Description
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
South Africa's new land expropriation law triggers U.S. aid suspension as Trump raises concerns over property rights and government policies.
About Right to property
- In South Africa: Section 25 of the Constitution (allows land reform)
- In India: Article 300A (Right to Property is a legal right, not a fundamental right)
Land Reforms in India
- Zamindari Abolition, Tenancy Reforms, Land Ceiling
- Comparison with South Africa’s expropriation policy
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Article 39(b) & (c)
Emphasizes equitable land distribution and elimination of wealth concentration
Bilateral Relations between U.S. and South Africa
U.S.-Africa Relations
Economic & Trade Relations
- African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Provides duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market.
- Trade Volume: U.S.-Africa trade stood at $80 billion in 2023.
- Investment: The U.S. promotes infrastructure, energy, and digital economy projects through initiatives like Prosper Africa.
Strategic & Security Cooperation
- Counterterrorism: The U.S. has a military presence in Africa through AFRICOM, targeting extremist groups in Somalia, Nigeria, and the Sahel region.
- Maritime Security: Supports African navies in tackling piracy and illegal fishing.
Development Assistance
- The U.S. remains Africa’s largest donor, funding healthcare, education, and climate change initiatives.
- Programs like PEPFAR combat HIV/AIDS in Africa
Trilateral Cooperation U.S.-South Africa-India
Areas of Convergence
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Both India and the U.S. support African infrastructure under G20’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
Energy Security: India and the U.S. invest in renewable energy and sustainable development in Africa.
Maritime Security: All three cooperate on Indian Ocean security, focusing on piracy and illegal fishing.
Challenges & Differences
Geopolitical Competition: The U.S. sees India as a strategic partner in Africa but also competes in trade and investment.
China’s Influence: Both India and the U.S. seek to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.
Aid vs. Trade Approach: The U.S. focuses on aid-based assistance, while India promotes a partnership-based economic model with Africa.
Key Facts about South Africa
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Feature
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Details
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Official Name
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Republic of South Africa
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Capital Cities
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Pretoria (Administrative), Cape Town (Legislative), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
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Largest City
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Johannesburg
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President
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Cyril Ramaphosa (as of 2025)
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Official Languages
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11 official languages (including English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans)
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Currency
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South African Rand (ZAR)
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Geographical Location
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Southernmost country of Africa
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Borders
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Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho (enclave within South Africa)
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Coastline
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Atlantic Ocean (west) & Indian Ocean (east)
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Major Rivers
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Orange River, Limpopo River, Vaal River
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Climate
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Varied - Mediterranean in the southwest, temperate in the interior, subtropical in the northeast
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Natural Resources
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Gold, diamonds, platinum, coal, uranium, iron ore
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Major Industries
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Mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism
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Historical Significance
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Anti-apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela’s leadership
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Sources: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Fplace%2FSouth-Africa&psig=AOvVaw0Lg1JnjA2sCNVCBHvDnewZ&ust=1738913537821000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCMiQjfLDrosDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
Sources:
INDIAN EXPRESS
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. With reference to India-Africa-U.S. relations, consider the following statements
- India is Africa’s largest trading partner.
- The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a trade initiative between India and African nations.
- India and the U.S. collaborate in Africa on infrastructure and digital connectivity projects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
China is Africa’s largest trading partner, followed by the European Union. India is among the top five trading partners but not the largest.
Statement 2 is incorrect
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a U.S. trade initiative that provides duty-free access for African exports to the United States, not India.
Statement 3 is correct
India and the U.S. collaborate on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energy projects in Africa, particularly under initiatives like G20’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
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