South Africa's Government of National Unity Cabinet has urged all South Africans to rally in support of the country during a time of “misinformation, disinformation and propaganda” which it said is aimed at misrepresenting government and dividing the nation.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut funding to South Africa, citing disapproval of the country’s land policy and its genocide case against US ally Israel.

Cabinet said Trump’s executive order lacked “factual accuracy and is rooted in misinformation and falsehood aimed at misrepresenting” the actual purpose of the law and sowing racial divisions.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the controversial Expropriation Bill, which was met with criticism from some opposition parties and civil society.

Cabinet rejected claims that the South African government is confiscating land and “treating certain class of people very badly”, as Trump had claimed.

The Expropriation Act is a “constitutionally mandated” legal process that ensures public access to land in an “equitable and just” manner as guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, Cabinet said.

“This law is not unique to South Africa, as many countries around the world have always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners,” it said.

Cabinet said citizens must not allow “false narratives” to divide the country.

“…we are a resilient nation that has more in common and our history has demonstrated that there is no challenge we cannot overcome when we pull together. We are called on to stand for the love for our country, which is rooted in our democratic values of non-racialism, tolerance, compassion, peace, justice, equality, freedom and human dignity,” it stated.

It pointed out that the country’s Constitution was designed to create an environment for all South Africans to work together to address the legacy of the divided past, including land disposition that took place under apartheid.

“Given our past, we cannot turn a blind eye to human rights violations perpetuated around the world, nor can we ignore the less fortunate people who require our voice to ease their suffering. Cabinet reiterated President Ramaphosa’s firm position that our nation would not be bullied,” Cabinet said.

It stressed South Africa’s commitment to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes.

“Our country looks forward to engaging with the Trump administration over land reform policy and bilateral issues,” it said.