South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement to halt all future funding to South Africa, citing alleged land confiscations and mistreatment of certain groups. Trump's decision follows the signing of the Expropriation Act by Ramaphosa last month, which aims to facilitate land redistribution in the public interest. The Act allows, under specific conditions, for the government to expropriate land with "nil compensation" to address historical inequalities in land ownership.

In his response, President Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa is a constitutional democracy committed to the rule of law, justice, and equality. He clarified that the government has not confiscated any land and that the Expropriation Act is a constitutionally mandated legal process designed to ensure equitable public access to land. Ramaphosa expressed his intention to engage with the Trump administration to discuss land reform policies and other bilateral issues, aiming for a mutual understanding.

Regarding U.S. funding, Ramaphosa noted that, apart from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which constitutes 17% of South Africa's HIV/AIDS program, the country does not receive significant financial assistance from the United States. He reiterated the importance of the U.S. as a strategic political and trade partner and looked forward to constructive discussions on matters of mutual interest.

The Expropriation Act has been a subject of international debate, with critics expressing concerns over potential arbitrary land seizures. However, the South African government maintains that the law is a necessary step to address the enduring racial disparities in land ownership that persist decades after the end of apartheid.