South Africa Condemns US Aid Freeze as ‘Misinformation Campaign’
The South African government has fiercely rejected the United States’ decision to freeze financial aid over the country’s land expropriation policy, calling the move “misinformed” and “disappointing.”
The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, cites concerns over South Africa’s land reform efforts and foreign policy positions, but Pretoria insists the reasoning behind it is flawed.
“It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.
“We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.”
The executive order also grants refugee status in the U.S. to a specific group in South Africa, a move the government strongly criticized.
“It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the U.S. for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship,” the statement added.
The White House has justified the aid suspension by expressing concerns over what it calls “the erosion of property rights” and “potential economic instability.”
In remarks from Washington, a senior administration official said, “The United States cannot support policies that undermine economic freedom and create insecurity for investors. Our goal is to protect human rights and the rule of law.”
However, South African officials argue that the land expropriation policy is a necessary step in addressing historical injustices.
A senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. position is “deeply hypocritical” given its own history.
“This is a country that built itself on land dispossession and slavery, yet it now lectures us on property rights. Our policy is about restoring justice and ensuring equitable land distribution,” the official said.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria, particularly over South Africa’s independent foreign policy stance.
US lawmakers have recently expressed frustration with South Africa’s positions on global conflicts and its alignment with emerging powers like China and Russia.
Despite the escalating dispute, South Africa insists it remains open to dialogue.
“We reiterate that South Africa remains committed to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes,” DIRCO stated.
It remains unclear how much U.S. aid South Africa will lose as a result of the order, but analysts suggest the move is largely symbolic. Political analyst Sipho Pityana said,
“This is a political statement more than anything else. South Africa does not rely heavily on US aid, but this action signals Washington’s disapproval and could shape future diplomatic relations.”
As tensions mount, the South African government is expected to engage with U.S. officials to clarify its position.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and business leaders are watching closely to see whether the diplomatic fallout will have any lasting economic consequences.
