US President Donald Trump
By Thabo Mosia | Central News
US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order targeting South Africa has sparked a diplomatic storm, with civil rights organisation AfriForum rejecting an offer to resettle Afrikaners in the United States.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order halting all US foreign aid to South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s Expropriation Act and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The order further instructs that steps be taken to provide “humanitarian relief,” including prioritising the admission and resettlement of white South African farmers and their families in the US.
However, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel dismissed the notion of leaving the country, asserting that Afrikaners’ future remains in South Africa.
“We appreciate the recognition from the US, but we do not see our future anywhere else. Afrikaners were formed in Africa, and the price of leaving the country would be too high. We remain committed to our country and its future.”Kriel emphasised that AfriForum would continue to advocate for property rights and minority protection within South Africa rather than seeking foreign relocation.
Trump’s Executive Order: “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa”
The executive order, titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa,” accuses the South African government of discriminatory land reform policies, undermining US foreign policy, and fostering closer ties with Iran.
According to the White House, the order was enacted in response to three key issues:
- The Expropriation Act and Land Reform
The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, allows for land expropriation without compensation in cases where land is abandoned, state-owned, or used for illegal activities.
• The South African government insists the law is essential for land reform and economic justice, correcting historical dispossession caused by colonialism and apartheid.
• Critics, including the US government and AfriForum, claim that the law unfairly targets white farmers and undermines property rights.
Trump’s order describes the law as a “shocking disregard for citizens’ rights” and an attack on private ownership.
- South Africa’s ICJ Case Against Israel
South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing the Israeli government of committing war crimes in Gaza. This move escalated tensions with the US, which remains a strong ally of Israel.
• South Africa’s case has been backed by countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Brazil.
• The US, along with Israel, dismissed the case as “anti-Semitic” and politically motivated.
Trump’s order states that Pretoria’s legal action against Israel contradicts US foreign policy interests and justifies economic retaliation.
- Strengthening Ties with Iran
Washington has also expressed concern over South Africa’s diplomatic and commercial relations with Iran, particularly in the energy and defence sectors.
• The US claims that South Africa is “reinvigorating commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements” with Iran.
• The White House argues that Pretoria’s alignment with Iran poses a security risk to the US and its allies.
The executive order categorically states that the US will not provide aid to a government that strengthens ties with Iran while opposing American foreign policy.
Trump’s Sanctions and Aid Cuts to South Africa
As part of the executive order, the US has implemented the following measures against South Africa:
• Immediate suspension of all US foreign aid (valued at over $500 million annually).
• Targeted economic sanctions on government departments linked to land expropriation.
• US visa restrictions for South African officials involved in land reform policies.
• Trade restrictions on South African goods benefiting from AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).
A senior US official told Reuters:
“The US government cannot, in good conscience, continue funding a country that opposes American interests and values.”AfriForum’s Response: No Plans to Leave South Africa
AfriForum has long opposed the Expropriation Act, running international campaigns to raise awareness about farm attacks and property rights violations.
Kallie Kriel reiterated that AfriForum will continue to challenge land expropriation without compensation through legal and diplomatic means.
“To say AfriForum has spread misinformation is absurd. The ANC is responsible for creating policies that undermine private property rights, not us.”Kriel also criticised the BELA Act (Basic Education Laws Amendment Act), arguing that it unfairly targets Afrikaans schools, which he believes aligns with Trump’s claim that minorities are being treated “very badly” in South Africa.
Despite Trump’s refugee offer, Solidarity (a South African trade union closely aligned with AfriForum) also stated that it rejects relocation as a solution for Afrikaners.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised internationally, but South Africans must find solutions within our own country.”Ramaphosa Responds: “We Will Not Be Bullied”
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Trump’s executive order, reaffirming that South Africa would not be pressured into altering its domestic policies.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025, Ramaphosa stated:
“We stand for peace, justice, and sovereignty. We will not be bullied by any foreign power, no matter how strong.”He also rejected claims that the Expropriation Act was unconstitutional, insisting that no land has been arbitrarily confiscated.
On the ICJ case against Israel, Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s position:
“We remain committed to human rights, and we will not be silenced in our pursuit of justice for Palestine.”International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The executive order has sparked global debate, with mixed reactions:
Opposition to Trump’s Sanctions
• African Union (AU): Condemned the US move as a “neo-colonial attack on African sovereignty.”
• BRICS Nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa): Expressed solidarity with Pretoria, criticising the US decision as political interference.
• Human Rights Watch: Warned that Trump’s move could exacerbate racial tensions in South Africa.
Support for Trump’s Order
• US Republican Lawmakers: Praised Trump for taking a strong stance against land expropriation.
• Pro-Israel Groups: Welcomed the sanctions, arguing that South Africa’s ICJ case is anti-Semitic.
Analysts believe the economic fallout from the order could push South Africa closer to Russia and China, shifting its global alliances.
Economic Impact on South Africa
The withdrawal of US financial support is expected to have major economic consequences:
• The Rand weakened by 4% following the announcement.
• South African exporters fear restrictions on trade agreements, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
• Foreign investors have expressed concerns about growing tensions with Washington.
South Africa is now looking to alternative trade partners to offset the loss of US economic support.
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