​Land reform remains one of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues in South Africa's public and private discourse. Despite constitutional reforms and various amendments since 1994, 72 percent of farms and agricultural holdings are still owned by white South Africans, who constitute just 7 percent of the population. In contrast, Black South Africans, who make up 80.2 percent of the population, own only 4 percent of the land.

The "willing-seller, willing-buyer" (W-B-S) policy, adopted in the post-apartheid era to facilitate land redistribution, has been widely criticized as ineffective. Under this policy, white landowners could refuse to sell or demand exorbitant prices, effectively stalling meaningful redistribution. Additionally, poor regulatory oversight often meant that nonarable or degraded land was prioritized for sale, further undermining reform goals.

In response to these failures, 2018 saw the introduction of a new approach: Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC), championed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and later adopted as part of broader policy discussions. Despite sensationalist portrayals, South Africa’s land reform policies — including EWC — remain among the most conservative globally, shaped by a cautious balancing act between redress and economic stability.

When EWC was introduced, the Trump administration, along with media figures such as Tucker Carlson, seized upon the issue to create a hyperbolic narrative, portraying an inaccurate and inflammatory picture of the situation. This intervention not only misrepresented the realities on the ground but also echoed a long history of American political intrusion into South Africa’s internal affairs.

There is much complexity to unpack in South Africa's land reform efforts. However, it is essential to recognize that the country's policies, even at their most progressive, reflect a deeply cautious approach rooted in its historical, political, and economic realities, rather than the radical upheaval portrayed by foreign commentators.

After weeks of sensationalized and selective coverage about attacks on white South African farmers, the story eventually faded from the U.S. media. Perhaps Fox News viewers simply lost interest. Meanwhile, South Africa continued its slow, painstaking progress in the land reform debate. Like all major reforms, the process of turning Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) into formal policy has been gradual and deliberate.
Six years later, the issue resurfaced—this time under Trump’s second act. After a four-year break from the presidency, Trump 2.0 has returned bigger, brasher, and even more combative. No one is spared; everyone is fair game. It was therefore no surprise when South African land politics re-entered the spotlight. But 2025 is different. This time, Trump shares power with South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who now acts as a co-president. On February 2nd, Trump reignited the controversy by posting about South Africa’s land policies on Truth Social, setting off another wave of political theater. ​

After reigniting the South African land debate on Truth Social, Trump took it a step further—signing an executive order to suspend all U.S. aid to South Africa and offering refugee status to white South Africans. I won’t waste time unpacking Elon Musk’s commentary about South Africa or his frustrations over Starlink investment roadblocks. (For deeper context, see this NPR analysis: link).
The Trump administration's actions are riddled with ironies. First, expropriation isn't unique to South Africa. In the U.S., it’s called eminent domain—a practice Trump himself has championed as both a businessman and president, often seizing land under dubious "public interest" claims. (See here: CBS News and New York Times).


Second, Trump has halted U.S. aid to multiple countries, but what aid is being suspended in South Africa? Foreign aid was already minimal. This move feels more like political theater than serious policy.
Third, and most glaring, land reform is an internal South African matter. What happened to "America First," the very slogan that swept Trump to power? Why meddle now, especially when even white South Africans themselves have overwhelmingly rejected Trump’s offer of refugee status?

During a recent visit to Cape Town, I saw firsthand how white South Africans live—comfortably, even luxuriously. In communities that would make American millionaires envious, they enjoy sprawling homes, daily domestic workers, low labor costs, and vast tracts of land. Why on earth would they abandon this lifestyle to live as "refugees" in the U.S.? The idea is laughable.

