President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw aid relief funding from South Africa has been described by local faith leaders as a slap to God’s face.
The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa based in Johannesburg — representing approximately four million Christians in South Africa — stated that the sanctions against the country, which include termination of funding for Anti-Retroviral Treatment, are a punishment on the sick and those dying from HIV/Aids-related illnesses.
According to Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the national department of health, roughly 7.8 million people in South Africa (SA) are living with HIV and 5.5 million are on ARVs.
Trump, whose administration has cut USAID and slapped tariffs on other nations in recent weeks, imposed sanctions on South Africa, stating white farmers are being killed and their farms forcefully seized without compensation. He signed an executive order in February saying he was addressing what he described as serious human rights violations occurring in South Africa.
In his order, Trump said the South African government overtly discriminates against ethnic minority descendants of settler groups.
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“As long as South Africa continues to endorse bad actors globally and permits violent assaults on innocent and marginalized minority farmers, the United States will discontinue aid and assistance to the nation. The United States will implement a strategy to resettle these discriminated minorities in South Africa as refugees,” Trump said.
Concerns are that these sanctions are largely based on rumors, not facts. Brig. Athlenda Mathe, A national police spokesperson, said women, children, police officers and farm dwellers top the list of people murdered most in South Africa. Most farm dwellers are Black.
Mathe said from the 2020-2021 financial year to the period spanning 2023-2024, the police recorded 13,518 killings of women and 4,123 boy and girl children ages one month to 17. During this same period, there were 393 killings of police officers, both on and off duty; 101 farm dwellers’; 53 farmers; and 34 farm employees. Farms are mostly owned by whites and few Blacks.
But Linda Page, Chief Director Strategic Communications for South Africa’s Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, stressed there are no incidents of forceful capture of land from white farmers by the state.
“The U.S. president has been fed with lies and has chosen to believe them without asking for any kind of proof. South Africa has laws and so if such invasion of someone’s farm were to happen at the hands of criminals, law enforcement would intervene,” Page said. “Land Reform in SA is governed by legislation and land for redistribution is acquired purchase from farmers on a willing buyer willing seller basis. And the payment of fair compensation.
“The state does not and has never forcibly removed any farmer from their farm since 1994. If any farmer’s land has been ‘grabbed,’ they would have reported such to the police among others, no such farmer exists in SA.”
‘Punishing the Lord himself’
While American Christians are divided on the job Trump has done in his first 100 days in office, South Africans — both white and Black — are not. They see it as a punishment against society’s most vulnerable.
The Rev. Moss Ntlha, general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, told media that the United States has chosen “to punish the sick and the dying is a tragedy that is a slap on the Lord’s face. His warning that at the end of history as we know it, He will tell us that whatever we did to the least, we did it to Him.
He added: “U.S. MAGA policy makers will realize at that point that it was not the poor, the sick and the hungry it was punishing, but the Lord Himself. The path to greatness is found by serving the least of these, not the wealthy, as Trump and his billionaire mates appear to think. As for the U.S. policy making, it lends credence to a suspicion that it is a tool of control and manipulating poor countries to comply with US policy choices.”
A pastor, who requested anonymity, said her daughter has been on ARVs since 2004.
“She is very hurt by President Trump’s decision. If people start buying ARVs for themselves she will not afford to buy them. She is unemployed and struggles to buy a full meal for herself and her children. I assist her financially,” she said.
Jaco van Wyk, a deaf reverend of the Dutch Reformed Church Effata-for-the-Deaf, said Trump cannot save people living with HIV.
“Unfortunately, Trump is not God. He may think he is a god. but he is just an instrument in this broken world,” van Wyk. “Unfortunately, Trump cannot save the people living with HIV and other sicknesses. He needs Jesus just as me and you. We need to trust God more for He is our provider and savior.”
Destabilizing communities
Mohale said the U.S. funding withdrawal does not affect access to ARVs, but 15,000 individuals on the U.S. payroll have lost their jobs.
“The government buys 90% of ARVs using fiscus and the rest of 10% comes from Global Fund. So, the government is capable of providing life-saving treatment to all those diagnosed with HIV in the country. Those funded by USAID have already been laid off, but those funded by CDC and PEPFAR are within 90 days period of review,” Mohale said.
However, Dr. Criselda Kananda, a Christian and a longtime HIV activist who has sustained a healthy and productive life for 25 years without antiretroviral therapy, said the cut of funds implications extend far beyond medication access.
“The loss of jobs for healthcare workers and support staff funded by USAID can destabilize communities and undermine the progress we have made in combating HIV related health challenges,” Kananda said. “It is crucial to understand that healthcare is not just about medications; it encompasses a comprehensive support system, including education through campaigns, counselling, and community outreach which all combined encourage more people to seek to know their status and preventing the spread.”
A South African lawyer and Christian, Hans Moolman said trade between countries and aid extended to other nations, including African ones, is inherently voluntary.
