Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has strongly condemned United States President Donald Trump’s recent comments on South Africa’s Expropriation Act, labeling them as “offensive” and a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Trump’s statements, posted on his Truth Social media platform, accused South Africa of “confiscating land” and “treating certain classes of people very badly.” He also announced plans to cease US financial aid to South Africa pending investigations into alleged human rights violations.
Malema swiftly responded, emphasizing that Trump’s threats would not deter the EFF’s pursuit of land expropriation without compensation. “The statement by Donald Trump is offensive and undermines our sovereignty… We want to make it categorically clear to the President of the USA that we are going to expropriate land without compensation and pursue legislative measures to do so, and no threat will stop us.”
The EFF leader’s stance has been echoed by other South African politicians, who have denounced Trump’s comments as misinformed and damaging to the country’s reputation. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has also rejected Trump’s assertions, calling them a “deliberate misinformation campaign” fueled by right-wing lobby groups.
As the debate over land reform continues to simmer, South Africa’s government has reassured citizens that the Expropriation Act is designed to address historical injustices and promote economic equality. However, critics argue that the law could undermine property rights and deter foreign investment.
The standoff between South Africa and the US has sparked concerns about the potential economic fallout, particularly with regard to US funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and other humanitarian programs.