To gauge public sentiment, I spoke with several friends in South Africa. The consensus among Black South Africans? Let them leave, if they want. One Cape Town resident told me his white colleagues are embarrassed by the whole situation—too awkward even to discuss it. Meanwhile, the far-right Afrikaner groups are accusing Trump of betraying them, claiming he’s conspiring to help their enemies seize their land. (A fiery three-hour meeting posted on Twitter/X captured their outrage.)
So, what’s really at play here? What does Trump stand to gain by manufacturing a crisis in South Africa? What does Musk hope to achieve by aligning with him, especially when destabilizing South Africa would hurt the very white population they claim to defend?
Only 1 percent of South Africa’s white population lives in poverty. If Trump and Musk were genuinely concerned about impoverished whites, they should charter planes and bring that tiny percentage to the U.S., and Musk, the world’s richest man, could build them a cozy estate somewhere in Texas or Florida. It would make for a perfect, symbolic "return ticket." And the rest of South Africa would carry on—just fine—without the spectacle. 
Here's the reality: A few might want a free ride to the USA, but no mass exodus is coming. Anyone familiar with South Africa knows that white South Africans, who still own the vast majority of land and wealth, have far more to lose in any instability Trump and Musk try to stir up.

Patricia Agupusi (Ph.D)
Assistant Professor of Social Science 
Dept. of Social Science & Policy Studies
Affiliation: Global School
Worcester Polytechnic Institute  
100 Institute Rd, Worcester, 
MA 01609

Tel: +401 241 7538
​

My trip to Cape Town became fun when my adventurous friend visited. Immediately after arriving, she embarked on exploring everything about Cape Town. She comes back every day with food.  In my attempt at food adventure, I tasted a street-made meat delicacy she bought. Unfortunately, my stomach was not happy with me. I had terrible food poisoning for about a week. It started the following day. Initially, I did not think it was serious because I only tasted the ugly-looking white lamb head. Later, at a work event, it got very bad. Given my phobia of a dirty toilet, I had to leave the event. I thought the worst would happen on my way, but it did not. After this incident, I barely ate anything for the next two days.
I did not want to upset my stomach because we had scheduled a day trip to see the Big Five, and I had been looking forward to it. We set out very early in the morning. Everything was fine during the two-hour drive until I had a glass of wine on arrival. Immediately, my stomach went haywire. After a couple of visits, it was calm. I still did not think it would get worse. I had a small breakfast: nothing fancy, some croissants, an egg, a cup of coffee, and freshly squeezed juice. Before I could complete my meal, the food poisoning went full-blown. I stopped eating. Our safari trip was to start in about 45 minutes, and I spent that time in and out of the loom. My stomach had calmed down by the time we were about to set out.
I was relieved because the worst thing that could happen to you is wanting to go in a bumping safari van full of different people. We excitedly went straight to the last seat so we would be free to move around and take pictures. Immediately, we set out, and the rumbling in my stomach kicked in. I twisted most of the Safari ride. The long-awaited fun turned into a long nightmare. The bumping of the Safari Van made the already unbearable situation worse. I was glad we stopped for a break after what seemed like forever, but it was only three hours. I was able to let go and relieve myself.

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The last time I posted a blog was in 2021. Since then, a lot has happened. Juggling twin toddlers, moved back to New England, and recovering from writing block. Before my years of struggling with ideas and writing, I thought losing my creativity and motivation to write would last only a few weeks. Alas, it lasted for years. My experience has taught me many lessons. The most important thing now is that I am recovering, and I want to use my newfound positive energy well. 
To maintain my inspiration, I pray, read a chapter of a book beside my work material daily, and listen to or read critical analyses of issues outside my area. And, of course, keep up with my blog and personal journal. I am applying the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai & Kaizen to my daily life.
With my newfound creative flow, I start by sharing my Cape Town experiences. However, with an avalanche of global daily events, I cut down the Cape Town blog to a few, but I will share some lovely galleries with you as time passes. Enjoy the flow.

