By Ollus Ndomu
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he is cutting all future funding to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation and alleged mistreatment of certain groups. The decision comes after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill allowing land expropriation without compensation in specific cases.
“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
The land reform issue has been contentious in South Africa, with the government arguing that the bill aims to address historical inequalities. Critics, including billionaire Elon Musk, have likened it to Zimbabwe’s land seizures, which led to economic collapse.
In a briefing with reporters, Trump claimed South African leaders were engaging in “horrible things” but did not provide details. “We’ll make a determination, and until such time, funding is on hold,” he said.
The South African government has defended the bill, insisting expropriation will follow legal procedures and will not be arbitrary. The move by Trump is expected to further strain U.S.-South Africa relations.
