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Trump, South Africa in growing row over hotly contested land law, country’s deals with US foes

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JOHANNESBURG — President Donald Trump’s executive order penalizing South Africa released on Friday has hit a raw nerve in the African nation. The order primarily aimed at land seizures comes as Pretoria has faced ongoing U.S. criticisms that it has operated against U.S. interests, including its support of the Palestinians in the International Criminal Court and its warm relations with China, Russia and Iran.

Friday’s executive order stated in part, “In shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights, the Republic of South Africa recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, to enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation.”

“It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our Nation:
(a) the United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa; and
(b) the United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation.”

TRUMP FREEZES AID TO SOUTH AFRICA, PROMOTES RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES FACING RACE DISCRIMINATION

President Donald Trump takes part in a signing ceremony in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025. (Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images)

Friday’s executive order pointedly took aim at Pretoria’s foreign policy: “South Africa has taken aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies, including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice, and reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements … The United States cannot support the government of South Africa’s commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining United States foreign policy, which poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests.”

On Saturday the South African government responded, “It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the country’s International Relations Department, posted on X.

Phiri added that “we are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation. It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favor among decision-makers in the United States of America.”

Farmers inspect show sheep in Philippolis, South Africa, on Nov. 1, 2024. (PAUL BOTES/AFP via Getty Images)

Although it lost its majority in last year’s elections, the African National Congress (ANC) is still the main party in South Africa’s present government of national unity. The party’s secretary general reacted to the offer that White Afrikaners can go become U.S. citizens by posting a photo on X. In it, a black man is standing by an open door and gesturing with both arms outside the door, suggesting Afrikaners should leave.

The government has claimed Whites of all backgrounds, not just Afrikaners, still own approximately 70% of South Africa’s land. The government is on record saying the Expropriation Act will only be used to take land needed for public purposes – such as for a new school – from people of any color when the owner refuses to sell, and even then there would be “fair and equitable compensation.”

Emma Powell, the international relations spokesperson for South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, told Fox News Digital that “for decades, the DA has opposed the ANC’s race-based policies. These policies have benefited the political elite while the vast majority of South Africans continue to languish in poverty.”

SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL LAND SEIZURE BILL, ERODING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are shown during the BRICS summit on Oct. 23, 2024. (ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

She continued that the DA “will be pursuing legal action to safeguard property rights. It is now time for the ANC to re-evaluate both their domestic and foreign policy positions, which actively undermine our national interests.”

Powell told Fox News Digital about “a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., in coming weeks to engage with decision makers. The DA remains committed to protecting private property rights, fostering economic growth, and strengthening diplomatic ties with the U.S.”

Afrikaners, descendants of predominantly Dutch settlers who landed in Southern Africa in 1652, became the country’s rulers and are widely believed to have developed the apartheid system that separated Whites and Blacks, treating Blacks as second-class citizens.

U.S. and South African flags are shown at Union Buildings in Pretoria. (STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement released on Saturday, AfriForum, a civil rights group that largely represents Afrikaners, expressed “great appreciation” for Trump’s action, which it said was “a direct result of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government’s irresponsible actions and policies.”

It continued, “However, the civil rights organization and its sister institutions in the Solidarity Movement remain committed to Afrikaners’ future at the southern tip of Africa and insist that urgent solutions must therefore be found for the injustices committed by the South African government against Afrikaners and other cultural communities in the country.”

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Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema greets supporters in Pretoria, South Africa, on Feb. 2, 2019. (PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the more outspoken and extreme members of the government of national unity, Julius Malema, head of the South African minority party Economic Freedom Fighters, said on X, “In light of the aggression by the USA against South Africa, we must as a nation seriously consider strengthening ties with Russia, China and nations who belong to (the international trade body) BRICS to avoid unnecessary confrontations with maniacs such as Donald Trump.”

Malema has been taken to court on hate crime charges. In one instance, he sang the genocidal anti-apartheid struggle song “Kill the Boer, the farmer,” referring to the White descendants of Dutch settlers or “Boers” in South Africa.

February 9, 2025
Sri Lanka National Day 2025 Date: Know History and Significance of the Day That Marks the Country’s Independence From British Rule

Every year, Sri Lanka National Day, also known as Independence Day of Sri Lanka is celebrated on February 4 to marks the country’s independence from British colonial rule. Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4, 1948. This annual event in Sri Lanka is celebrated with various ceremonies, including parades, flag-hoisting, and cultural performances. It’s a significant occasion for Sri Lankans to reflect on their history and sovereignty. Sri Lanka National Day 2025: From Sigiriya Rock Fortress to Galle Fort, Discover the Best Places To Visit and Honour the Nation’s Heritage.

