WASHINGTON, USA — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, February 7, 2025, suspending foreign aid to South Africa over its land expropriation policy and its stance against Israel amid the war in Gaza.
The order mandates a freeze on financial assistance unless deemed essential and directs U.S. agencies to halt support for South Africa, citing “human rights violations” and a “shocking disregard for its citizens.”
Targeting Land Expropriation and Foreign Policy
Trump’s executive order is a direct response to South Africa’s land reform policies, which allow the government to seize farmland without compensation in certain cases.
The U.S. president described these measures as “unjust and immoral practices” that target ethnic minorities—namely White farmers.
The order also includes provisions to assist Afrikaners—a South African ethnic group descended from European settlers—by offering refugee resettlement programmes for those fleeing alleged race-based discrimination.
“It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our Nation, the United States shall not provide aid or assistance,” the order states.
Beyond land reform, Trump also cited South Africa’s international positioning as a factor in his decision, criticizing its legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its renewed diplomatic ties with Iran.
South Africa: ‘We Will Not Be Bullied’
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the move, calling it misleading and inaccurate.
“This order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” the ministry said in a statement.
“It appears to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.”
The ministry also criticized the U.S. government’s double standards, pointing out that while Trump’s executive order provides refugee protections for a privileged minority, his administration has actively deported vulnerable asylum seekers from other countries.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue in his State of the Nation Address, vowing that his country “will not be deterred.”
“We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied,” Ramaphosa declared.
Historical Context of Land Reform
Land ownership remains a deeply contentious issue in South Africa, where White farmers, who make up a small fraction of the population, control a disproportionate amount of land.
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, land redistribution efforts have struggled to address historical injustices.
The newly enacted land expropriation bill, signed by Ramaphosa in January, outlines conditions under which the government can seize land without compensation, further fueling international debate.
Impact of U.S. Aid Suspension
According to the U.S. Foreign Assistance website, the United States allocated nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, with over $270 million coming from USAID.
The suspension of funds could significantly impact healthcare, education, and economic programs.
Trump’s administration has already frozen most foreign aid programs and scaled back USAID, marking this latest move as part of a broader policy shift.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
South Africa has been at the forefront of the legal case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of genocide in Gaza—a claim that Israel and its allies, including the U.S., have strongly rejected.
Trump’s executive order underscores his administration’s unwavering support for Israel, with South Africa’s opposition now carrying economic consequences.
The diplomatic fallout is expected to escalate, with Ramaphosa engaging in damage control.
Last week, he spoke with billionaire Elon Musk, a South African-born U.S. citizen and Trump ally, to counter what the government described as “misinformation” about the nation’s policies.”
With tensions mounting, the future of U.S.-South Africa relations remains uncertain as both countries brace for further diplomatic confrontations.
