Steenhuisen
By Mpho Moloi
President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to cut U.S. aid to South Africa over concerns regarding the newly enacted Expropriation Act has sparked significant debate. Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has strongly refuted claims that the Act enables arbitrary land confiscation without compensation, labeling Trump’s decision as misinformed and based on incorrect assumptions.
While South Africa’s Expropriation Act has long been a contentious issue, Steenhuisen and the DA have reaffirmed their stance on protecting property rights and ensuring that constitutional processes are followed in land reform. The Act, they argue, aligns with Section 25 of the Constitution, which upholds the right to fair compensation in cases of expropriation.
Trump Announces Funding Cuts to South Africa
On 3 February 2025, President Donald Trump announced that all U.S. funding to South Africa would be immediately suspended until an investigation is conducted into what he termed “land confiscations” and “the mistreatment of certain groups.”
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating:
“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. 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!”This decision follows the recent enactment of South Africa’s Land Expropriation Bill, which has been falsely characterized by Trump and right-wing commentators in the U.S. as a measure for mass land confiscation without compensation.
What Does the Expropriation Act Actually Say?
The Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, provides for the state to expropriate land in specific circumstances without compensation. However, the South African government maintains that:
• The law does not allow for arbitrary land grabs.
• It follows constitutional guidelines under Section 25, which upholds fair compensation principles.
• Expropriation will only occur under exceptional circumstances, such as abandoned, unused, or state-owned land.
• There are legal processes in place to protect property rights and prevent unlawful expropriations.
Government spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reiterated:
“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.”DA: Trump’s Decision Based on Misinformation
John Steenhuisen has expressed deep concern over President Trump’s misinterpretation of the Expropriation Act. He emphasized that the DA has been at the forefront of defending property rights and opposing any unconstitutional amendments to Section 25.
Steenhuisen said:
“It is unfortunate that individuals have sought to portray this Act as an amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for Expropriation Without Compensation. This is simply not true.”He further stated that U.S.-South Africa relations remain vital, and the DA supports ongoing diplomatic efforts to clarify the matter with the Trump administration.
“The GNU is in the process of engaging the Trump administration to clarify the situation, and the DA supports these efforts.”U.S. Aid to South Africa: What’s at Stake?
The United States has been a significant financial partner to South Africa, with funding flowing into various sectors, including health, humanitarian aid, and environmental programs.
• In 2024 alone, South Africa received $453 million under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
• For 2025, a projected $439 million had been allocated to sustain HIV/AIDS treatment and support services.
If Trump’s funding suspension takes effect, it could have dire consequences for the millions of South Africans who depend on lifesaving HIV/AIDS medication and social welfare programs.
Steenhuisen cautioned:
“It would be a tragedy if this funding were terminated because of a misunderstanding of the facts.”EFF: Malema Slams Trump’s Threats
EFF leader Julius Malema has also weighed in, calling Trump’s move imperialist interference in South Africa’s domestic policies.
At a press conference following the EFF’s 1st Plenum of the 3rd National People’s Assembly, Malema accused Trump of trying to dictate economic policies to a sovereign nation.
He stated:
“We are going to expropriate land without compensation, and no threat will stop us.”Malema also warned against South Africa’s reliance on Western aid, calling for stronger trade ties with BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
Ramaphosa: “South Africa Looks Forward to Engaging Trump”
President Cyril Ramaphosa responded diplomatically, expressing his commitment to engaging with President Trump to clarify South Africa’s land reform policies.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said:
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice, and equality. The Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a legal process that ensures equitable land access.”He added:
“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters.”The South African government also clarified that aside from PEPFAR aid, which constitutes 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program, South Africa does not receive direct financial assistance from the U.S. government.
Historical Context: U.S. Influence on SA Land Reform
Trump’s stance on South African land policies dates back to his first term in office (2017-2021) when he ordered then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to investigate reports of white farmers being killed in South Africa.
His latest funding suspension echoes similar concerns, though no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims.
Billionaire Elon Musk, a South African-born tech mogul and Trump ally, has also expressed skepticism about the country’s land policies.
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