Trump Moves to Cut US Funding to South Africa

Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to halt future funding to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation and alleged mistreatment of certain groups.

His statement, posted on social media, claimed that South Africa’s policies were unfair and required urgent investigation before any further financial support from the U.S. could continue.

In 2023, the United States committed about $440 million in aid to South Africa. The latest controversy stems from a law signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, designed to facilitate land expropriation for public interest.

Supporters argue that the law addresses historical injustices, while critics warn of potential threats to property rights and economic stability.

The South African government has responded to Trump’s remarks by defending its land policies, emphasizing that the law aligns with democratic principles.

Officials argue that similar legislation exists in many other countries and stress that the issue should be understood within the broader context of South Africa’s constitutional framework.

Following Trump’s announcement, the South African rand dropped in early trading on Monday, reflecting investor concerns over potential economic fallout. By 06:30 GMT, the currency had fallen by 1.4% against the US dollar.

The possibility of a US funding freeze has added further uncertainty to an already challenging economic environment, which continues to struggle with power shortages and slow growth.