POLITICS - The South African government is ‘looking forward to engaging’ with United States (US) President Donald Trump’s administration on bilateral relations and other issues.
This follows a statement from the Presidency today after President Trump posted on Truth Social that the US would cut funding to South Africa, pending an investigation into the recently signed Expropriation Act.
Last night, Trump said on Truth Social: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY (sic). It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention.
“A massive Human Rights VIOLATION (sic), at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
The new act states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for any purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.
The Expropriation Act, which underwent a five-year public consultation process, was deliberated in Parliament and is in line with the South African Constitution.
The act repeals the Expropriation Act of 1975 and allows the state to expropriate land in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation.
The Presidency this morning committed to engaging the US on the new act.
“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 as guided by the Constitution.
“South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of property owners’ rights.
“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters,” the Presidency said.
Government denies land confiscation
The Presidency also refuted allegations that land had been confiscated by the state.
“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.
“The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR [U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief] aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is no other significant funding provided by the United States in South Africa,” the Presidency said.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
