South Africa’s political leaders have set aside their rivalries to oppose US President Donald Trump’s order to freeze aid to the country.
The move has been condemned as foreign interference in South Africa’s sovereignty, particularly over its controversial land reform law.
Trump’s decision follows tensions over global issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.
However, the land issue has been the main focus. Trump claims South Africa’s new land law allows “confiscation” of land, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied this, saying the law ensures “public access to land” fairly.
Despite differences, figures like former President Jacob Zuma and opposition leader Julius Malema have backed Ramaphosa. Malema stated, “We are not cowards, and they must not try us,” stressing South Africa’s resistance to foreign pressure.
Afrikaner groups also rejected Trump’s offer of refugee status, with Professor David Monyae noting, “To be reduced to refugees, I don’t think they can take that.”
Though the Democratic Alliance challenges parts of the land law, it has rejected Trump’s claims and supports South Africa’s sovereignty.
