- The U.S. has halted foreign funding to South Africa due to discrimination against Afrikaners.
- The U.S. has also accused South Africa of undermining its foreign policy, terming it a “national security” to the nation.
- South Africa enacted a land seizure law: Expropriation Act 13 of 2024.
The U.S. president, Donald Trump, signed an executive order, effectively halting aid assistance to South Africa, of what the White House terms glaring discrimination against “certain classes of people”—seizing their land without compensation.
This came days after Trump threatened to cut funding, accusing the South African government of enacting land ownership laws that promote inequality and open discrimination against the white minorities.
The White House has also accused the South African government of taking “aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies.” This included suing Israel at the International Criminal Court for committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip while turning a blind eye to Hamas atrocities.
The United States has also accused South Africa of undermining its foreign policy, labeling it a national security threat to its nation, allies, African partners, and interests.
“Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our nation: (a) the United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa; and”
“(b) The United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminating property confiscation.”
A further directive was issued to the USAID to halt foreign aid to South Africa with immediate effect—affirming the order.
“Sec. 3. Assistance. (a) All executive departments and agencies (agencies), including the United States Agency for International Development, shall, to the maximum extent allowed by law, halt foreign aid or assistance delivered or provided to South Africa and shall promptly exercise all available authorities and discretion to halt such aid or assistance.”
The decision by the United States to halt aid to South Africa, further offering to admit Afrikaners as refugees, has elicited mixed reactions from both Americans and South Africans.
The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, consented to by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been the center of controversy. Signed in late January, the Act allows for the expropriation of land in the public interest under justifiable and equitable conditions without compensation, deemed to be in line with the South African Constitution.
