ANC slams AfriForum and Trump over ‘land reform misinformation’

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South Africa’s land expropriation debate just got a lot messier. The ANC isn’t holding back after US President Donald Trump accused the country of “confiscating land” and treating “certain classes of people very badly.”

In a scathing statement, the ANC called out both Trump and AfriForum, accusing them of spreading misinformation and trying to derail South Africa’s land reform policies.

AfriForum’s global campaign

The ANC claims that AfriForum, a lobby group that has long opposed land expropriation, has been on a global campaign to mislead the world about South Africa’s land policies.

According to the ANC:

  • AfriForum’s claims of “land confiscation” are false.
  • The land reform program is constitutional and legal.
  • The goal is to address apartheid-era land ownership inequalities.
  • AfriForum is using fear-mongering to protect white minority land ownership.

They argue that AfriForum’s lobbying efforts in the US have fueled Trump’s narrative, emboldening those who “don’t understand South Africa’s democratic processes” while pushing racist agendas.

Trump’s endgame?

Trump’s sudden concern about South Africa’s land expropriation mirrors long-standing complaints from conservative figures – including billionaire Elon Musk.

But the ANC is calling Trump’s move for what it is – external interference in a sovereign country’s policies.

They argue that South Africa, like the US and many other nations, has expropriation laws that balance public land use with property rights.

The newly signed Expropriation Act, they say, is no different. So why the uproar? Well, timing is everything…

The ICJ case against Israel

Trump’s threats to cut US funding to South Africa come just as the country is taking a leading role in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza.

South Africa, along with eight other nations, has formed the Hague Group to hold Israel accountable under international law.

And now, out of nowhere, Trump is threatening economic retaliation over a domestic land policy?

Sure. Just a coincidence.

READ: Trump vs. SA’s land expropriation bill: What’s really behind his threat?

‘We won’t be bullied

The ANC made it clear that South Africa won’t bow to external pressure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the government is open to engaging with international partners but won’t tolerate attempts to undermine national sovereignty.

READ: Ramaphosa to Trump: Land bill is not a ‘confiscation instrument’

Their message?

  • South Africa will manage its own land policies.
  • AfriForum’s claims are false and misleading.
  • Trump’s threats won’t dictate SA’s domestic policies.

The statement also called on progressive voices worldwide to reject AfriForum’s “divisive agenda” and stand with South Africa’s land reform efforts.

Now what?

Trump has a habit of making bold declarations that don’t always translate into action.

But if the US does pull funding, it could shake up South Africa’s international alliances, possibly pushing the country to strengthen economic ties with BRICS nations.

One thing is certain: The ANC isn’t backing down. And this battle over land reform? It’s far from over.

NOW READ: Big trouble ahead for Ramaphosa and SA, says billionaire

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Kayde Durden
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