By Ebi Kesiena
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reached out to tech billionaire Elon Musk in an effort to ease rising tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump over South Africa’s land policies.
The move follows Trump’s recent threat to cut all future funding to South Africa, citing allegations that the country’s new land law involves land confiscation and discrimination against white citizens. Trump made the comment recently, vowing to withhold aid until a full investigation is conducted.
Musk, who has been vocal about his criticism of South Africa’s land policies, supported Trump’s stance on social media, accusing Ramaphosa’s government of implementing “openly racist ownership laws.” His remarks have further fuelled controversy surrounding the Expropriation Act, which permits land expropriation without compensation under specific circumstances.
According to the South African Presidency, Ramaphosa engaged Musk to counter misinformation and clarify the government’s position.
“In the process, the President reiterated South Africa’s constitutionally embedded values of respect for the rule of law, justice, fairness, and equality,” Ramaphosa’s office stated.
The United States is a key contributor to South Africa’s development efforts, providing substantial aid, including funding for HIV/AIDS programmes and other initiatives. Trump’s threat to cut funding has raised concerns about the potential impact on these programmes and broader U.S.-South Africa relations.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa’s office has emphasised that the Expropriation Act is not a tool for land confiscation but a legally mandated process designed to promote equitable land access in line with constitutional principles.