“With foreign aid, most of us have grown to understand that it comes from a place of care and promoting human dignity around the world. Expectations are higher from a proclaimed dominant Christian country led by self-proclaimed Christian leaders,” he said. “Somewhere, these supposed to be important underlying convictions were removed from the equation and considerations of sanctions. The extent to which we are dependent on foreign aid and our inability to fund the shortfalls that will occur as a result thereof will become measurable in huge suffering amongst South Africans who had no say and had nothing to do with the loss of this critical support. One can only hope that shared values and caring will pave the way for the restoration of relationships.”
Political Science Prof. Dirk Kotzé of the University of South Africa highlighted a few well-known points about murders on farms: They consistently represent a very small portion — as authorities have noted — of the overall murder rate each year.
“Black farm workers are often also victims of farm murders,” Kotzé said. “The murderers are often known to the farmers such as their own workers or related family. Labour disputes are often a cause of it.”
Kotzé said land invasions happen mostly near residential or urban areas. He clarified that lack of formal housing has caused low-income citizens to occupy parts of a farm near the town to establish informal settlements.
“If forceful removal of land from farmers is equal to expropriation without compensation, then I’m not aware of any cases,” he added. “Another possible form of forceful removal is what I already mentioned, namely informal settlements on farms. It did happen but then in most instances the municipal authorities later bought the occupied land from the owners. I’m not aware of any land occupation for farming or agricultural purposes. Cattle and sheep theft is a serious problem in parts of South Africa.
“In some cases, black farm workers are killed in the process of pursuing the criminals. In conclusion, farm murders and statistics have become a highly politicized issue.”
Esta historia fue publicada originalmente por Religión desconectada.
Vicky Abraham is an investigative journalist based in South Africa and has reported for the Mail & Guardian, City Press, Assist News, the Nation newspaper in Nigeria and Nation Media Group in Kenya.
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15 Responses
S. Africa needs to STEP UP and start taking care of S. Africans! If they were half as good at taking care of their own ppl as they are at Murdering all of their white farmers (suicidal stupidity) their needy ppl would be getting a lot of help. Trump cannot fund a country who practice such terrible human rights. I do feel sorry for the ppl caught in the middle. Classic example of a rogue government destroying their own.
Have you been to South Africa? Or talked to any missionaries in South Africa? Your comment reeks of ignorance and misinformation. There’s still plenty people of Dutch ancestry in South Africa. We as Christ followers are called to help another. Read this article.
https://worldhelp.net/why-should-international-aid-matter-to-christians/#:~:text=We're%20called%20to%20love,demonstrates%20the%20love%20of%20God.
Asley, I live in South Africa. What Jodi said is 100% true. The USA can keep on giving, but the money will not go to those in need. It will go straight into ANC pockets. The hearts of the people commenting that our country should be helped is beautiful, but any money send here will be wasted.
Farm murders are happening to Black AND white farmers over land and cattle (the crux of much of their economy). We shouldn’t only care about one group over the other because of race. Especially as believers.
“Trump cannot fund a country who practice such terrible human rights.”
Let’s be careful. Benjamin Netanyahu has been convicted in international court of many human rights crimes against civilians, yet that never stopped our support.
And when we go around touting how we are the greatest nation founded on Christian principles, I see nothing wrong with holding us to that. We, in our shortsightedness, may not realize it, but our nation doesn’t know REAL poverty in comparison to many places like South Africa.
I grew up as an MK and have many contemporaries who continued to work across the world. Most interacted with USAID; some worked with or for it directly. All are faithful Christ followers.
Bottom line is that is was a great help to many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, all at an incredibly low cost to US taxpayers. It also promoted goodwill and a very positive image of America, including in places that are traditionally not that friendly.
The tragedy in South Africa is being repeated across the globe in needy communities. And it is all unnecessary. We are a wealthy nation and can easily afford to help those in need.
What USAID did was in line with Jesus’ command to help the most vulnerable. To see so many evangelicals line up against this and other good initiatives is beyond disheartening and sad.
“ What USAID did was in line with Jesus’ command to help the most vulnerable. To see so many evangelicals line up against this and other good initiatives is beyond disheartening and sad.”
Have you ever read Frederick Bastiat’s excellent essay on Law and what he calls “legal plundering”?
Basically any government that forces people to give up their wealth (any percentage) under coercion or threat of violence (plunder) and give that money to others who did not labor for it is immoral. Jesus was all for free and voluntary efforts to help those in need.
Furthermore, most politicians get tremendous financial kickbacks when they give money to other countries. And most politicians in other countries squander much of the money on themselves, while the poor are least likely to benefit.
https://bornagainclassics.com/Books/TheLaw.html
Rather than being thankful for the help the U. S. gave them when our people were being cheated by having to support nearly every country under the sun, the journalists anyway, seem to think they are entitled and should continue to receive that for which costs our people, but not them. Many people in this country go without. Most people live paycheck to paycheck. The corruption in the United States is coming to an end. The national debt was just about to do us in and finally we have people at the helm working to save this country. We had to turn the spicket off to every country, I hope. South Africa nor any other country is not a part of our responsibility. Why didn’t they work on a way to be self sufficient and take care of themselves before this?
