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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, despite recent tensions over Washington’s stance on domestic policies in Pretoria.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Ramaphosa addressed concerns about what he described as a misrepresentation of South Africa by the US government. He assured lawmakers that his administration is actively engaging with American officials to clarify policy positions and prevent further strain in bilateral relations.
“We remain engaged with the United States through political, diplomatic, and economic channels,” Ramaphosa said. “We have noted the recent Executive Order and statements by the US administration and have raised concerns about the mischaracterisation of our domestic laws and foreign policy.”
The controversy stems from an Executive Order signed by US President Donald Trump last month, titled Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa. The directive prohibits US aid or assistance to South Africa, citing the Expropriation Act of 2024 as a primary reason. It also calls for the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees allegedly facing race-based discrimination, including property confiscation.
South Africa has rejected these claims, stating that the Expropriation Act aligns with constitutional principles and was subject to extensive public and parliamentary deliberations before being enacted in January 2025. The law replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act and permits land expropriation in the public interest, provided that compensation is just and equitable.
Ramaphosa highlighted his government’s diplomatic efforts to manage the fallout, noting that high-level engagements with the US have been ongoing. Shortly after South Africa’s Government of National Unity was formed last year, senior officials—including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and trade representatives—visited Washington, D.C., for discussions with the US administration, Congress, and business leaders.
The President also recalled his conversation with Trump after the latter’s election victory last November, during which he reiterated South Africa’s commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the US. Furthermore, he pointed to the recent appointment of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to Washington, marking his second tenure as South Africa’s envoy. Rasool and his team are actively engaging with stakeholders to reinforce the importance of economic, political, and cultural ties between the two nations.