Sri Lanka National Day is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades, and performances. The main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President of Sri Lanka raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech. In this article, let’s know more about Sri Lanka National Day 2025 date, history and the significance of the annual event in Sri Lanka. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

Sri Lanka National Day 2025 Date

Sri Lanka National Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, February 4.

Sri Lanka National Day History

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, gained its independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. The island had been under colonial control for over four centuries, first by the Portuguese from 1505–1658, then the Dutch from 1658–1796, and finally the British from 1796–1948. The British unified the island under one administration in 1815 after annexing the Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent monarchy. By the early 20th century, Sri Lankan nationalist movements grew stronger. Organizations like the Ceylon National Congress played a crucial role in advocating for self-rule. Influential leaders included D. S. Senanayake, who later became the country’s first Prime Minister.

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth, with D. S. Senanayake as the first Prime Minister. The country retained the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General.

Sri Lanka National Day Significance

On Sri Lanka National Day, the President’s speech highlights the achievements of the government during the past year and gives a call for further development for the country. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka and observes two minutes of silence in their memory. The Sri Lanka Navy accords a 21-gun salute to the nation from the ceremonial naval gun battery at the Colombo Lighthouse.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 04, 2025 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 4, 2025
Who is Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, former Marxist guerrilla and country’s first leftist leader?

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A recent spat publicly carried out this weekend over social media between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro has brought renewed attention to the former Marxist guerrilla turned top political figure.

The U.S. sat on the brink of a trade war with Colombia after Trump turned to his favored geopolitical tool and threatened to impose up to 50% tariffs on all imports from the Latin American country if it did not accept military planes full of deported Colombians as part of Trump’s deportation sweep.

The trade war was avoided after Petro apparently agreed to lift his ban on flights full of deported Colombians who had allegedly entered the U.S. illegally, though not before he issued a strongly worded statement in which he threatened to match Trump’s tariffs, criticized his “greed” and defended Colombia’s sovereignty.

President Donald Trump, left, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. (Getty Images)

COLOMBIAN LEADER QUICKLY CAVES AFTER TRUMP THREATS, OFFERS PRESIDENTIAL PLANE FOR DEPORTATION FLIGHTS

The Colombian president’s Sunday diatribe on X in response to Trump is not a new approach for Petro, who has reportedly made a name for himself by being outspoken on social media.

Petro became Colombia’s first leftist leader in 2022 after he defeated conservatives by pledging changes that would focus on ending the country’s long history of violence, human rights abuses and poverty.

According to The Associated Press, Colombians had long been resistant to left-leaning politicians over concerns they were soft on violence.

Petro’s background as a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group before he turned to more traditional political paths, may have played in his favor at home.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, left, and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, shake hands after signing agreements at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on Nov. 2, 2022. (Pedro Rances Mattey/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Though Petro’s election to high office was championed at home, it was met with trepidation by conservatives in the U.S.

Colombia was traditionally considered a top ally to Washington, D.C., in Latin America, and according to a Reuters report, the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement was responsible for a substantial $33.8 billion worth of trade in 2023 – accounting for a quarter of all of Bogotá’s exports.

Despite Colombia’s reliance on American spending, Petro has pursued controversial diplomatic pursuits that often run counter to Washington’s geopolitical agenda.

Retired military personnel take part in a rally to protest economic and social reforms pushed by the government of President Gustavo Petro and his proposal to convene a constituent assembly at Bolivar Square in Bogota, Colombia, on Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

COLOMBIA ELECTS FORMER REBEL GUSTAVO PETRO TO BECOME COUNTRY’S FIRST LEFTIST PRESIDENT

Since becoming president of Colombia, Petro has restored diplomatic relations with neighboring Venezuela, whose leader, Nicolás Maduro, has been criticized for his ties to top American adversaries, including China, Russia, Iranian proxies in the Middle East and Cuba.

Petro has also taken a hard stance in opposition to Israel and chose the day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted into Gaza, to criticize Jerusalem for carrying out “neo-Nazi” acts against Palestinians.

Petro continued his opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza over the next 15 months before a ceasefire was reached, in part, by officials now active in the Trump administration – which could indicate further headbutting between the nations’ leaders.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks at the International Workers’ Day march in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

“I think many Latin American countries have gotten used to a U.S. presidential administration that doesn’t mean what it says or do what is needed for national security,” expert on Latin America issues and the executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, Joseph Humire, told Fox News Digital. “President Petro seriously underestimated the resolve of President Trump to secure our border and end the weaponized migration that, for the past four years, has been undermining American sovereignty.