Years ago they started killing the white farmers. There are probably few left. How do we know that what we’re hearing is correct? Could be the same as the left wing media here. Cannot be trusted for the truth at all.
Our financial ties to South Africa run deep and long. Let’s remember during the apartheid era, that it was REAGAN who refused to divest from South Africa despite its despicable treatment of its Black citizens and the unjust imprisonment of Mandela. (Conservatives sure were quiet then; many were vacationing there!) But now the concern is “they started killing white farmers!” So THAT is what it takes to cut off aid – not apartheid and how it marginalized and demolished the Black majority, but the murder of WHITE farmers? And again, Black AND white farmers are being killed for their land and cattle. Why does their race matter anyway? I thought that was a “leftist” thing.
“Why didn’t they work on a way to be self sufficient and take care of themselves before this?” reeks of ignorance. It’s like saying to someone unemployed, “why haven’t you worked to find a job?” You don’t think they WANTED to? I encourage you to do some reading on what’s happened in SA politically and economically, not only since apartheid came to an end (only 30 years ago!), but more specifically after the death of Mandela.
Trust me – living paycheck to paycheck or going without in the US does not TOUCH the poverty seen in SA. Even the poorest American is doing better.
BTW, Trump grew the national debt his first time in office; not sure why there’s expectation for him to do any different this time. Do we believe that the (alleged) savings from these cuts will be applied to the debt?
Yes, why didn’t they figure out a way to take care of their own country rather than living off the poverty of the American people? Total corruption on both sides. It’s not our job to keep all the 3rd world countries afloat. We were on the eve of destruction because of our own debt and so much was going to other countries that we owed nothing to. If they don’t have jobs, it’s NOT our fault. The aid was cut off because US”AID” was one of many things killing us. Does it make sense to keep doing that? NO. So they were fine with living off of us forever. The free ride is over and they should be thankful for what they got. We are not a wealthy nation that can “easily” help every other country, including our enemies. We were about to go under. According to comments by Larry Statten and Jana, our money sent to South Africa will not go to the needy anyway, but the corrupt government.
So you don’t like Trump? He had too many enemies the first time. Now the tables have turned. When was the last time you sent money to a needy country? How about Haiti?
Again, Kathy, I encourage you to read MORE than just two posts in this thread about the VERY complex political, socioeconomic issues that have impacted SA for DECADES. It’s NOT one problem with one simple answer, as you imply. And tell me again, what were your thoughts when we were sending money to SA’s apartheid regime? What are your thoughts on us somehow finding money to welcome white South Africans as refugees? Yes, that is what Trump just permitted. And NO I don’t trust him; I don’t trust him to pay down the very debt he grew the first time around. And I don’t trust ANYONE who has decades of history bankrupting multiple businesses and facing multiple judgments for skipping out on paying contractors with my taxpayer money. Why do you?
Yes the US is demeed to be a very wealthy nation. I encourage you to be VERY grateful you were born here. You could have just as easily been born in SA, with someone posting the same condescending “why don’t you get a job” comments about you. You are pridefully speaking about MILLIONS of people who had NOTHING to do with where they were born, who WANT to see their country thrive. Please remember, “there by the grace of God go I.”
Yes, I say that as someone who HAS given both time and money to provide aid to communities in other nations across Africa and South America. I don’t have a lot of money, but I DO know having a roof over my head, clothes on my back, clean running water, and food in my fridge makes me richer than most in this world. There by the grace of God go I.
Marín Heiskell,
The apartheid regime and the ANC are both terrible. Did you know that Mandela approved of Spear of the Nation terror attacks against White citizens of SA even while in prison, and that he and his ANC were militant enemies of Israel and the West, aligned with Yasser Arafat’s PA/PLO and Fidel Castro’s Cuba?
South Africa is a country where a political party led by Julius Malema have a genocide wish against white farmers and take pride in singing the chant “kill the boer, kill the farmer” These are South African farmers who the US administration want protected from murder and genocide.
The South African government sides with Hamas and despises Israel taking Israel to the International Court of Justice for war crimes in Gaza.
The country ranks amongst the highest in crime and corruption in the world rankings, whilst its leaders fail to look after their own people, and expect the US citizens whom they despise) to fund their own lavish lifestyles whilst claiming the money is for the poor who they don’t care about – except on election days to keep them in power.
The Evangelical Alliance SA does not represent me. Do not believe anything our ANC government tells you. Just this week, another 78 year old Farmer was murdered and another farmer a 64 year old lady was shot through the window of her kitchen. No suspects was arrested in either case. The EFF party are allowed to sing a so called struggle song ” kill the boer, kill the farmer”. There is zero justice in SA or trust in law enforcement agencies. The money given to organizations in SA goes straight into ANC’s pockets. It is very rarely used for which it was intended. Lawlessness and greed is a slap in God’s face!
a very informative and needed story, PLEASE do a story on this, here is a report and link: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-starving-gaza-death-and-still-world-does-nothing . if you wont do a story on this please email me or reply here and tell me why not. thanks.
Thanks for the important link, James!