Ramaphosa Responds to Trump, Defends South Africa’s Land Policy

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his government’s land policy, stating that it is in the best interest of citizens and does not warrant criticism from the United States. His response came after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut funding to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation and alleged mistreatment of certain groups.

Trump accused the South African government of seizing land without compensation and violating human rights under the recently adopted Expropriation Act. In a post on X, he stated, “South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention. A massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see.”

Ramaphosa rejected these claims, asserting that the Expropriation Act is a constitutional measure aimed at correcting historical land ownership disparities caused by apartheid. He emphasized that South Africa operates as a constitutional democracy committed to justice and equality. “The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution,” he said.

The South African president also pointed out that land reform policies in the country align with principles of property rights and land usage seen in other nations, including the United States. He expressed willingness to engage with the Trump administration on land reform and other bilateral issues, stating, “We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters.”

Ramaphosa downplayed Trump’s threat to withdraw funding, noting that US financial aid to South Africa is relatively minimal. He highlighted that aside from PEPFAR, which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program, South Africa does not receive significant American funding. However, he acknowledged the US as an important strategic political and trade partner.