US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to stop financial aid to South Africa. The White House announced the decision on Friday, citing concerns over land expropriation, South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and closer ties with Iran.
Trump stated that South Africa’s policies violate human rights and undermine US foreign policy. According to the executive order, these actions pose risks to US national security, its allies, and African partners.
The US provided nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023. It remains unclear how much of this funding will be cut under the new order.
Land expropriation law and diplomatic strains
The US opposes South Africa’s new land expropriation law, which allows land seizures without compensation. Trump has criticised the policy, claiming it leads to land confiscation and unfair treatment of certain groups.
The executive order also mentions support for “Afrikaner refugees fleeing government-backed racial discrimination.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the law, stating that it ensures fair land distribution. He clarified on X that the Expropriation Act follows constitutional guidelines and does not involve confiscation.
This decision may further strain diplomatic ties. Relations were already tense after South Africa filed a case at the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Billionaire Elon Musk, originally from South Africa, has also criticised the land policy. Trump appointed him as his “efficiency czar,” and Musk has described the law as an “openly racist ownership policy.”
US foreign policy and South Africa’s global position
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has decided not to attend the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa. He cited concerns over land policy and foreign relations. His absence could weaken the meeting’s diplomatic impact.
Rubio will also skip discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as the US focuses on diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine war.
The executive order also raises concerns over South Africa’s growing relationship with Iran. While it does not provide details, it highlights increased commercial, military, and nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
