Cyril Ramaphosa replies to Donald Trump
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to former US President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding South Africa’s newly signed expropriation bill.
Trump, in a tweet, accused the country of taking land and threatened to cut future funding until an investigation was conducted. When asked in an interview if he intended to withdraw aid from multiple African nations, Trump clarified that his focus was solely on South Africa.
He described the situation as severe, alleging that land was being confiscated and suggesting that even worse actions were taking place. He further criticized the media for not covering the issue and vowed that the US would take action.
In response, Ramaphosa dismissed the claims, emphasizing that no land had been confiscated. He described South Africa as a constitutional democracy committed to justice, equality, and the rule of law.
He explained that the Expropriation Act was a legally guided process aimed at ensuring fair and equitable land access rather than a tool for land seizure.
Drawing parallels with expropriation laws in the US and other nations, he reassured that South Africa’s policy sought to balance public land needs with property rights protection.
He expressed readiness to engage with the Trump administration to foster a mutual understanding of South Africa’s land reform policies and broader bilateral interests.
Highlighting the US as a key political and trade ally, he clarified that apart from PEPFAR aid, which supports 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program, the country does not receive direct funding from the US.
South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African government has not confiscated any land.
The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal…
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 3, 2025
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