South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded on Monday to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off aid over the alleged mistreatment of White farmers, denying Trump’s claim that authorities were “confiscating land.” Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa is a constitutional democracy deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice, and equality, and clarified that the government has not confiscated any land.
Ramaphosa expressed readiness to engage with the Trump administration on land reform policy and other bilateral interests. He noted that while the US is a significant political and trade partner, it does not provide substantial funding to South Africa apart from a major HIV/AIDS relief program.
