Ramaphosa Stands Firm Against U.S. Aid Freeze

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected what he calls “bullying” tactics following the U.S. government’s decision to freeze global aid for 90 days, including funding for South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programs, which account for 17% of the country’s HIV-related expenditure.

During his annual address, Ramaphosa warned against the rise of nationalism and protectionism, stressing that South Africa would not be pressured by external forces. The funding freeze, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, also came with a threat to cut all U.S. assistance over South Africa’s land expropriation law, which Trump described as a “massive human rights violation.”

Dismissing these allegations as misinformation, Ramaphosa clarified that the law is designed to redistribute unused land while upholding legal safeguards. Meanwhile, his administration is exploring alternative ways to sustain HIV/AIDS services despite the financial setback.

In response to economic challenges, Ramaphosa also unveiled a $50 billion infrastructure plan aimed at revitalizing South Africa’s economy, emphasizing the nation’s resilience in navigating global political shifts.