South African politician defends land expropriation from whites, says they 'can seek refuge in America'

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema attacked the United States for its decision to cut aid to South Africa, attributing the move to the country’s opposition to Israel. His comments also reinforced his position on land expropriation, wherein the state seizes the land of white South Africans.

Malema argued that the US routinely fabricates human rights violations as a pretext for foreign interventions and accused Washington of punishing South Africa for its support of Palestine, per The Zimbabwe Mail.

"We will expropriate land without compensation whether they [whites] like it or not. If they object, they can seek refuge in America,” he said. Trump has stopped aid to the country over the expropriations.

He reiterated his party’s stance on land expropriation, downplaying potential economic fallout and also claimed that the US makes up “human rights violations” in order to invade other countries.

"Before invading nations, the US always fabricates human rights violations to justify interventions. Today, the same tactics are being used against South Africa,” he said.

President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate the President’s Emergency Plan for Aid Relief (Pepfar) follows his administration’s move to offer white Afrikaners refugee status in the US amid claims by AfriForum of a white genocide in South Africa.

Malema dismissed these claims but did not address concerns over South Africa’s broader reliance on foreign aid from the US. Instead, he framed the issue as a matter of imperialism, claiming that Trump was acting out of self-interest.

“Trump engages in transactional and manipulative relations with the world as if it is his backyard,” Malema said. “The USA has openly embraced the golden age of imperialism, extending its power through threats and termination of foreign aid.”

While Malema sought to cast Trump’s decision as politically motivated, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi acknowledged the practical consequences of the aid cuts, warning that around 15,000 jobs are now at risk.

“I believe Trump does not owe us any cent. Trump does not owe South Africa any cent whatsoever. For that reason, we need to understand that we stand on our own,” Motsoaledi said. Despite Malema’s rhetoric, according to the Zimbabwe Mail, South Africa remains economically vulnerable, and the loss of US aid could further strain the country’s struggling healthcare system.