Longstanding allies the United States and South Africa are locked in an escalating war of words that threatens to derail their relationship, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the African nation of “anti-Americanism” and refused to attend an upcoming G20 meeting in Johannesburg. The stunning rebuke comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s unfounded claim that South Africa is expropriating private property from landowners.
“South Africa is doing very bad things,” Rubio declared in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”
The inflammatory remarks, which were swiftly endorsed by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, mark a new low in US-South Africa relations under the Trump administration. They come just days after the president himself alleged without evidence that South Africa was “confiscating land” and subsequently halted US funding to the country pending an investigation.
Land Reform Controversy
At the heart of the dispute is South Africa’s recently passed land expropriation law, which allows the government to seize land without compensation under certain limited circumstances. More than three decades after the end of apartheid, land ownership in South Africa remains heavily skewed toward the white minority, a legacy of the country’s troubled past.
South African officials have vigorously defended the law, insisting it is necessary to address historical injustices and noting that many other countries, including the US, have similar provisions allowing land to be expropriated for public use. “There is no arbitrary dispossession of land/private property,” South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, said in response to the US accusations.
More than three decades after apartheid ended, land ownership remains concentrated in South Africa’s white minority.
Brics Bloc Tensions
Beyond the immediate land dispute, analysts say the US-South Africa relationship has been strained by Pretoria’s growing ties to the Brics bloc, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Washington was particularly incensed by South Africa’s refusal to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The US has also sharply criticized South Africa’s international court case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, calling it “meritless.” The case, which is still pending, has further complicated America’s efforts to balance support for Israel with its relationship with South Africa.
Economic Ripple Effects
As the diplomatic spat deepens, there are growing concerns about the economic fallout. South Africa is the US’s largest trading partner in Africa, with two-way trade totaling $21 billion in 2022. American companies have substantial investments in the country’s energy, mining and manufacturing sectors.
Some US business leaders worry that the heated rhetoric and funding freeze could jeopardize those economic ties. There are also fears that the controversy could deter American tourists and students from visiting or studying in South Africa.
G20 Agenda in Doubt
Rubio’s G20 snub has injected further uncertainty into the global summit, which is set to focus on issues like sustainable development, climate change and economic inequality. As this year’s chair, South Africa had hoped to use the gathering to advance the interests of the developing world.
But with the US now threatening to boycott the meeting entirely, some fear the G20 could be overshadowed by the bilateral dispute. The rift also risks exacerbating divisions between the global north and south, at a time when cooperation is seen as vital on transnational challenges.
Our G20 Presidency is not confined to just climate change but also equitable treatment for nations of the Global South, ensuring equal global system for all.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola
Path Forward Uncertain
As the war of words rages on, it remains unclear how the US and South Africa can resolve their differences and repair the fraying ties between them. Both sides have shown little willingness to back down or compromise thus far.
For South Africa, the dispute is a test of its sovereignty and right to redress past wrongs. For the US, it is a challenge to its global influence and an unwelcome distraction from other foreign policy priorities. Unless cooler heads prevail, the once-promising partnership between the two nations may be headed for a bitter and acrimonious split.
