Taiwan has reported that South Africa has given the island until the end of March to move its de facto embassy from Pretoria, with the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry attributing the decision to increasing pressure from China.

Since severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997, South Africa has maintained strong relations exclusively with China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any form of diplomatic recognition for the island.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Africa had sent a letter in late January, demanding the Taiwanese mission in Pretoria be relocated by March and renamed a “trade office.” Taiwan’s Ministry expressed concern, stating that the move “shows China’s suppression against us in South Africa is becoming more serious,” while confirming that discussions between the two nations are ongoing.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded, emphasizing South Africa’s role as a “good friend and partner,” reiterating the importance of upholding the “One China” principle, which asserts Taiwan as part of China. “Taiwan independence does not enjoy popular support, and will fail,” the ministry declared.

Despite the diplomatic tension, Taiwan’s de facto embassy in South Africa declined to comment on the situation. This follows an earlier request from South Africa in 2023 for the Taipei Liaison Office to vacate Pretoria.

China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with both countries looking to enhance cooperation, particularly in renewable energy sectors. Taiwan, however, maintains its stance of rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, asserting its right to establish relations with other nations. Among African countries, Taiwan only has one remaining diplomatic ally: Eswatini, which is almost entirely surrounded by South Africa.

On Sunday, the Federal Government extended condolences to the government and citizens of Germany following the death of former President Horst Köhler. Köhler passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 after a brief illness, as confirmed by Presidency officials.

The Nigerian government, through a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognized Köhler’s significant contributions to global development. Köhler, who served as Germany’s President from 2004 to 2010, was also a former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

“FG acknowledges his commitment to international cooperation, economic stability, and multilateralism.
“His efforts to strengthen relations between Germany and African nations, including Nigeria, are key aspects of his legacy,” the statement said.

Additionally, the statement highlighted Köhler’s support for initiatives promoting peace, economic growth, sustainable development, and his engagement with Africa as part of his broader diplomatic contributions.

“His passing is a loss not only for Germany but for the international community. His leadership, service, and dedication would continue to inspire future generations.
“The demise of Horst Köhler is a great loss not only to Germany but to the global community, which benefited immensely from his leadership, vision, and dedication to international cooperation and development.
“In this moment of grief, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Germany and honours the memory of a distinguished statesman whose life was devoted to the pursuit of a better world,” the statement concluded.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations regarding land confiscation in South Africa and his threat to cut future funding. Trump had claimed that South Africa was “confiscating land” and “treating certain classes of people very badly,” leading him to announce the suspension of U.S. financial support until a full investigation is completed.

On Sunday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly. I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”

Later, during a press briefing, Trump added that South Africa’s leadership was engaging in “some terrible things, horrible things,” without providing specific examples. “So, that’s under investigation right now. We’ll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing–they’re taking away land and confiscating land, and actually, they’re doing things that are perhaps far worse than that,” he said.

In response, Ramaphosa clarified South Africa’s position on Monday via a post on X, emphasizing that the country, as a constitutional democracy, respects the rule of law and justice, and that the government has not “confiscated any land.”

Addressing the issue of funding, Ramaphosa acknowledged the United States as a vital “political and trade partner” but pointed out that South Africa only receives U.S. assistance through the PEPFAR program, which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program. His tweet continued: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African Government has not confiscated any land. The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.”

Ramaphosa further explained that South Africa’s expropriation laws, like those in the U.S., balance public land use with the protection of property rights. He expressed hope for productive engagement with the Trump administration over South Africa’s land reform policy. “We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding of these matters.”

The land issue in South Africa remains a contentious one, with ongoing efforts to rectify the injustices of apartheid. As the country’s government works to address historic land inequalities, some critics, including conservative figures like Elon Musk, have expressed concern over land reforms. Musk, born in South Africa, has been a vocal advocate for white landowners in the country.

In December, Ramaphosa signed a bill permitting the government to expropriate land with “nil compensation” under specific conditions, a move that has sparked fears among some groups of an approach similar to Zimbabwe’s land seizures. However, the South African government insists that such expropriations would only occur after efforts to negotiate with property owners.

The issue of land ownership in South Africa remains a sensitive subject, with a significant portion of farmland still controlled by white individuals decades after the end of apartheid. While the government has worked to return land to Black families displaced by the apartheid regime, many believe more needs to be done to resolve the legacy of the 1913 Natives Land Act, which forcibly removed thousands of Black families from their land.