The DA party, led by John Steenhuisen, has concluded a visit to the US to iron out differences over the Expropriation Act.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane: Independent Newspapers
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched legal action against the Expropriation Act following its week-long working visit to the US to meet with President Donald Trump’s administration to address diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US.
The party has announced that it has concluded its visit to the US.
Trump has blasted the South African government for allegedly discriminating against Afrikaners through the newly signed act by President Cyril Ramaphosa and has offered them refuge in the US.
He also cut the US funding to the country, saying that “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY".
Tensions have been rising since the signing of the act, with the DA, which is part of the Government of National Unity, opposing the legislation.
In a statement, the DA’s spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Louise Powell, announced that the party had concluded a week-long working visit to Washington D.C.
The visit was intended at stabilising diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US during this period of heightened tensions.
“The DA remains dedicated to building a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with the United States, one of South Africa’s largest trade and investment partners,” Powell said.
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US President Donald Trump has strongly opposed the signing of the Expropriation Act, blaming the South African government for allegedly discriminating against Afrikaners.
Image: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP
During the visit, the party engaged with key decision-makers across Congress, the State Department, and the White House to receive accurate and fact-based information regarding South Africa’s domestic issues.
“These discussions were aimed at fostering better understanding and ensuring strong communication channels between our two nations, in light of recent tensions exacerbated by unnecessary provocations, which come at the expense of the unity and continued economic development of the Nation,” Powell said.
“It was clear from discussions that much work must be done in order to rebuild bilateral trust.”
Powell emphasised the DA’s commitment to a comprehensive reform of South Africa’s foreign policy and the consistent application of non-alignment to advance the country’s national interest.
“The DA remains resolute in opposing the ANC’s divisive, race-based policies, and advocating for a means-based approach to addressing systemic inequality,” Powell said.
In addition, Powell said the party has launched legal action in respect of the Expropriation Act, expressing confidence that South Africa’s judiciary will continue to safeguard the private property rights of all citizens enshrined in the Constitution.
“As proud South Africans, the DA will continue to champion the interests of all citizens on the global stage,” Powell added.
Meanwhile, AfriForum is also in the US, seeking Trump's intervention into the Expropriation Act signed by Ramaphosa.
simon.majadibodu@africannewsagency.com
IOL Politics
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