Despite facing intense criticism for their controversial trip to the White House, AfriForum remains steadfast in their mission, declaring that they will continue to “fight unashamedly for the rights of Afrikaners.”
This week, the lobby group and its partner, Solidarity, found themselves at the center of public debate, with their U.S. mission stirring widespread commentary. The group’s plea to U.S. officials for support against South Africa’s land expropriation policy and related issues has sparked backlash from many quarters, including from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa has been vocal in his disapproval, expressing concern that the actions of AfriForum and Solidarity are deepening divisions within the nation. “What they are doing has spawned divisions in our nation. This is not a nation-building process of running around the world to have your problems solved—that’s sowing division,” Ramaphosa remarked in response to their U.S. lobbying efforts.
This conflict comes at a time when the U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has already implemented significant decisions that directly impact South Africa. In February, Trump issued executive orders to cut U.S. funding to South Africa, including the termination of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), a crucial program that has helped treat HIV in South Africa since 2003.
Furthermore, Trump’s orders granted white Afrikaners priority status for asylum in the U.S., particularly those who oppose South Africa’s land expropriation policies. These moves have stirred controversy, and Ramaphosa is said to be considering the next steps for South Africa’s diplomatic response.
AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, fired back at Ramaphosa’s comments, claiming that the organization’s decision to seek international support stemmed from frustration with the South African government’s refusal to address their concerns. Kriel placed blame on Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) for what he described as policies that threaten Afrikaner culture and security. Specifically, he pointed to the controversial Bela Act and the Expropriation Act, both of which have sparked tensions regarding land rights and cultural preservation.
Kriel also accused Ramaphosa of ignoring their official letters protesting these policies and continued to stand firm in the group’s stance. “We will not be deterred. We will simply continue to fight for the interests of the country, and we will also fight unashamedly for the interests of Afrikaners,” he said. “These statements only motivate us more to get our message out loud and clear. We are not going to be silenced by the so-called ‘cancel culture.’”
As the battle intensifies over the future of South Africa’s land policies, cultural rights, and international influence, AfriForum has made it clear they are undeterred and remain committed to their cause, despite increasing political and public opposition. The ongoing tensions between AfriForum, Ramaphosa, and various factions in South Africa will no doubt continue to shape the country’s political landscape in the months ahead.
