The President of the United States has issued an executive order addressing recent actions by the Republic of South Africa. The order criticizes South Africa's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows for the seizure of agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation. The order describes this as part of a series of policies undermining equal opportunities and inciting violence against racially disfavored landowners.
Additionally, the executive order highlights South Africa's aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies, including accusations against Israel in the International Court of Justice and strengthening ties with Iran for commercial, military, and nuclear collaborations.
The United States' policy response includes halting aid to South Africa while promoting resettlement opportunities for Afrikaner refugees facing racial discrimination. "The United States cannot support the government of South Africa’s commission of rights violations in its country or its ‘undermining United States foreign policy," states the order.
Executive departments and agencies are directed to cease foreign aid to South Africa, with exceptions only at agency heads' discretion if deemed necessary or appropriate. The Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security are tasked with prioritizing humanitarian relief for affected Afrikaners through refugee admissions programs.
The executive order clarifies that it does not intend to affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against U.S. entities.