President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement’s visit to the US, warning that their actions are creating divisions within the country. Speaking at the Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Johannesburg, Ramaphosa criticized the Afrikaner group for urging US President Donald Trump’s administration to punish ANC politicians for their policies, which AfriForum deems “unconstitutional”. The group’s visit to the White House is aimed at securing Trump’s support in protecting their property rights in South Africa ¹.
At the heart of the controversy is the Expropriation Act, signed into law by Ramaphosa, which AfriForum claims threatens their property rights. The organization has also emphasized the impact of farm killings on the Afrikaner community, despite the relatively low number of documented farmer deaths. Ramaphosa has called for unity, stressing that problems should be resolved within South Africa’s borders, rather than seeking external intervention. He believes that AfriForum’s actions are “sowing divisions” and undermining national unity ¹.
The visit has sparked a heated debate about the role of external influences in South Africa’s domestic affairs. AfriForum’s memorandum to the Trump administration has requested increased pressure on the ANC to address their concerns, including revising the Expropriation Act and combating hate speech. While the outcome of their visit remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the issue has exposed deep fault lines within South African society, highlighting the need for inclusive dialogue and nation-building ¹. write keywords
