Is South Africa Taking Land? Trump’s Claims Explained

What Happened?

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that South Africa is taking land illegally and that some people are being treated unfairly. He has even threatened to stop U.S. funding for South Africa if an investigation isn’t done.

What Does South Africa Say?

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says it is not true. He took to social media saying: “The South African government has not confiscated any land.”

What Is the New Law About?

Recently, South Africa has passed a new land law referred to as the Expropriation Act.

It only permits the government to take land in instances where it serves the public interest and through agreement.
This aims at rectifying land inequalities occasioned by apartheid, which is a system of racial segregation that ended in 1994.
It does not permit illegal land grabs.

Why Is This Important?

Land ownership in South Africa is still unequal, as many Black citizens do not have access to land.
The government says the new law is fair and follows the rules of democracy.
Like the United States, South Africa has laws to ensure fair land use while protecting property owners.

Conclusion

South Africa claims it is not appropriating land unfairly and that the law intended to correct past imbalances. The government, therefore, follows the rule of law by respecting property rights.