President Donald Trump has signed an executive order immediately freezing all U.S. aid to South Africa, citing the country’s newly enacted Expropriation Act 13 and a surge in violent attacks against white farmers. The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria, as the White House condemns what it calls “government-sponsored race-based discrimination”.
The Expropriation Act, signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, grants the government the power to seize land without compensation under certain conditions. Officials claim the policy is necessary to correct historical injustices dating back to apartheid, but critics argue it disproportionately targets white landowners. Trump’s order directly references the “kill the Boer” rhetoric that has fueled farm murders and violent attacks, stating that the U.S. “cannot support these unjust and immoral practices”.
The numbers paint a grim picture. Reports indicate that farm attacks have surged, with over 450 incidents recorded in the past year alone. White farmers, particularly Afrikaners, have been the primary victims, facing brutal assaults, arson, and targeted killings. The executive order prioritizes refugee admissions for Afrikaners fleeing South Africa, directing U.S. agencies to expedite asylum applications for those escaping persecution.
The decision also highlights South Africa’s anti-U.S. foreign policy, citing its International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusations against Israel and growing ties with Iran. The White House argues that Pretoria’s diplomatic stance, combined with its domestic policies, makes continued American financial support untenable.
This marks a turning point in U.S.-South Africa relations. Trump’s administration has long been critical of land expropriation policies, but this executive order takes direct action, cutting off aid and offering resettlement to displaced farmers. The South African government has dismissed the move as “misinformation and propaganda”, insisting that land reform is necessary for economic justice.
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