President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order penalizing South Africa, citing concerns over land seizures and the nation's foreign policy decisions. The order criticized South Africa's Expropriation Act of 2024, which allows the government to seize agricultural property without compensation, particularly targeting ethnic minority Afrikaners. As a response, the U.S. announced it would withhold aid and support resettlement for Afrikaner refugees.
The South African government disputed the order, highlighting the country's history of colonialism and apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), despite losing its majority, remains a significant political force in the country. The ANC's secretary general responded to the offer for Afrikaners to become U.S. citizens with a symbolic gesture suggesting they should leave.
The government defended the Expropriation Act, stating it aims to acquire land for public purposes with fair compensation. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, criticized the ANC's race-based policies, emphasizing the need to protect property rights and foster economic growth.
Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers who implemented apartheid, have been at the center of the debate. AfriForum, a civil rights group representing Afrikaners, welcomed Trump's action but called for solutions to injustices against cultural communities in South Africa.
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, suggested strengthening ties with Russia and China in response to the U.S. order. Malema, known for controversial statements, has faced legal challenges for incendiary remarks.
