The Move Includes Plans to Resettle Afrikaner Farmers in the U.S.
In a dramatic policy change, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to suspend all financial aid to South Africa, condemning its recently promulgated land expropriation laws and legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Characteristically, The White House stated that the United States will further prepare a plan of resettling Afrikaner farmers and their families from South Africa as refugees.
Background of the Executive Order
The executive order dated *February 7, 2025*, raised two main issues:
The Land Expropriation Law: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Act, granting the government the power to expropriate land under certain conditions deemed for public interest.
The act is aimed at reversing the historic injustices suffered particularly by Black South Africans, whereby, during the apartheid regime, they were victimized and dispossessed of their land.
The U.S. administration argues that the act discriminates on the basis of race against the white Afrikaner minority, incorporating confiscation of property without compensation.
ICJ case against Israel: South Africa has brought a case in the ICJ against Israel, alleging genocide in connection with its actions in Gaza. To the U.S., a steadfast ally of Israel, this is seen as hostile and is, therefore, strongly objectionable.
Details Concerning the Aid Suspension
The United States made an approx $440 million allocation for assistance to South Africa in 2023. The bulk of this money concerns health, particularly HIV/AIDS programs. Suspension of that aid would have severe consequences on these critical sectors.
The executive order also envisages a plan that would prioritize humanitarian relief for Afrikaners, who were largely white descendants of the first Dutch and French settlers. This would entail expediting their admission and resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Reactions from South Africa
The South African government is firmly opposed to the executive order. The foreign ministry, in a formal statement, stated that the order has “no factual bases and does not take historical reckonings of colonialism and apartheid of South Africa into consideration.”
Talking to the media, President Ramaphosa spoke in favor of the Expropriation Act. He pointed out that it aims to address historical racial inequities in land ownership and assured that no land has been seized without due process. Ramaphosa said that South Africa will “never be bullied” and reiterated its commitment to their policies.
International and Domestic Responses
The executive order has attracted different reactions from internationally and within the U.S.:
International: Critics claim that the U.S. decision encroaches on South Africa’s sovereign right to deal with internal affairs and address past injustices. Proponents insist that it protects property rights from potential violations.
Domestic: Within the U.S., this step has opened the debate concerning the role of foreign aid in influencing domestic policies of other countries. Some advocacy groups are alarmed that the cut in aid could worsen health crises in South Africa, particularly for HIV/AIDS.
Elon Musk’s Target
South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has spoken out about land policies in South Africa. He says the Expropriation Act is open discrimination against white farmers. His remarks have further fueled the controversy, as South African officials accuse him of spewing misinformation.
Suspension of aid becomes a watershed moment in U.S relations with South Africa. The further proceedings will see both countries grappling with the diplomatic and economic consequences of this decision.
The international community will closely watch the results as they deal with human rights, stability of economies.
