South Africa has formally addressed President Donald Trump’s recent executive order freezing U.S. aid to the country.
Issued on Friday, the order cites South Africa’s controversial Expropriation Act, which Trump claims enables land seizures from white farmers.
In a statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) expressed concern over what it calls the “factual inaccuracies” in Trump’s claims, emphasizing the country’s painful history of colonialism and apartheid.
Concerns Over Misinformation Campaign
Chrispin Phiri, Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, criticized the order as part of a broader “misinformation campaign” aimed at misrepresenting South Africa’s policies.
“It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” said DIRCO Chrispin Phiri.
[ Trump Freezes U.S. Aid To South Africa Amid Growing Tensions Over Racial Discrimination ]
He also pointed out the irony in Trump’s decision to grant refugee status to Afrikaner farmers—a group still considered among South Africa’s most economically privileged—while many others worldwide are denied asylum. Phiri condemned the narrative being pushed and its influence on U.S. policy decisions.
Ramaphosa Stands Firm Against U.S. Pressure
During his State of the Nation Address, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa fired back at Trump’s threats, rejecting attempts to bully the nation.
“We are witnessing the rise of nationalism, protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests, and the decline of common cause,” Ramaphosa said.
“This is the world that we as South Africa, a developing economy, must now navigate, but we are not daunted. We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied,” he said.
Ramaphosa declared, reinforcing South Africa’s resilience and commitment to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings.
The country has vehemently denied Trump’s accusations of land confiscation, calling them “misinformation” and urging constructive dialogue instead of confrontation.
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