Did South Africa Ban American Businesses and Halt Mineral Exports? Here’s the Truth

Recent viral claims suggest that South Africa has banned American businesses from operating in the country and halted mineral exports to the United States in response to an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, these claims are false—the South African government has not enacted any such policies.

What Sparked These Claims?

On February 7, 2025, Trump signed an executive order cutting off U.S. foreign aid to South Africa. The order cited concerns over:

• Alleged discrimination against Afrikaners (South Africans of European descent).
• South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows land redistribution with limited or no compensation.
• South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, alleging genocide.
• The country’s engagement with Iran on nuclear-related projects.

Following Trump’s decision, social media users widely circulated claims that South Africa had retaliated by banning U.S. businesses and stopping mineral exports to America. Posts with identical wording appeared across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter), including from prominent accounts like “United Africa” and freelance writer Marilyn Wilson.

Did South Africa Ban U.S. Companies?

No. South Africa has not imposed any restrictions on American businesses operating in the country. No official policy or proposal has been put forward to limit or ban U.S. companies from conducting business in South Africa.

Has South Africa Halted Mineral Exports to the U.S.?

No. While South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe suggested on February 3 that the country could withhold mineral exports in response to Trump’s executive order, this statement was not an official policy position.

Mantashe said: “If they don’t give us money, let’s not give them minerals.” However, a spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa later clarified that Mantashe’s comment was not to be taken as a serious policy stance. South Africa continues to export minerals to the U.S. without restriction.

The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024: A Key Issue in U.S.-South Africa Tensions

Trump’s executive order was largely driven by concerns over South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the government to seize land for public interest, sometimes without compensation.

• The law states that the government must provide “just and equitable” compensation for expropriated land.
• However, in certain cases, it allows the government to pay no compensation when deemed fair.
• Supporters argue that it addresses land inequality, as white South Africans own over half of the country’s farmland despite being a minority.
• Trump’s executive order called it a “shocking disregard” for property rights.

Bottom Line: No Retaliation from South Africa

Despite Trump’s decision to cut U.S. funding, South Africa has not taken any retaliatory measures against American businesses or mineral exports. While political tensions between the two countries are rising, trade and business relations remain unchanged.

The South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has not announced any policy changes regarding U.S. companies or mineral exports.

Verdict: The viral claims are false. South Africa has not banned American businesses or halted exports to the U.S.

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