Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
PRETORIA, South Africa – AfriForum, a prominent civil rights organisation in South Africa, has praised US President, Donald Trump, for “highlighting the plight of Afrikaners” in the country.
AfriForum, alongside its counterparts in the Solidarity Movement, highlighted the order as a significant acknowledgement of the injustices faced by Afrikaners under the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a televised Saturday public address, the AfriForum stressed its commitment to securing a future for Afrikaners within South Africa itself, dismissing the notion of mass emigration as a viable solution.
Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, articulated that maintaining Afrikaner cultural identity on South African soil is paramount, despite the challenges they face.
“Emigration only offers an opportunity for Afrikaners who are willing to risk sacrificing their descendants’ cultural identity,” remarked Kriel.
“The price is too high. We owe it to our ancestors not to forfeit their sacrifices.”
AfriForum, in collaboration with the Solidarity Movement, is set to propose practical solutions aimed at addressing the injustices faced by Afrikaners. These proposals seek mutual recognition and respect among all cultural communities in South Africa, advocating for collaborative efforts to tackle broader societal crises.
Flip Buys, chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, affirmed plans to engage with President Ramaphosa and undertake diplomatic efforts in the United States to explore constructive resolutions benefiting all parties involved.
According to Kriel, AfriForum’s proposals include legislative amendments to safeguard Afrikaans schools and cultural institutions under threat, revisions to foreign policies to ensure neutrality in international conflicts, and the establishment of a cultural accord promoting inclusivity and partnership with the government.
Among their initiatives, AfriForum advocates an end to racial discrimination and hate speech targeting Afrikaners and said the need for accelerated measures to enhance citizen safety, combat corruption, and empower local communities in service delivery.
“These proposals are foundational,” Kriel reiterated, “and will be further developed through upcoming dialogues with both South African and American officials.”
Meanwhile, Free State Agriculture (FSA) has also welcomed President Trump’s support for South Africa’s embattled farming sector. Francois Wilken, President of Free State Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the US government’s recognition of the threats faced by South African farmers, particularly concerning their safety and property rights.
“The US government’s acknowledgement is a crucial step,” said Wilken. “For years, farmers have been under siege, facing threats to their livelihoods and lives, while the ANC-led government has turned a blind eye.”
Wilken criticised claims from South African authorities that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had “falsely alleged” land confiscations, arguing that while expropriation without compensation has not yet been widely enforced, the Expropriation Act enables the government to seize land and other assets without fair market compensation.
“The terminology used by President Trump and Secretary Rubio is accurate,” Wilken stated.
“The policies in place erode property rights, creating an environment ripe for expropriation.”
President Trump’s announcement that farmers and Afrikaners will now be eligible for refugee status in the United States has been described by Wilken as a “wake-up call” for the South African government and agricultural sector.
“For over 30 years, farmers have faced violence, theft, and political hostility,” Wilken said.
“Despite our efforts, the ANC government has failed to address these issues effectively.”
Free State Agriculture highlighted the broader implications of the new Expropriation Act, warning that the legislation not only targets land but could also threaten other assets such as homes, vehicles, and financial resources.
“The government’s assurances are not credible,” Wilken asserted. “We stand ready to collaborate with both local and international partners, including the United States, to secure the future of our farmers.”
Both AfriForum and Free State Agriculture maintain that while international support is invaluable, the long-term solution for Afrikaners and South African farmers lies within the country’s borders. Their focus remains on fostering dialogue, promoting cultural preservation, and addressing the systemic issues threatening their communities.
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SA government responds to Trump’s executive order
In response to President Trump’s executive order, the South African government issued a statement expressing concern over what it describes as “misinformation and propaganda” regarding the situation in the country.
“The foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” read the statement from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The government criticised the narrative that Afrikaners and farmers are under systematic threat, pointing out that they remain among the most economically privileged groups in the country.
“It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains among the most economically privileged, while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship,” the statement continued.
While the government acknowledged the importance of dialogue, it stressed that South Africa remains committed to addressing its challenges through diplomatic channels and constructive engagement.
“We reiterate that South Africa remains committed to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes,” the statement concluded.
