South Africa Rejects Trump's Land Confiscation Claims, Defends Expropriation Law
TDT | Manama
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South Africa firmly rejected claims made by former US President Donald Trump on Monday, who accused Pretoria of land confiscation. In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the country’s Expropriation Act, which was recently signed into law, was not a “confiscation instrument,” but rather a constitutionally mandated process to ensure equitable public access to land.
“The South African government has not confiscated any land,” Ramaphosa clarified. “The Expropriation Act is part of a legal framework designed to ensure fairness and justice in land distribution, as outlined by our constitution.”
The statement came in response to Trump's remarks on Sunday, in which he threatened to cut future funding to South Africa over alleged land seizures and the mistreatment of certain groups. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that South Africa was “confiscating land” and “treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” calling it a human rights violation largely ignored by the media.
Trump’s comments followed the signing of the Expropriation Bill by President Ramaphosa in December, which replaces the former Expropriation Act of 1975. The new law establishes a framework for state entities to expropriate land for public use, with the goal of addressing historical injustices related to land ownership.
Trump’s outburst also included a threat to suspend US funding to South Africa until a thorough investigation into the matter is conducted. However, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa’s government is committed to constitutional democracy and the rule of law. He also clarified that the country only receives HIV/AIDS prevention funding from the US, dismissing claims of broader financial aid.
Ramaphosa stressed that expropriation laws, which balance public interest with property rights, are not unique to South Africa, citing similar laws in the US and other nations. He expressed hope for continued dialogue with the Trump administration to foster mutual understanding on land reform and bilateral issues.
“South Africa remains committed to constructive engagement with the US, a key strategic partner,” the statement concluded, affirming Pretoria’s willingness to discuss land reform policies and other matters of shared interest.
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