On February 7, 2025, an Executive Order was issued to condemn South Africa’s enactment of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, allowing property seizures from Afrikaners without compensation. The U.S. will cease aid to South Africa and prioritize resettlement for Afrikaner refugees affected by racial discrimination. The order outlines measures for humanitarian relief and emphasizes national security concerns.
On February 7, 2025, an Executive Order was signed addressing the alarming actions of the Republic of South Africa. This order highlights the unjust enactment of Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the South African government to seize property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation. This legislation is viewed as part of broader government practices that undermine equal rights across various sectors by promoting racial discrimination and inciting violence against minority landowners.
The order emphasizes the United States’ denouncement of South Africa’s recent hostile stance towards U.S. interests, including accusations made against Israel regarding genocide, and the rekindling of relations with Iran to pursue military and nuclear agreements. As a consequence of these actions, the U.S. government asserts that it cannot support South Africa’s violations of human rights or its efforts that threaten United States national security and foreign relations.
The policy outlined in the Executive Order stipulates that the U.S. will cease all forms of aid to South Africa as long as these activities persist, while also prioritizing the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping race-based discrimination. In this context, it mandates that all relevant government agencies halt any foreign aid, though agency heads retain discretion to provide assistance deemed necessary.
Furthermore, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security are instructed to implement measures to ensure humanitarian aid and resettlement opportunities for Afrikaners affected by discrimination. This plan is to be presented to the President through the appropriate channels.
General provisions included in the order clarify that it does not impede any existing legal authority of government departments, nor does it confer any enforceable rights against the United States. The implementation of this Order will respect current laws and budgetary constraints.
In summary, the Executive Order issued on February 7, 2025, serves to address severe human rights violations in South Africa, particularly regarding the treatment of Afrikaners. It reflects a policy stance against financial support for South Africa amidst ongoing discriminatory practices and reinforces a commitment to aiding affected populations through resettlement initiatives. These actions aim to safeguard U.S. national security and uphold principles of equity and justice.
Original Source: za.usembassy.gov
