South Africa Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen Seeks to Clarify Expropriation Act, Assures No Land Seizure
Johannesburg – John Steenhuisen, Agriculture Minister and Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) – a coalition member in the Government of National Unity (GNU), has sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the Expropriation Act as stated by former US President Donald Trump.
On his Truth Social platform on Sunday, (2 February 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!”
“The DA expresses significant concern over President Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw essential aid funding linked to the Expropriation Act,” Minister Steenhuisen noted.
He acknowledged the necessity for amendments to the Act to address the sequencing requirements outlined by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson. However, he also highlighted opportunities to address other public concerns that have arisen since the Act’s announcement.
“It is inaccurate to claim that the Act permits the state to seize land arbitrarily; it mandates fair compensation for legitimate expropriations in accordance with Section 25 of the Constitution,” Minister Steenhuisen clarified.
“It is regrettable that some individuals have misrepresented this Act as an amendment to Section 25, suggesting it enables Expropriation Without Compensation.”
Minister Steenhuisen emphasized the long-standing and valued relationship between the United States and South Africa.
“In 2024, South Africa received $453 million in direct funding through the PEPFAR programme, with an anticipated $439 million for 2025. This financial support is crucial for maintaining life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment and services for our most vulnerable populations.
“Moreover, millions of US dollars are funneled into South African NGOs and government agencies for humanitarian and environmental initiatives that benefit our most at-risk communities.
“It would be a tragedy to see this funding halted due to a misunderstanding of the reality.”
Minister Steenhuisen indicated that the GNU is actively engaging with the Trump administration to clarify the situation, and the DA supports these initiatives.
“Property rights form the cornerstone of our economic success, and the DA will tirelessly advocate for their full protection,” Steenhuisen affirmed.
“We have successfully resisted any alterations to Section 25 of the Constitution, which safeguards property rights, and we will persist in ensuring that the Expropriation Amendment Act upholds constitutional integrity in every respect.”
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