JOHANNESBURG — A recent U.S. executive order penalizing South Africa over its land seizure law has sparked a major diplomatic dispute. The order, which focuses on the country’s Expropriation Act, follows ongoing U.S. criticism of South Africa’s foreign policy stances, including its support for Palestine at the International Criminal Court and its close ties with China, Russia, and Iran.

The executive order alleges that South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 allows for the seizure of Afrikaner-owned agricultural land without compensation, characterizing this as a violation of citizens’ rights.

The order outlines U.S. policy in response: as long as South Africa continues these practices, the U.S. will cease aid and assistance and will actively support the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees fleeing alleged racial discrimination and land confiscation.

The executive order further criticizes South Africa’s foreign policy, citing its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the International Court of Justice and its growing relationship with Iran as examples of actions detrimental to U.S. interests and national security.

South Africa’s International Relations Department spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, responded by stating that the order’s premise is factually inaccurate and ignores the historical context of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa. Phiri also expressed concern over what he described as a misinformation campaign.

Phiri added that South Africa is troubled by the apparent acceptance of these narratives by U.S. decision-makers.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, though no longer holding a majority, reacted to the offer of U.S. citizenship for Afrikaners with a social media post depicting a black man gesturing for Afrikaners to leave the country.

The South African government maintains that Whites still own approximately 70% of the land and asserts that the Expropriation Act will only be used for public purposes with fair compensation, if necessary.

Emma Powell, spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), stated that the DA has consistently opposed the ANC’s race-based policies, which she claims have disproportionately benefited the political elite while leaving most South Africans in poverty.

Powell also announced that the DA will pursue legal action to protect property rights and will send a delegation to Washington D.C. to engage with U.S. officials. The DA aims to protect private property rights, promote economic growth, and strengthen diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers, historically held power in South Africa and are widely considered to have played a significant role in establishing the apartheid system.

AfriForum, a civil rights group representing Afrikaners, expressed gratitude for Trump’s action, attributing it to the South African government’s policies. However, they remain committed to Afrikaners’ future in South Africa and advocate for addressing injustices against Afrikaners and other cultural groups.

Julius Malema, a prominent member of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, called for strengthening ties with Russia and China in response to the U.S. action, suggesting that such alliances are necessary to counter what he sees as aggression from the U.S.

Malema faces hate crime charges, including for singing an anti-apartheid song with genocidal lyrics targeting Afrikaners.

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