SA ministers hit back at Trump’s land grab claims

With President Cyril Ramaphosa set to sit down with US President Donald Trump, to address South Africa’s land reform policy among other issues of interest, South African ministers have come forward to clear any misconceptions around this.

This follows threats by Trump that he would cut all funding from South Africa, pending an investigation into South Africa’s affairs.

Speaking at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson addressed international investors, reassuring them that no land would be forcibly taken.

“No one in South Africa is having their land confiscated. As the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, land grabs will never be allowed. This is my commitment to the people of South Africa and our partners around the world.”

He also emphasised that the Expropriation Act follows due process and is subject to court oversight, highlighting that “Section 25 of the Constitution remains firmly in place, enshrining property rights in the highest law of our country”.

Macpherson further noted that South Africa must maintain “policy certainty” to attract investment and foster economic growth.

As such, he stressed the need for diplomatic engagement so that there is clarity on the legislation. Especially, in a bid for South Africa to maintain its working relations with its international partners and ensure investor confidence.

Macpherson said that as Public Works Minister, he will ensure that property rights are protected. Adding the Government of National Unity will always endeavour to put the interests of South Africa first.

“This is not a time for inflammatory statements. We need to explain carefully and calmly to the Trump administration what the facts are… Now is the time for cool heads and rational decision-making. What we do now will have real-life consequences for our country.”

During the opening remarks at the Indaba, Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe urged African nations to leverage their mineral wealth.

“If they don’t give us money, let’s not give them minerals. But the reality is, they take our minerals but say ‘we are withdrawing funding’… We are not just beggars. We must just use that endowment for our benefit as a continent.”

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Meanwhile, the South African lobby group, AfriForum, has also come under fire for allegedly using misinformation to fuel its campaign against land reform, in the US.