South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that his country’s land reform policies are an internal matter and should not concern the United States.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Ramaphosa responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to halt future funding to South Africa over the recently enacted Expropriation Act, which permits the government to seize land without compensation.
Trump criticized the law, claiming it targets “certain classes of people” and declared, “The United States won’t stand for it.”
Ramaphosa, however, defended the legislation, emphasizing that it aims to promote fair land access and rectify historical injustices.
He highlighted that South Africa operates under a constitutional democracy founded on principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law.
Clarifying the extent of U.S. financial involvement, Ramaphosa noted that apart from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—which accounts for 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program—the country does not receive other forms of American aid.
He further stressed that the Expropriation Act is not a tool for land confiscation but part of a legal framework balancing public interest with property rights.
“Like the United States and many other nations, South Africa has long-standing expropriation laws designed to serve public needs while protecting property owners,” Ramaphosa stated.
Expressing a willingness to engage with the Trump administration, he added, “We look forward to constructive dialogue on our land reform policies and other bilateral issues, confident that such discussions will foster mutual understanding.”
Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the U.S. as a key strategic partner in both political and trade relations.
