South Africa may soon find itself preparing for a range of outcomes as the United States under President Donald Trump has yet to respond to calls for a meeting regarding the escalating tensions between the two nations. On Monday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola revealed that despite repeated requests, the US had not responded to the South African government’s attempts to arrange a discussion with Trump, following Washington’s decision to isolate South Africa diplomatically. This diplomatic freeze came after Trump’s executive order to cut off aid, accusing South Africa of forcing white landowners off their property, an allegation strongly rejected by South African officials, experts, and various organizations, including some influential US politicians.
Lamola confirmed that South Africa’s mission in Washington had made multiple attempts to formally engage with the US government, but as of now, they are still awaiting a response. “Despite all our attempts, through our mission in Washington to formally engage and communicate… we are awaiting feedback and a response. We’re hopeful they will find a moment to… discuss with us,” Lamola stated. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that South Africa would continue to pursue a dialogue with Trump, but acknowledged the necessity of “planning for all scenarios” as the situation unfolds.
Lamola also reaffirmed that South Africa’s land reform policy—aimed at addressing the historical injustice of land dispossession by the white minority before 1994—remains non-negotiable. In addition, South Africa’s stance on its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice is equally firm. These issues are central to the country’s diplomatic and political agenda, and Lamola underscored that they would not be compromised in any future negotiations or discussions with the US.
As tensions continue to rise, South Africa is set to host the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg this week. However, the absence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from the event signals a further breakdown in relations between the two nations. Trump’s decision to terminate aid to South Africa, totaling approximately $440 million, has caused significant concern. The cuts are expected to affect crucial programs, including those related to HIV/AIDS prevention and education, raising alarms about the disruption of vital services across the country.
Among the hardest hit by the US aid freeze are several NGOs that rely on funding from the US government. One such organization, the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, has already reported difficulties due to the immediate halt in funding for some initiatives. The suspension of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which provides around $332.6 million in 2024 alone, is particularly concerning. Pepfar has supported antiretroviral treatment for at least 5.9 million South Africans, and its withdrawal is likely to have devastating consequences for people living with HIV.
The University of the Witwatersrand confirmed that USAID had issued a stop-work order for some of its HIV programs, further exacerbating the strain on the health sector. As the largest recipient of Pepfar funding in South Africa, the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute now faces enormous challenges in continuing its HIV treatment and prevention initiatives, which are critical for millions of South Africans. Section 27, a public interest law organization, has also raised alarms about the broader impact of the funding freeze on healthcare services. While Pepfar does not fund the entirety of South Africa’s HIV program, its contributions are crucial in certain areas, and the suspension could have far-reaching consequences.
Moreover, experts in the US, including Dr. Aliasger Salem, Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Iowa, have warned that the aid freeze could lead to job losses and exacerbate economic difficulties, particularly in the health sector. The potential ripple effects of this funding cut could stretch far beyond healthcare, affecting both the local economy and the wellbeing of millions of South Africans who depend on US assistance for their survival and treatment.
