Come, Trump, let’s talk – Ramaphosa invites debate over land policy

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended an invitation to engage with former US President Donald Trump over South Africa’s land reform policies. This follows the recent remarks made by the American politician.

The Presidency issued a statementreaffirming the country’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional democracy. The statement also attempts to clarify ‘misconceptions’ around its land policies.

The statement was adamant that South Africa has not confiscated any land and that its recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a tool for land seizure.

Instead, it explained that the legislation is a constitutionally guided legal framework aimed at promoting equitable access to land.

NO LAND CONFISCATION, SAYS SA GOVERNMENT

The South African government reiterated that the Expropriation Act aligns with constitutional principles of justice and fairness. Government said that it ensures that land reform occurs in a structured and lawful manner.

The Presidency also noted that expropriation laws are not unique to South Africa, and pointed out that similar legislation exists in the United States and other countries. It reminded Trump that these laws aim to balance public land use with the protection of property rights.

This response comes in light of Trump’s recent comments regarding South Africa’s land reform efforts.

Trump told Fox News: ““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. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed,”

U.S. DOESN’T REALLY CONTRIBUTE ALL THAT MUCH TO SA

While the Presidency reaffirmed the importance of South Africa’s relationship with the United States, describing the US as a “key strategic political and trade partner”, it also said that there were no other major contributions.

“While the US provides some funding through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there are no other significant financial contributions from the US government to South Africa,” the statement clarified.

South Africa’s government remains confident that diplomatic discussions will foster a “better and common understanding” regarding land reform and other bilateral interests.

The land issue has long been a point of contention in South Africa, with historical injustices necessitating reforms to ensure broader access to land. However, the government has maintained that any land redistribution efforts will adhere to legal processes and respect the rights of property owners.