South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to cut aid to South Africa, dismissing allegations that the country is confiscating land.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, 3rd February 2025, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to its constitutional democracy and the rule of law, while clarifying the purpose of the Expropriation Act.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality,” Ramaphosa wrote. “The South African government has not confiscated any land.”
The Expropriation Act, which Trump cited in his post, was signed into law by Ramaphosa as part of the country’s broader land reform agenda. Ramaphosa explained that the law is not a tool for confiscation but a constitutionally mandated legal process designed to facilitate equitable access to land for the public in a just and fair manner.
“The recently adopted 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,” Ramaphosa continued.
He further emphasised that South Africa’s expropriation laws, similar to those of the United States and other countries, aim to balance public interest with the protection of property rights.
He said: “South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.”
Ramaphosa also addressed the broader diplomatic implications of Trump’s decision, expressing South Africa’s desire to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government to clarify the situation.
“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest,” he said. “We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters.”
In his post, Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of the U.S.-South Africa relationship, underscoring that the United States remains a key strategic partner for South Africa, particularly in terms of trade and political cooperation. He pointed out that aside from PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which supports 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is little other direct aid from the U.S. to the country.
“The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIVAids programme, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States,” he concluded.
South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African government has not confiscated any land.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 3, 2025
The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal…
