South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hit back at former U.S. President Donald Trump for his decision to cut funding to South Africa over allegations of land confiscation.
Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, announced that he would halt all future U.S. funding to South Africa, citing claims that the nation was unfairly seizing land and mistreating certain groups. He labelled the actions of South Africa’s leadership as “terrible” but failed to provide specific examples.
In response, Ramaphosa firmly rejected Trump’s accusations, emphasizing that South Africa is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, justice, and equality. He clarified that the government has not seized any land without due process, pointing to the recently enacted Expropriation Act as a lawful and equitable mechanism for land reform. He also noted that expropriation laws exist in many countries, including the United States.
Addressing the funding cut, Ramaphosa explained that the only U.S. aid South Africa receives is through PEPFAR, which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS response. “Beyond that, we do not receive funding from the U.S.,” he stated, adding that he remains open to engaging with American officials to clarify South Africa’s land reform policies and foster better understanding.
In a fiery rebuke, Ramaphosa declared, “I don’t know what Donald Trump has to do with South African land. South Africa does not belong to Donald Trump. He must leave us alone. Stay out of our issues.” He further criticized Trump’s stance on land ownership, referencing the historical seizure of indigenous lands in America.
Ramaphosa didn’t hold back, vowing that if he ever meets Trump, he will tell him to his face that he’s “the worst” for his ancestors’ role in the colonization of America. “Trump should keep his America, and we will keep our South Africa,” he added.
The issue of land ownership remains deeply contentious in South Africa. The 1913 Natives Land Act forcibly displaced thousands of Black families during apartheid, and despite the official end of apartheid nearly 30 years ago, much of the country’s farmland remains under white ownership. Ramaphosa’s government has pursued land reform initiatives, including a recently signed bill allowing property expropriation with “nil compensation” under specific conditions in the public interest.
Critics, including South African-born billionaire Elon Musk and Trump allies like PayPal co-founders David Sacks and Peter Thiel, have voiced opposition to these reforms. However, Pretoria maintains that its land policies are legally sound and aimed at correcting historical injustices while avoiding Zimbabwe-style land seizures.
As the debate rages on, Ramaphosa’s message to Trump remains clear: South Africa’s affairs are for South Africans to decide.