AfriForum meets with Trump Administration
In a move that has ignited significant controversy, AfriForum, alongside Solidarity, engaged in discussions with senior officials of the Trump administration at the White House on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The delegation, led by Solidarity Chairperson Flip Buys and AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel, aimed to address concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies and alleged human rights violations against Afrikaners.
During the meeting, the delegation expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for “highlighting the human rights violations against Afrikaners, and the ANC’s reckless policies and poor governance of the country,” reads a statement from the organisation.
They also presented a memorandum suggesting that the US pressure should focus on ANC leaders advocating for radical policies, rather than imposing sanctions that could affect the broader South African populace.
This engagement follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which cut US aid to South Africa and offered refugee status to white Afrikaners, citing concerns over land expropriation and discrimination. AfriForum, however, has rejected the resettlement offer, emphasising their commitment to remain in South Africa.
ANC condemns AfriForum’s actions
The African National Congress (ANC) has condemned AfriForum’s actions, accusing the organisation of disseminating a “false narrative” that “borders on treason.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to meet with AfriForum, citing their history of misinformation regarding the Expropriation Act and land reform policies.
Social media outrage and calls for treason charge
AfriForum’s actions have sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many calling for legal action against the organisation.
Users on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed outrage: @Mikedotcoza: “AfriForum and Solidarity are desperately clinging to outdated ideals of segregation. Their entire agenda is built on division, pushing for a separate state while pretending to advocate for “minority rights.” Another @DesBailes wrote: “Arrest them for treason!”
In a lengthy post, user @RayMaboya (shared below) shared: “This undermines the democratic outcome of the 2024 national elections and seeks to destabilize our democracy. It’s an attack on our government and our nation as a whole.”
Despite the backlash, AfriForum maintains that its international advocacy is necessary to protect Afrikaner rights and cultural heritage. The organisation argues that external pressure is essential to compel the South African government to reconsider policies they deem discriminatory.
As tensions escalate, the South African government faces the challenge of addressing internal dissent while managing international perceptions. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of land reform, minority rights, and national sovereignty in the country’s evolving political landscape.
