AfriForum says Trump administration should target only ANC leaders with sanctions over land policy
On Sunday night, Trump announced that the US would cancel all aid to South Africa pending a full assessment of the alleged land confiscation that he believes is taking place in the country.
Lobby groups, AfriForum, Solidarity and Solidarity Support Centre for Schools held a media briefing on 16 January 2025 on their next action regarding the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act). Picture: Thabiso Goba/ Eyewitness News.
CAPE TOWN - Civil rights group AfriForum says the United States (US) should target African National Congress (ANC) leaders with sanctions for its land reform policies rather than punish all South Africans by cutting financial aid.
On Sunday night, US President Donald Trump announced that the US would cancel all aid to South Africa pending a full assessment of the alleged land confiscation that he believes is taking place in the country.
The US currently supports South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, and the country also benefits from a preferential export agreement under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AfriForum has in the past met with US politicians to complain about race-based policies and land ownership rights.
Spokesperson Ernst van Zyl said South Africa’s expropriation plans deserve to be scrutinised by foreign governments.
“The South African government is attacking private property in this country and it’s such a serious issue that it absolutely warrants other countries like the United States putting pressure on the South African government, particularly on the politicians who are pushing these disruptive policies for their own gain. It’s immoral, it’s wrong and I’m glad someone is standing up to them.”
Meanwhile, the organisation's chief executive officer Kallie Kriel said his organisation would ask the government to table an amendment to the Expropriation Act to guarantee property rights.
The law, which was enacted in January, allows property to be expropriated for public purpose, or in the public interest.
“The fact is, normal people are already under terrible economic pressure and this kind of action by the US will harm us most. We cannot be punished twice, for having a foolish government.”
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