In Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his disapproval of a recent visit by a lobby group representing the country’s white Afrikaner community to the United States. This visit to the White House has intensified existing tensions between South Africa and the Trump administration.
The lobby group, AfriForum, and its associated organizations announced that a small delegation had met with U.S. officials. These meetings followed President Donald Trump’s executive order to halt aid to South Africa, citing alleged human rights violations against the white minority. Trump inaccurately claimed that the South African government is confiscating land from white farmers under the newly signed Expropriation Act while also criticizing South Africa’s actions at the International Court of Justice concerning Israel.
Photographs shared by the group on social media showed its members at the White House, identifiable by their visitor tags. AfriForum asserts that the Afrikaner community is facing attacks within South Africa, pointing to the deaths of Afrikaner farmers and the government’s land policies as threats.
During a media briefing, President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s interest in negotiating with Trump to resolve ongoing disagreements. He criticized Solidariteit and AfriForum leadership for their actions, emphasizing that seeking foreign intervention is divisive rather than promoting nation-building.
Ramaphosa stated, “We should stop running to other countries; we should discuss our own problems here and find solutions. That in many ways confirms our sovereignty.” This comes amidst reports that South African diplomats have struggled to secure meetings with the current U.S. administration. Notably, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have skipped recent G20 meetings held in South Africa.
Political groups and opposition parties within South Africa have denounced AfriForum and Solidariteit, labeling their behavior reckless and misleading. Critics argue that their approach to the U.S. demonstrates a disregard for the diplomatic disorder they have incited.
AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, part of the U.S. delegation, retorted that it was ironic for Ramaphosa to accuse them of inciting division. He claims that the ANC officials, including the President, are responsible for the divisions threatening Afrikaner cultural communities.
Kriel highlighted several points of contention, including Ramaphosa’s endorsement of the Expropriation Act, alleged refusals to denounce specific slogans, denial of farmer murders, and ignorance of AfriForum’s communications.
The group reported conveying its concerns regarding executive orders’ impacts on Afrikaners and broader South African society to influential U.S. officials. Meanwhile, Umkhonto Wesizwe, the party of former President Jacob Zuma, has filed a treason charge against AfriForum, accusing the group of disseminating false information to sway President Trump.