​In 2018, it was reported that President Trump referred to African countries as shithole countries. Other actors would refrain from that kind of language but continue to suggest they think that way too by consistently framing that any wins Africa has are due to accidents/mysteries of poverty than any deliberate action on the part of the government(s). We are seeing it today with the reaction to Covid in Africa. When the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in early 2020. All eyes were on Africa. This is despite the fact the pandemic was of Chinese origin with high cases in Europe - Italy, and Spain recording highest fatality recording in thousands at the time. When low cases were reported in most African countries, many in the media were perplexed on why the COVID pandemic is not ravaging African countries. 
Some in the US did not believe the low cases from African countries. Evacuees arriving from other countries including African ones are shocked on the lack of protocol at American Airports. One arriving from DRC attested to the DRC actually has some protocols using the available capacity they used during Ebola.
Others in the media assumed that it was a matter of time. On April 21st, 2020 Vox published an article by Alex Ward titled “Africa has so far been spared the worst of the coronavirus. That could soon change”. The author acknowledged the swift action taken by African countries to contain the spread but suggested that lack of testing could explain the low cases. We are now in the second wave of the pandemic (2020/21), and most African countries with the exception of South Africa, are still recording low cases  in comparison to many in Europe and North America. 
 
.www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?utm_campaign=homeAdvegas1?.

Why is the exaggerated alarm from both African and international commentators and media? There is a combination of reasons but some of those that frequently occur are: Africa is continuously treated as a homogenous country and there is a constructed perception of Africa as a deathbed for diseases, and an incapacitated region. Many African countries do not have the capacity and technology equivalent to that of some developed countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. Yes, African countries have had some experience managing diseases but so do every other region. In the last two decades, there have been regional and global disease outbreaks - such as Swine Flu,  SAR, Zika and etc. These outbreaks were not in African countries. This did not stop attributing the low spread of COVID-19 in African countries to frequent disease outbreaks in the region using Ebola as an example. Even though there were very few Ebola cases in some countries both within and outside Africa, the outbreak was in four West African countries - DRC, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Despite this, it is wrongly assumed that the Ebola outbreak happened in every African country, due to the way it is framed in the media. 
There are various factors that could be attributed to the low cases of COVID in African countries (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54418613). Whilst there have been challenges (low testing especially outside major cities) there are things African governments are doing right. My trip to Nigeria is testament to that. 

Immediately, my flight was confirmed, I started paying more attention to COVID cases in Nigeria. I spoke with friends and family members and they assured me that it was safe. The assurance did not completely assuage my fear given the rate of the spread in the US. I researched the rate of transfer while inside the plane and planned to follow Naomi Campbell’s traveling routine. Nigeria has an official traveling protocol that requires anyone traveling to Nigeria to obtain a negative COVID-19 by a well-recognized and accredited clinic. The test is uploaded into the Nigerian traveling portal with details of my trips. This includes where I have traveled in the past two months, my contacts, and next of kin in Nigeria. Everywhere I planned to visit in Nigeria with detailed addresses and phone numbers. We are also required to pay an equivalent of $100 for a test a week after my arrival in Nigeria. 

On arrival at the Abuja Airport Nigeria, the first stop after disembarking from the plane was to take the temperature of every passenger. Then, we proceed to the verification of our travel permit to confirm a negative COVID test and the payment for another test in a week's time. Having passed through this, we are to go through a full-body screening. All these include mandatory mask-wearing at the airport. When it is ascertained that you are negative, you are allowed to enter the country. A week after my arrival, I went for the test. In less than 24 hours, I got my negative result. It was another big relief. 

In Abuja, people walk about casually with little restrictions. Physical locations such as malls and airports usually have personnel stationed at entrance points for security reasons. All they have had to do is give them temperature sensors and hand gel. Compare with America where a person is likely to feel their human rights are being attacked because a shop personnel with little experience of customer management is asking them to wear a mask. Nigeria already has these protocols entrenched for a number of reasons. There is more focus on contact tracing of those coming into the country because most cases are from outside the country.

My first week in Nigeria, there was a report of 700 cases. It became big news and chatter. I had a laugh at people's reaction to the 700 cases which were seen as a big spark. I said to a friend, that is less than the number of COVID-related deaths registered by a state in the US. Nigeria was generally safe and I was at peace’. It is interesting that I did not know how much the impact of COVID and its management in the US has affected me until I traveled to that ‘shithole’ country Nigeria. On our way back to the US, things were dangerously simple. We were asked to complete a COVID form on the flight but when we arrived, there was nobody asking questions about where we were coming from. The form I completed is still in my bag. 

