Written by Lisa Murimi
Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to halt future aid to South Africa, citing concerns over alleged land confiscations and mistreatment of certain groups.Â
His remarks came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law allowing land expropriation without compensation under specific circumstances.
“South Africa’s leadership is doing terrible things,” Trump said during a media briefing. “They’re confiscating land and possibly doing far worse. We need a full investigation.”
In response, President Ramaphosa refuted the claims, stating on X that “South Africa is a constitutional democracy rooted in justice and equality.”
He emphasized that no land had been confiscated and that the law ensures equitable land access within constitutional limits.
Elon Musk, a South African-born Trump adviser, joined the debate, questioning South Africa’s “racist ownership laws” in a post on X.
South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola urged Trump’s advisers to use this “investigative period” to better understand South Africa’s constitutional land reform policies.
The US provided about $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, primarily through the Pepfar health initiative.
Critics fear the new land reform law may lead to economic instability, drawing comparisons to Zimbabwe’s disastrous land seizures.
