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South Africa Stands Firm: Ramaphosa Responds to Trump’s Funding Threats

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South Africa has swiftly dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that the country could face financial repercussions due to its land reform policies.

In a statement, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya made it clear that South Africa is not dependent on American financial aid, apart from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which contributes to HIV/AIDS treatment programs.

“With the exception of Pepfar Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, there is no other funding that is received by South Africa from the United States,” Magwenya stated.

Also read: Donald Trump Cuts U.S. Funding to South Africa Over Land Expropriation Bill

Ramaphosa Responds to Trump’s Land Reform Accusations

Donald Trump recently made inflammatory comments, alleging that the South African government is “confiscating land” and treating certain groups unfairly. In a Fox News interview and on his Truth Social platform, he claimed:

“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY… I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”

South Africa’s government swiftly responded, emphasizing that the Expropriation Act is not land confiscation but a constitutionally guided legal process that promotes equitable land access.

“South Africa, like the United States and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance public land use and private property rights,” Magwenya explained.

Also read: South African Assets Slump After Trump Announces Funding Cuts

South Africa to Engage Trump Diplomatically

Rather than escalating tensions, President Cyril Ramaphosa is seeking direct diplomatic engagement with the Trump administration to address concerns and reinforce the strong political and trade ties between the two nations.

Political analyst Professor John Molepo weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Trump’s remarks could be politically motivated due to South Africa’s alignment with BRICS.

“Trump’s public utterances are rather unfortunate. President Ramaphosa should call Trump directly to clarify South Africa’s position,” Molepo stated.

US-South Africa Relations Remain Strategic

Despite Trump’s funding threats, the South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with the US while also strengthening relationships within BRICS.

With the 2024 US elections approaching and global geopolitics shifting, South Africa’s stance on sovereignty and land reform remains firm. Whether Trump’s threats materialize into policy changes remains to be seen.

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