South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed former US President Donald Trump's claims that his government was "confiscating" land. In a statement issued Monday, Ramaphosa explained that the land reform measures introduced in South Africa, including a recently signed Expropriation Act, are part of a lawful, constitutional process aimed at ensuring equitable access to land.

Trump’s accusations were linked to the Expropriation Bill, which allows the government to seize land with "nil compensation" in certain cases for the public interest. The bill’s intention is to address long-standing racial inequalities, with much of South Africa's farmland still owned by white people, decades after apartheid's end. Critics, including South Africa-born Elon Musk, have voiced opposition to the reforms, citing concerns over potential negative economic effects.

Ramaphosa clarified that the new legislation is not a "confiscation" tool but a structured legal procedure that follows the constitution. The South African president emphasized that any expropriation would involve efforts to reach an agreement with property owners before any action is taken.

He also expressed willingness to engage with the Trump administration to clarify South Africa’s land reform policy and other areas of mutual interest. Ramaphosa underscored that outside of the PEPFAR initiative, which supports South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programs, the US does not provide significant financial aid to the country, though it remains an important trade and political partner.

Ramaphosa’s statement aimed to alleviate concerns and promote better understanding of South Africa’s approach to land reform while strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.

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