Source: Sputnik

South Africa Pushes Back Against US Criticism on Land Policies

Last week, US President Donald Trump claimed that South Africa was “confiscating” land under a new expropriation act, an assertion that the South African government dismissed as “misinformation.” Trump further alleged that the country was “treating certain classes of people very badly” and warned of cutting funding.

Speaking to Sputnik Africa, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola rejected these claims, emphasizing that accusations of arbitrary land seizures do not reflect reality.

“There is no arbitrary depredation of land,” Lamola stated, clarifying that land expropriation follows the South African Constitution to redress historical injustices.

Lamola, who spoke on the sidelines of the upcoming 38th African Union Summit, explained that South Africa’s approach to land reform aligns with international best practices, similar to eminent domain laws in the US, UK, and other nations.

While Trump’s stance and potential cuts to foreign aid pose diplomatic challenges, Lamola stressed that South Africa remains committed to multilateral engagement and maintaining constructive relations with Western partners. According to Sputnik Africa, he reaffirmed that the government will continue explaining the lawful and necessary nature of its land reform program on the global stage.

Read the full article on Sputnik Africa: [Source: Sputnik]