Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal leader, John Steenhuisen, stated that the SA government should repair its relationship with the US government to protect the growth of the economy and jobs. He emphasised the importance of farmers in the country’s economy.
Local economy at risk
Speaking during an interaction with commercial farmers in the Free State, Steenhuisen said that misinformation led to the much-talked-about executive order by US President Donald Trump, as reported by SABC News.
‘South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,’ said Trump. He added that ‘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!’
Today, I was in the Free State engaging with small-scale farmers and commercial farmers on issues ranging from stock theft, market access and rural safety. pic.twitter.com/xc8HvokAIl
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) February 8, 2025
Steenhuisen emphasised that it is important to protect South Africa’s economy at all costs. He added that the country cannot afford to lose commercial farmers who are critical in the agricultural sector.
Commercial farmers, many of whom are Afrikaners, play a vital role in contributing towards food security in the country. They also fulfil a significant role in strengthening the economy, for example, through exports.
‘I want our Afrikaans farmers to stay in South Africa to contribute towards food security and to the growing of our economy. That is why I said we move to protect the rights of all South Africans regardless of their race, language, or culture. Everybody should feel that they have a role to play in South Africa,’ stated Steenhuisen.
DA still challenging Expropriation Act
It is important to note that while Steenhuisen made it clear that South Africa should repair its relationship with the US, the DA is still legally challenging the Expropriation Act that President Ramaphosa signed into law.
The government of national unity did not openly discuss the Act, which would make it easier for the State to expropriate land in the public interest.
The South African Presidency issued a statement saying that the 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’.
The Freedom Front Plus stated that the Expropriation Act threatens private property rights and must be adjusted, according to RSG. The leader of the party and Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, said that the law poses problems for the country.
“The DA will continue to fight the Expropriation Act to the bitter end – challenging it in court, opposing it within the GNU, and working with civil society to defend property rights. The DA will continue to fight for a South Africa where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
John Steenhuisen MP, DA Federal Leader
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