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The South African government has dismissed what it calls “counterproductive megaphone diplomacy” following US President Donald Trump’s latest comments on land expropriation. Pretoria reiterated its commitment to maintaining a respectful diplomatic relationship with Washington, despite growing tensions.
Trump once again accused the South African government of confiscating land and extended an offer of US citizenship to any farmer seeking to leave the country “for reasons of safety.” The South African government has previously stated that Trump has misunderstood its land expropriation law, which was signed in January. The law allows land seizures without compensation only in specific circumstances deemed “just and equitable and in the public interest.”
However, Trump’s claims have already had significant consequences, including his decision to freeze financial aid to South Africa. Last month, he signed an executive order halting US assistance, alleging that the white Afrikaner minority—descendants of Dutch and French settlers—was facing discrimination. He claimed their land was being taken without compensation, a charge the South African government denies. Although Trump initially singled out Afrikaner farmers, he expanded his offer on Friday, stating that any farmer could relocate to the US.
A South African government spokesperson emphasized that despite the dispute, the country remains committed to fostering a mutually beneficial trade, political, and diplomatic relationship with the US. “The relationship between both countries should be based on mutual respect,” the spokesperson added.
The issue of land ownership remains a deeply contentious topic in South Africa. Three decades after the end of apartheid, most private farmland is still in white hands. The government has faced continued pressure to address historical injustices rooted in racial segregation, and land reform remains a key issue.
Beyond the land debate, US-South Africa relations have taken further hits. Last week, Washington cut funding for HIV programs in the country. Additionally, the US pulled out of a climate agreement designed to help developing nations—including South Africa—transition away from coal to green energy sources.
As tensions continue to simmer, South Africa insists that its land reforms are designed to address inequality while adhering to legal frameworks, rejecting accusations of racial targeting or unlawful confiscation.
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