In light of international apprehensions surrounding his government’s expropriation policy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the constitutional basis for land reform and sought to engage with the U.S. administration.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy firmly grounded in the rule of law, justice, and equality,” President Ramaphosa stated in an official declaration shared on the South African presidency’s website, as reported by APA.
Addressing critiques of the new expropriation law, Ramaphosa clarified that the law does not constitute a policy of confiscation. “The South African government has not expropriated any land. The newly adopted expropriation law is not a tool for confiscation; rather, it is a legal process established by the Constitution to ensure equitable and just public access to land,” he explained.
The President drew parallels with other democracies, asserting, “Like the United States and other nations, South Africa has always maintained expropriation laws that strike a balance between the need for public land use and the protection of individual rights.”
Highlighting the significance of U.S.-South Africa relations, Ramaphosa expressed his eagerness for dialogue, stating, “We look forward to discussing our land reform policy with the Trump administration. We are confident that through these discussions, we can develop a shared understanding of these issues.”
The South African leader also reminded that “the United States remains a crucial strategic and commercial partner for South Africa,” noting that, “aside from PEPFAR Aid, which accounts for 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program, there is no substantial funding provided by the United States in South Africa.”
AC/fss/abj/APA