I have come to realize that some African countries have a more stringent protocol and strong tracing process. For instance, in Rwanda, if you are not wearing a mask in public, you will be required to go on 12 hours of training. African governments have been more like China and other Asian countries comfortable with stringent approaches  that require testing at strategic points and as a precondition for entry. The UK has now decided to follow this procedure given its own out-of-control situation, but allowed inbound travel without testing for almost a year. 

Africa as a region has its own problems but many countries in Africa are managing this pandemic better than expected. We understand there are governance challenges in some African countries, but when a country gets it right, let’s stop explaining it away but rather learn to apply the positive example to other areas. We are already into a new decade. It is time we stop treating the most heterogeneous continent as a homogenous country. This is a broken record but it has continued to happen. Instead of lazy reporting or using dummies to assess African countries, it would do everyone a favour especially foreign media to try visiting countries and report the reality instead of reports driven by false perceptions. Us shithole countries also  have to take matters - and science - into our own hands, if we want to see the kinds of headlines that capture our reality.  For example, are Africans looking at our blood samples to check whether Africans have higher rates of exposure/antibodies for coronaviruses. What are our scientists doing?

We are in Abuja now, the Capitol city. The hotel is affordable and nice. This is much more of a planned city, nice homes with landscaping. People seem to be following traffic laws to some extent. There is a clear sense of order here. Police direct traffic. Occasionally there is a check point. Police with semi automatics look at cars and wave em on. There is a nice park we go to and sit on the grass and eat spicy seasoned meat called Suya and rice bread wrapped in newspaper. It’s crowed with folks enjoying the day. Photographers offer to take pictures of your outing for a fee. A man selling books kneels down besides to show us his collection. Won’t take no for an answer. Starts getting annoying truthfully, cause I tried not make eye contact, it doesn’t work. I don’t think I have ever bought a book from high pressure sales rep. It’s just not the same. He leaves annoyed. It’s a nice park, other vendors sell crafts and paintings along the walkway, eagles soar above, people are happy. We walk the streets near our hotel I’m told this area was the first planned neighborhood
The houses are nicely kept. The landscaping showcases beautiful palm tree hybrids that look like they have been hand painted with spirals halfway up the tree. It’s a very peaceful neighborhood. We stop at a fresh food market to buy fruit. Again it’s organized and vendors are patient and very helpful

May the month of beauty and maybeMay is that time of the year in the northeast of maybe spring or summer
It is the peak of spring and the beginning of summer.
It sometimes plays in our mentality.
Maybe its rains today, sunny tomorrow or cloudy the next.
It is warm today and maybe cold.
I start with peak clarity and deep confusion,
Then I pick up to decide because what I invested in May will determine my June.
May is beautiful, hopeful confusing but also a time to be decisive and seek clarity.
 May is a time to plan for the remaining year.
 
 
 
zz

Africa the motherland
Oh! Africa full of beauty and gem, luscious and alive
The sun rising majestically. I’m in awe of its beauty,
The red, yellow sky big goodnight and blue in the day
It ushered magnificent moon for light at night
Innumerable stars are ever bright  in African sky
Sparkling like a diamond in the African night
Oh Africa! What can be compare to your beauty?

The river runs deep and shallow ever flowing
The blue oceans meet at the tip of the south
The Ubo spring ever fresh and sweet
Food still grows from nature, and delicious
As I lay in bed I hear the whistle of the wind
That gives great melody to the tree whispering
And birds singing as cock crow at dawn  

Stretching out with a smile, as the sun floods in
The day begins. What a wonderful way to wake in Africa
My heart, my home and God’s grand design. My Africa!
What happen to you oh Africa?
Men of power eating your children while trodden on you
How long would you survive this wickedness?
Your children are being preyed upon for money and greed

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