By Odey Otunu
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has accused South Africa of mistreating “certain classes of people” and threatened to cut U.S. funding to the country unless an investigation is conducted.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump alleged, “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” However, he did not provide any evidence to support his claims.
The South African government has not yet responded to Trump’s comments. The country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., has also remained silent on the issue, with no official statement released outside of regular business hours.
U.S.-South Africa Relations at Risk?
According to the latest U.S. government data, the United States allocated approximately $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023. The two nations have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, with collaborations in trade, health, and security. However, Trump’s remarks could strain these relations, particularly as South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, a position the U.S. is set to assume next.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently downplayed concerns about his administration’s relationship with Trump. Speaking last month, he confirmed having spoken with Trump following his election victory and expressed optimism about working together.
Recurring Concerns Over Land Policies
This is not the first time Trump has raised concerns about South Africa’s land policies. During his first term, he announced plans to investigate alleged large-scale killings of white farmers and violent land takeovers. However, the South African government dismissed these claims as misinformation, and it remains unclear whether the Trump administration ever conducted such an investigation.
Trump’s latest remarks also echo previous sentiments expressed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, a South African-born U.S. citizen. In 2023, Musk criticized South African authorities over a controversial anti-apartheid chant, claiming it incited violence against white citizens. He directly challenged Ramaphosa on social media, asking, “Why do you say nothing?”
Potential Impact on Bilateral Ties
If Trump’s threat to cut U.S. funding to South Africa materializes, it could disrupt key partnerships between the two nations, affecting areas such as economic development, healthcare support, and security cooperation.
For now, the South African government has yet to issue an official response, leaving questions about how this diplomatic standoff will unfold in the coming months.