President Ramaphosa looks forward to discussing No Land Expropriation in South Africa with President Trump.
Pretoria – In light of recent claims by President Donald Trump stating that he has ceased future funding for South Africa due to its treatment of specific groups, President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated his openness to dialogue with the US leader.
On his Truth Social platform on Sunday, February 2, 2025, President Trump remarked: “South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people very badly.”
He further stated: “I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
While rejecting the baseless allegations of land confiscation, President Ramaphosa affirmed that South Africa is a “constitutional democracy grounded in the rule of law, justice, and equality.”
“The South African government has not confiscated any land,” President Ramaphosa asserted in a statement issued on Monday, February 3, 2025.
He clarified, “The recently enacted Expropriation Act is not intended for confiscation; it is a constitutionally mandated legal framework that ensures equitable public access to land, adhering to constitutional guidelines.”
RELATED: Expropriation Bill Signed Into Law by President Ramaphosa Sparks Outcry – The Bulrushes
President Ramaphosa noted that South Africa, similar to the United States and other nations, has historically maintained expropriation laws that balance the public’s need for land use with the rights of property owners.
“We anticipate constructive engagement with the Trump administration regarding our land reform policy and other areas of mutual interest,” President Ramaphosa stated.
“We believe these discussions will lead to a clearer and shared understanding of these issues.”
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, emphasized that the US is a vital strategic partner in both political and trade matters for South Africa.
“Aside from PEPFAR Aid, which accounts for 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program, there are no significant funding contributions from the United States to South Africa,” Magwenya elaborated.