Washington, D.C. (Agencies): U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order freezing financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a controversial land expropriation law and the country’s stance on Israel. The order, signed on Friday, directs U.S. agencies to halt assistance unless deemed essential, while also offering support to Afrikaners seeking refugee status in the United States.
The law in question allows the South African government to seize land under specific conditions without compensating owners, a move Trump argues discriminates against white farmers, particularly Afrikaners. His order also condemns South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
“It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our Nation, the United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa,” the executive order states. Trump further claimed the land policy represents “human rights violations” and ordered U.S. agencies to facilitate the resettlement of Afrikaners facing discrimination.
South Africa’s foreign ministry responded with “great concern,” calling the order misleading and lacking factual accuracy. “This decision fails to recognize South Africa’s painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the land reforms aim to correct historical injustices and reduce economic disparities. It also criticized Trump’s order for offering refugee status to a group that “remains among the most economically privileged.”
The issue of land ownership remains highly contentious in South Africa, where Black citizens, who make up 80% of the population, own only a small fraction of land due to the legacy of apartheid. In January, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill allowing land expropriation without compensation in some cases. Ramaphosa has denied accusations of forced land confiscation and emphasized that his government is open to working with the U.S. on land reform policies.
According to the U.S. Foreign Assistance website, nearly $440 million in aid was allocated to South Africa in 2023, with over $270 million coming from the Agency for International Development (USAID). The aid suspension could impact key programs, particularly those addressing health issues like HIV/AIDS.
Trump’s move comes amid broader cuts to foreign aid and the dismantling of USAID operations under his administration. His order also cites South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Iran and its stance against the U.S. and its allies as further justification for the aid freeze.