Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding land expropriation in South Africa, emphasizing that no land has been “confiscated” by the government.

In a statement on X, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional democracy, rejecting Trump’s assertion that the government was seizing land and mistreating certain groups. “The South African government has not confiscated any land,” he wrote, adding that his administration remains open to discussions with the U.S. on land reform and other bilateral matters.

Trump had taken to Truth Social on Sunday, warning that he would halt U.S. funding to South Africa unless a full investigation was conducted into alleged land seizures. However, Ramaphosa pointed out that apart from a major HIV/AIDS relief initiative, U.S. financial support to South Africa is not substantial.

Land reform remains one of South Africa’s most complex and sensitive issues, rooted in the country’s apartheid history. Under past racist policies, Black and non-White South Africans were forcibly removed from their land, which was redistributed to White owners.

Despite efforts since 1994 to correct these injustices, land ownership remains highly unequal, with Black South Africans—who make up about 80% of the population—owning only a small share.

In January, Ramaphosa signed a new land expropriation law, which allows for land to be taken without compensation under certain conditions. However, he stressed that the law is a structured legal process aimed at equitable land access, not an instrument for forced seizures.

While the South African constitution still upholds protections against land expropriation without compensation, legal and political challenges are expected as the ruling party seeks to implement the policy.