The African National Congress (ANC) has voiced its strong frustration with the frequent lobbying trips to the United States by groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity. The ANC accuses these organizations of spreading misinformation that has contributed to a diplomatic crisis between South Africa and the United States.
In a recent statement, ANC national executive committee member Donald Selamolela condemned the ongoing efforts by AfriForum, led by CEO Kallie Kriel, and Solidarity to push their narrative in the US. Their activities have intensified since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act, a move intended to address land inequalities in South Africa.
This week, AfriForum representatives have been actively lobbying in Washington for greater protection of the Afrikaner community, arguing that the Expropriation Act is harmful. These campaigns have resulted in significant backlash, especially after President Trump’s statements last month, where he claimed South Africa was “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly.” Trump’s remarks were followed by a drastic reduction in US aid to South Africa.
Selamolela expressed outrage over the negative impact these lobbying efforts are having on South Africa’s international standing. He criticized Kriel and AfriForum for what he described as their attempts to tarnish the image of the country, which South Africans have worked hard to rebuild after years of racial injustice. “We come from a very ugly past, we come from a past of racial discrimination,” Selamolela stated, emphasizing that the Expropriation Act is an attempt to redress this historical wrong.
The ANC official also pointed out the irony of AfriForum’s stance, arguing that the group’s leadership, such as Kriel’s grandfather, was part of the system that oppressed the majority. “It is Kallie’s grandfather and the cohort of the Afrikaners, who today speak as the most noble people on earth,” Selamolela remarked.
AfriForum and Solidarity’s campaign has not only sparked debates within South Africa but also attracted attention globally. In response to the criticism, supporters of the lobby groups argue that they are simply defending the rights of the Afrikaner community in the face of potential expropriation without compensation.
The ongoing dispute reflects deeper tensions over land reform, historical grievances, and the ongoing legacy of apartheid. The ANC’s rebuke highlights the divide in South African society, with some supporting the groups’ concerns and others accusing them of stoking division and harming the country’s reputation on the international stage.
