committed to the rule of law. Trump, who took to his social media platform Truth Social, threatened to cut off U.S. funding to South Africa unless a full investigation into alleged land confiscations was conducted. He claimed that the South African government was engaging in "terrible things" related to land ownership.
Ramaphosa’s remarks came in the wake of Trump’s accusations that South Africa was unlawfully seizing land. The president clarified that no land had been confiscated and emphasized that the government’s approach to land reform is rooted in justice and equality. He pointed out that the only significant U.S. funding received by South Africa was through the PEPFAR health initiative, which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program. According to U.S. government data, South Africa received approximately $440 million in assistance in 2023.
The controversy centers around a new law that allows for expropriation of land without compensation under certain conditions deemed "just and equitable." This marks a shift from the previous "willing seller, willing buyer" principle, which many believe has hindered timely land reform. Critics of this law express concerns that it could lead to economic turmoil similar to that experienced in Zimbabwe, where land seizures negatively impacted the economy and deterred foreign investment.
Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and advisor to Trump, also weighed in on the issue, questioning the fairness of the new ownership laws. His comments reflect broader concerns about racial discrimination within South Africa’s land reform efforts.
In response to Trump’s threats, South African Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe suggested that the country could withhold its mineral exports to the U.S. if financial aid was cut. South Africa is a significant exporter of minerals, including platinum and iron, and such a move could have implications for both economies.
The political landscape in South Africa is further complicated by the African National Congress (ANC), led by Ramaphosa, which governs through a coalition with smaller parties. AfriForum, an organization advocating for the rights of the white Afrikaner population, has called for amendments to the new land law to protect property rights but disagrees with Trump’s proposed punitive measures against the South African populace.
This is not the first time Trump has criticized South Africa’s land policies. During his presidency, he directed then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to investigate reports of land seizures and violence against farmers, a move that South African officials condemned as divisive and based on misinformation.
As tensions rise over land reform and international relations, the situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders weighing in on the implications for South Africa’s future.