The United States government under President Donald Trump has announced the termination of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in South Africa, citing concerns over the treatment of white South Africans and several policy disagreements with the South African government.
According to reports, Washington believes South Africa has failed to adequately address issues including violence, discrimination and displacement affecting members of the country’s white minority population.
The U.S. State Department reportedly raised concerns over South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies, arguing that they do not provide sufficient exemptions for American companies. It also criticised what it described as a lack of strong condemnation from senior government officials regarding controversial slogans such as the “Kill the Boer” chant.
Another major concern highlighted by Washington was South Africa’s Expropriation Act of 2024, with U.S. officials warning against any measures that could allow property seizures without fair compensation and due process.
The Trump administration also called on South African authorities to prioritise rural crime and devote more resources to tackling attacks on farming communities.
Defending the decision, a U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that South Africa, as a middle-income country, is capable of funding its own health programmes without American support.
The move follows longstanding criticism by President Trump, who has repeatedly accused South African authorities of failing to protect white farmers and other members of the white minority community.
Source: Sahara Reporters
