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Trump’s Aid Suspension Threat Shakes South African Rand

United States President Donald Trump signs two executive orders in the Oval Office. © Connie Cash/Pool via CNP /MediaPunch

Thuso Khumalo

Thuso Khumalo is a seasoned journalist based in Johannesburg, has 20+ years’ experience covering Southern Africa.
  • Rand weakens nearly 2% following Trump’s tweet, recovers slightly
  • South Africa rejects accusations, defends land expropriation policy

Johannesburg, South Africa – A tweet by former US President Donald Trump announcing his intention to suspend all aid to South Africa over accusations of land confiscation and human rights violations caused the Rand to weaken by nearly 2%. The currency dropped to just over 19 Rands per US dollar immediately after the announcement but recovered slightly by Monday afternoon.

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