President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his readiness to engage in discussions with US President Donald Trump regarding land reform and other critical issues. This comes after Trump’s announcement that the United States would consider cutting funding to South Africa, citing concerns over alleged land confiscations and human rights violations.
Trump stated that an investigation would be carried out to assess the situation before determining the next steps.
In response, Ramaphosa dismissed these claims, with Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarifying that the newly adopted Expropriation Act is not a tool for land confiscation. Instead, it is a constitutionally mandated legal process aimed at ensuring equitable access to land, as outlined by the South African Constitution.
Magwenya further emphasized that expropriation laws have long existed in South Africa, as in other countries, to balance public land usage with the protection of property owners' rights.
Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law has sparked strong reactions, but Magwenya remains optimistic that continued engagement will lead to a better understanding of South Africa’s stance on these matters by the Trump administration.
“The United States remains a key political and trade partner for South Africa. Apart from PEPFAR Aid, which accounts for 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is no other significant funding provided by the US,” Magwenya added.