South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the United States to meet President Donald Trump in a bid to resolve the diplomatic differences over land ownership. Last week, the U.S. received 59 white South Africans and granted them refugee status after Trump claimed they were genocide victims. Furthermore, Elon Musk, born in South Africa, also claimed that white South Africans are being persecuted.
However, Ramaphosa denies these claims and hopes to reset their relationship. Be that as it may, there are also fears that things could worsen and further strain relations. But, where did it all start?
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The Beginning of the Land Debate Between South Africa and the United States
South Africa’s land complexities go back to the colonial times and apartheid rule. During this time, black South Africans were dispossessed of their land and given to white settlers. As a result, by 1997, 87% of the land was owned by whites in a black majority country. After gaining independence, the African National Congress (ANC) promised reforms to bring justice. Its key pillars included restitution, redistribution, and land tenure reforms.
The Expropriation of Land without Compensation (EWC)
In 2018, South Africa’s government passed the Expropriation of Land without Compensation (EWC) and in 2025, Ramaphosa signed it into law. The act allows the government to seize land without compensating its owners, a move that raised concern locally and internationally.
Its proponents argue that it’s a corrective measure to historical land injustices and will only be done under “just and equitable and in the public interest”. However, the Freedom Front Plus, a party that defends white minorities, opposes this law. Moreover, they argue it could threaten food security, destabilize the agricultural sector, and deter investment.
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The United States’ Concerns on the EWC Act
The United States voiced its concern over the expropriation act, citing it might inhibit a free-market economy. Additionally, it erodes investor confidence who don’t agree with state-led confiscation. In 2018, Donald Trump directed the state department to study South Africa’s land seizure, expropriation and killing of white farmers. However, the South African government denied the claims. The previous American administration was more subtle in its approach compared to the current administration.
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The Impact on AGOA and Economic Relations
South Africa enjoys duty-free exports from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through which it exports products such as cars, wine, and citrus. As such, its land expropriation act and its foreign policy in which are viewed as closer to Russia and China, will put their eligibility at risk.
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Sovereignty Versus Diplomatic Balance
While South Africa has within right to enact a law that will deliver land justice to its population. It’s one of the biggest issues the country faces after its independence in 1994, and efforts to correct the error should be done thoughtfully.
That said, due to neo-colonial ties, with the country heavily trading with Western powers who have their interests in the matter, the government has to find a tight balancing act or take a firm stand if it’s in the best interest of its citizens.
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Closing Thoughts
South Africa’s land reforms remain a complex issue. Land ownership is a contentious issue due to the dignity and status it offers people who have it. Despite it being a local issue, it has international implications. Do you think Ramaphosa will manage to navigate this issue properly?
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