To understand what the land reform bill is really about, and why it has become so central to far-right activists around the world, I recently spoke by phone with William Shoki, the editor of Africa Is a Country,

South Africa is at pains to explain its new Expropriation Act, but when it comes to financial markets, perceptions can often trump reality.

Donald Trump's axing of aid to South Africa, in response to land reform policies he says will harm its white minority, has raised fears a trade deal may be next, though any such move would hurt the same farmers the U.