In mid-February 2025, posts on social media sites like Facebook (archived here) alleged that the nation of South Africa had announced a ban on all United States-based businesses there and was halting all mining exports to the U.

South Africa has neither suspended U.S. businesses from operating in the country nor stopped exporting minerals to the U.S., contrary to a claim made online in response to Washington’s decision to cut aid.

Social media users on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X have posted identical statements on South Africa’s alleged policy response. A Facebook account with more than 250,000 followers, “United Africa,” and the Instagram account of freelance writer Marilyn Wilson were among the users to post the statement: