South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his government’s land expropriation policy, asserting that it should not be a matter of concern for the United States.
Ramaphosa made this statement on Monday in a post on X, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to cut funding to South Africa.
Trump had earlier announced plans to halt all future financial support to the country, citing alleged mistreatment of “certain classes of people” under South Africa’s Expropriation Act. The law, which allows the government to seize land without compensation, has been a contentious issue, drawing both domestic and international criticism.
“The United States won’t stand for it,” Trump declared, insisting that the policy violates property rights.
In his response, Ramaphosa defended the act, describing it as a legal mechanism aimed at ensuring equitable land distribution and addressing historical injustices.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy, deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice, and equality,” Ramaphosa stated.
He also clarified that apart from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which accounts for 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program, there is no significant U.S. financial backing for the country.
Ramaphosa reiterated that the Expropriation Act is not a land confiscation instrument but a tool for economic redress and social justice.
“South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.
“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters”, he stated.
“The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR aid, which constitutes 17 per cent of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States,” Ramaphosa stated.
Also Read:
Trump cuts US funding to South Africa over alleged rights violations
Adamawa police neutralize suspected kidnapper, recover arms
2027: Persuade Jonathan, Saraki – Primate Ayodele to PDP
cc: Daily Post Ng
