Is South Africa ‘confiscating land’, targeting some groups as Trump claims?
Al JazeeraFEB 18
US Skips G20 Talks Over South Africa Land Reform Dispute
Above: Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the media alongside Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in Guatemala City on Feb. 5, 2025. Image copyright: Johan Ordonez/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The South African government is implementing discriminatory policies through land expropriation and promoting controversial DEI initiatives that undermine American interests. These actions, combined with their climate change agenda, represent an anti-American stance that doesn't warrant US diplomatic engagement or continued financial support.
Narrative B
The land reform policy represents a constitutionally mandated process to address historical inequities and ensure equitable public access to land. The law includes proper safeguards, operates similarly to eminent domain legislation in other countries, and has not resulted in any arbitrary land confiscation.
Narrative C
By reacting harshly to South Africa's domestic policies, the US has missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and influence within the G20 forum. This reaction has also precluded the chance to hold important diplomatic meetings with other world leaders, including Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.