“If President Petro or any government tries to obstruct America’s sovereign right to deport criminals than I think they will see similar punitive measures,” he added.

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It remains unclear what relations going forward between Trump and Petro will look like or how the president was able to get Petro to reverse his position within hours of the Colombian president’s furious post on X.

Colombian foreign minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, along with the nation’s ambassador to the U.S., Daniel Garcia-Pena, on Sunday announced plans to travel to Washington in the coming days to discuss agreements reached over the weekend to end the impasse and avoid a U.S.-Colombia trade war.

January 28, 2025
Republic Day 2025: Interesting Facts About the Indian Constitution To Understand the Blueprint of the Country’s Democracy

The Indian Constitution is a remarkable document that serves as the cornerstone of India’s democracy, guiding its laws, governance, and rights. It not only lays down the legal framework but also shapes the ethos of the Indian republic. The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. And it was on January 26, 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force. To commemorate the significant day, the country celebrates Republic Day, also known as Gantantra Diwas. As we celebrate the 76th Republic Day, here are some fascinating facts about the Constitution that highlight its uniqueness and significance. Republic Day Parade 2025 Date, Time and Live Streaming.

1. Longest Written Constitution in the World

The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution globally, with over 450 articles divided into 25 parts, 12 schedules, and 100 amendments. It has been a comprehensive document, catering to the complex needs of a diverse nation like India. Republic Day 2025 Wishes and Greetings.

2. Inspired by Multiple Sources

The Indian Constitution draws inspiration from various sources, including the British Parliament, the US Constitution, and the Irish Constitution. It blends these elements to create a system that best suits India’s unique needs and cultural context.

3. Adopted on November 26, 1949

India’s Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, but it came into effect on January 26, 1950—celebrated as Republic Day. This date was chosen to honor the significance of the 1930 Lahore Declaration, which called for complete independence from British rule.

4. Bilingual Document

While the original Constitution was drafted in English, it also includes a Hindi version, making it the first bilingual constitution in the world. The use of both languages ensures accessibility and clarity for a diverse population.

5. Federal Structure with Unitary Bias

The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure, with a division of powers between the central and state governments. However, it leans towards a unitary system during emergencies, giving more powers to the central government when necessary.

6. Fundamental Rights and Duties

The Constitution not only guarantees Fundamental Rights to Indian citizens (like freedom of speech, right to equality, etc.) but also outlines Fundamental Duties. The latter remind citizens of their responsibilities toward the nation and society.

7. Unique Amendability

The Indian Constitution is known for its flexibility. It can be amended to address changing societal and political needs. The procedure for amendment is detailed, but it allows the Constitution to evolve over time, making it a living document.

8. The President’s Role

Unlike most countries, India’s President is both the head of state and the formal head of the executive. However, the real power lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, making the position largely ceremonial.

India’s Constitution is a remarkable reflection of the country’s democratic values, flexibility, and commitment to justice.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2025 07:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 26, 2025
Canada ready for Trump tariff fight as country’s leaders threaten retaliation: ‘dollar-for-dollar’

Strategas Securities chairman and CEO Jason Tennert discusses President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks about Canada and the SALT tax cap on ‘The Bottom Line.’

OTTAWA — On his first day of office as the 47th President, Donald Trump put Canadian leaders in panic mode that evening while signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in the presence of journalists.

Responding to reporters’ questions, Trump reiterated his plan to slap a 25% tariff on both Mexico and Canada “because they’re allowing vast numbers of people… and fentanyl to come in,” and said, “I think we’ll do it on Feb. 1.”

Trump signed the executive order called the America First Trade Policy that includes a provision to “assess the unlawful migration and fentanyl flows” from Canada, Mexico and China “and recommend appropriate trade and national security measures to resolve that emergency” by April 1.

Whether the tariffs come next week or in the spring, Canadian leaders are ready to retaliate.

CANADA READIES TRUMP TARIFFS RESPONSE: ‘IN A TRADE WAR, THERE ARE NO WINNERS’

President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday. (Jabin Botsford /The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Two things will happen,” outgoing Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday about Trump’s tariff threat.

“One, Canada will have a strong, robust response,” he said. “And two, prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up, and we don’t think he wants that.”

Trudeau, who leaves office on March 9 when his successor as Liberal Party leader and prime minister is named, also addressed Trump’s border beef with Canada.

