Trump Cuts South Africa Funding Over Land Policy, ICJ Case.
In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 7, 2025, to cut U.S. financial assistance to South Africa. The decision was driven by disapproval of South Africa’s land policy and its genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel. This executive order is expected to have significant implications for U.S.-South Africa relations and South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
The United States had allocated nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, making this cut a substantial reduction in aid. Trump’s administration cited concerns over human rights issues and the treatment of certain classes of people in South Africa as reasons for the decision. The executive order also includes plans to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees in the United States.
South Africa’s foreign ministry has strongly criticized the executive order, stating that it lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s history of colonialism and apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the land policy, emphasizing that it aims to ensure equitable public access to land and is not a confiscation instrument.
The land policy in question is highly politically charged in South Africa due to the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, during which Black people were dispossessed of their lands. Despite the policy’s intent to address racial disparities in land ownership, it has faced significant opposition and controversy.
Additionally, the executive order addresses South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ, where it accused Israel of genocide over its military assault on Gaza. Israel denies the allegations, claiming it acted in self-defense following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants. The White House cited this case as an example of South Africa taking positions against Washington and its allies.
The implications of this executive order are far-reaching, affecting not only the financial aid but also the diplomatic relations between the two countries. It remains to be seen how South Africa will respond to this move and what impact it will have on the country’s efforts to address historical injustices and promote equitable land distribution.
