President Donald Trump has followed through on his warning and signed an executive order cutting US financial assistance to South Africa, citing opposition to the country’s Expropriation Act and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Trump holds true to his threat and sanctions South Africa
The executive order immediately halts nearly $440 million (est. R8.1 billion) in US aid to South Africa and directs US officials to block additional forms of assistance unless deemed necessary by government agencies.
Trump accused South Africa of seizing agricultural land from Afrikaner farmers without compensation, though no verified evidence has been provided to support the claim.
Additionally, the order states that South Africa’s growing ties with Iran and its stance against Israel pose a national security risk to the US and its allies. The White House labelled these policies as “unjust and immoral” and signalled that further diplomatic consequences could follow.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected Trump’s claims, stating that the land reform law is intended to correct racial disparities in land ownership.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025, Ramaphosa responded firmly:
“We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defense of our national interest, our sovereignty, and our constitutional democracy.”
Afrikaners paved a channel to migrate to the US as refugees
A controversial addition to Trump’s executive order is a directive that paves the way for Afrikaners in South Africa to be resettled in the US as refugees.
The order instructs the Secretary of State and the Department of Homeland Security to develop a resettlement plan under the US Refugee Admissions Program for white South Africans who can demonstrate that they are victims of racial discrimination and land confiscation.
While the details of the refugee program remain unclear, Trump has previously suggested that white South African farmers face persecution, echoing claims made by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk.
Musk has criticised South Africa’s land ownership laws, calling them “racist” against white farmers.
Despite these claims, no international human rights body has officially classified Afrikaners as a persecuted group, and South Africa’s government has stated that no land has been confiscated without due legal process.
The new policy could create diplomatic tension between the two nations, particularly if South Africa formally challenges the refugee designation.
While it’s too early to speculate, the sanctions could impact trade relations between the US and South Africa, particularly regarding mineral exports and business partnerships.
Meanwhile, the refugee resettlement plan for Afrikaners is expected to face legal and logistical challenges before implementation.