He said that less than 1% of both illegal drugs and migrants enter the U.S. from Canada, noting that his government invested about $904 million to strengthen border security and Canada’s immigration system.

Canadian government officials have drafted a plan to impose counter-tariffs worth about $26 billion on the U.S. if the Trump administration proceeds with his tariff measures.

Canada’s response will be “dollar-for-dollar, tariff-for-tariff,” Doug Ford, premier of Canada’s most populous province of Ontario, said in an interview.

President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participate in a bilateral meeting at the G-7 summit in Biarritz, France, on Aug. 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Had Trump imposed the tariffs against Canada on his Jan. 20 return to the White House, the Canadian government reportedly was ready to tack on tariffs to several U.S. products, such as orange juice from the president’s state of residence, Florida, and bourbon from Kentucky, home to Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul.

In Ontario, Ford ordered the province’s Liquor Control Board to clear the shelves of U.S. alcohol should the tariffs arrive.

At a Friday news conference, the premier said that he would call an election next week that would send Ontarians to the polls on Feb. 27. Ford seeks “a strong mandate” to “fight against Donald Trump’s tariffs” and his “attack” against the province’s families, businesses and communities.

ENERGY EXPERTS WEIGH IN AFTER CANADIAN PREMIER SAYS SHE WANTS TO DISCUSS KEYSTONE PIPELINE 2.0 WITH TRUMP

Vehicles cross the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Claire River from Sarnia, Ontario, to Port Huron, Michigan, on March 18, 2020. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ford has two trips planned to Washington, D.C., next month.

On Wednesday, he and his fellow provincial and territorial premiers held a virtual meeting with Trudeau in which an informal “Buy Canadian” campaign was discussed to promote homegrown rather than American-made products.

At a news conference on the day before, David Eby, premier of the western Canadian province of British Columbia, went even further in responding to the arrival of “catastrophic” tariffs coming from south of the border.

“We will not spend money in a country that wants to do economic harm to Canadians,” he said.

However, in Trump’s view, it’s the other way around.

In a virtual address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Trump said the U.S. has between a $200 billion and $250 billion trade deficit with Canada. “We don’t need their gas,” he said of the country.

According to a TD Economics report released this month, the U.S. is on track to record a trade deficit with Canada of $45 billion, all of which involved Canadian energy exports to the U.S.

An Air Canada airplane flies in front of the downtown Toronto skyline and CN Tower as it lands at Pearson International Airport on Dec. 10, 2023. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“If you take energy off the table, the U.S. has a surplus when it comes to trade,” said Ford, who spent 20 years working in the U.S. through a family business and who has a family home in Florida.

On the U.S. podcast “Standpoint,” former Canadian Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper said that “it’s actually Canada that subsidizes the United States in this regard” and “maybe Canadians,” he offered, “should be looking at selling their oil and gas to other people.”

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Hartford, Connecticut-born Canadian Green Party Leader Elizabeth May — who earlier this month joked that Canada could welcome the states of Washington, Oregon and California in response to Trump’s musings about annexing Canada as the 51st state — believes the president has inadvertently promoted Canadian unity.

“Canada is stronger now than I’ve ever seen it,” she said in an interview.

“All Canadians are concerned about protecting Canada against Trump.”

January 25, 2025
African National Congress Foundation Day 2025: Know All About the South African Political Party That Saw Nelson Mandela As the Country’s First President (Watch Video)

African National Congress Foundation Day is marked to honour the formation of the African National Congress (ANC) on January 8, 1912. The primary goal of the South African political party was to unite African people and defend their rights and freedoms. The ANC Foundation Day, celebrated on January 8, offers an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s journey from colonial rule to self-governance and, most importantly, the end of the apartheid regime. It was in 1991 when Nelson Mandela was elected as the ANC President. Mandela, who was often called the ‘Gandhi of South Africa’ because of his shared values with Mahatma Gandhi and his use of Gandhi’s ethics in his own work, became a significant face of ANC’s rich legacy. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year.

The liberation struggle eventually culminated in the 1994 general elections in which ANC secured a historic victory and Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black President of South Africa. Since then, the ANC remained a dominant political force in South Africa. If you want to learn more about Nelson Mandela, watch the show Bharat Ratna The Jewels of India.

Watch Video of “Bharat Ratna The Jewels of India” To Learn More About Nelson Mandela

Bharat Ratna The Jewels of India is a show that celebrates the recipients of India’s highest civilian honour. Through the medium of graphics and information, the show, intends to exhibit hidden unknown and loved stories from lives of these legendary characters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 02:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 8, 2025