South Africa Rejects Trump’s ‘Misinformation-Riddled’ Executive Order, Defends Land Reform Policy
Johannesburg – In a strongly worded rebuttal, the South African government has vehemently rejected the claims underpinning a recent executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The order, which slashed financial aid to South Africa, cited concerns over the country’s land reform policy and alleged discriminatory treatment of Afrikaners, a minority ethnic group. Dismissing these accusations as "misinformation and falsehoods," the South African Cabinet issued a comprehensive statement on Thursday defending its land expropriation law and emphasizing its commitment to human rights and constitutional democracy.
The Cabinet statement categorically rejected Trump’s assertion that the South African government is confiscating land and mistreating specific groups. It underscored that South Africa operates as a constitutional democracy with a deep commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The government emphasized that the land expropriation law is not unique to South Africa and that many nations worldwide have similar legislation aimed at balancing public land use needs with the protection of property owners’ rights. Furthermore, the statement challenged the narrative of land seizures targeting Afrikaners, labeling it a deliberate attempt to sow racial discord and misrepresent the true objectives of the land reform policy.
The South African government has urged its citizens to unite against what it terms a campaign of misinformation and disinformation propaganda aimed at distorting the country’s image and intentions. The Cabinet’s statement called for public support in countering the false narratives being propagated, particularly those concerning the land reform process. The government maintains that its land policy is designed to address historical injustices and promote equitable land distribution while upholding constitutional rights.
Addressing the specific concern over the Expropriation Act, the Cabinet reiterated that the law allows public institutions to expropriate land solely in the public interest, subject to due process and just compensation. The statement sought to dispel any misconceptions about the act, emphasizing its adherence to constitutional principles and its aim of redressing historical land ownership imbalances. The government maintains that the law seeks to promote equitable access to land while respecting the rights of all citizens.
The Cabinet also responded to the U.S. decision to withdraw funding from the Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), highlighting South Africa’s significant financial commitment to its own HIV/AIDS programs. The statement revealed that South Africa allocated a substantial R46.8 billion (approximately US$2.56 billion) for antiretroviral treatment in the 2024/2025 financial year, with only 17% of that funding originating from the United States. The Cabinet clarified that PEPFAR funds were primarily used for salaries and operational costs of personnel directly appointed by PEPFAR in 27 districts, thereby downplaying the impact of the U.S. funding withdrawal.
The South African government’s robust response to Trump’s executive order underscores its unwavering commitment to defending its land reform policy and its sovereign right to address historical injustices. The Cabinet statement serves as a clear articulation of the government’s position and aims to dispel misinformation surrounding its land policy. The South African government continues to emphasize its dedication to a constitutional democracy that upholds the rights of all its citizens while pursuing equitable land redistribution. The statement also underscores the country’s increasing self-reliance in funding its critical HIV/AIDS programs. The South African government remains resolute in its pursuit of land reform and its determination to provide healthcare to its citizens, despite external pressures.