Ramaphosa Calls for Constructive Dialogue with Trump Over Land Expropriation

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded on Monday to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to cut off future funding to South Africa over concerns about the country’s land expropriation policy.

Trump, on Sunday, claimed that South Africa was “confiscating land” and mistreating white farmers, vowing to withhold US aid until a full investigation into these allegations was conducted.

In his response, Ramaphosa rejected the accusations, clarifying that South Africa operates under a constitutional democracy grounded in the rule of law, justice, and equality. He emphasised that the South African government had not engaged in “confiscating land” as Trump suggested.

“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,” Ramaphosa wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Ramaphosa’s comments come in the wake of Trump’s post on Truth Social, in which he described South Africa’s land reform efforts as harmful to certain groups and damaging to the country’s international reputation. The Expropriation Act, which has become the focal point of this debate, is intended to address historical land imbalances caused by apartheid, but Trump’s rhetoric has raised concerns internationally.

Ramaphosa explained that the Expropriation Act is not a confiscation tool but a legally guided, constitutionally mandated process aimed at ensuring equitable access to land. He pointed out that the law, like similar laws in other countries—including the United States—balances the needs of public land use with the protection of private property rights.

“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,” Ramaphosa stated.

“South Africa, like the United States 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.”

Call for Constructive Dialogue on Land Reform and Bilateral Relations

In his statement, Ramaphosa also expressed his desire for constructive engagement with the Trump administration to address concerns related to South Africa’s land reform policy. He reiterated that while the US is an important trade and political partner, it does not provide significant financial assistance to South Africa, aside from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program.

“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.”

Rad more stories about the Expropriation Act HERE

Main Image: President Cyril Ramaphosa via X