Photo by ADL
Johannesburg – The term “white genocide” has gained popularity within the politically right-wing and white supremacist circles. Its usage often involves instigating fear, fostering racial divisions, and cultivating a sense of victimisation among the white population in specific countries.
However, this widely criticised and unfounded conspiracy theory posits a deliberate intention to diminish the white population through factors like multiculturalism, immigration, and interracial relationships, amongst others.
In the context of South Africa, the term is sometimes invoked to draw attention to a series of farm murders, a tragic ongoing phenomenon in the country. Despite the tragedy of these crimes, there is no widely accepted evidence supporting the idea that they are part of a systemic and racially driven campaign against white individuals in the country.
It is crucial to recognise that, as highlighted by Wits University Professor of Political Studies Daryl Glaser, the concept of “white genocide is a myth”. Instead, the country faces high levels of overall violent crime and murders, which impacts all citizens.
Glaser emphasises the importance of distinguishing between legitimate concerns about interracial violence and opportunistic crimes, especially in rural areas where people may be more vulnerable. However, since law enforcement categorises the majority of farm cases as common, violent and homicidal crimes, the racial motivation behind these events remains uncertain.
“We have to distinguish two different things: there are legitimate complaints and things to be said about the vulnerability of people in rural areas. … In some cases, some rural violence is probably bound up with histories of labour exploitation, labour disputes, land disputes and so on … This creates a context which undoubtedly is going to generate certain tensions. But the extent to which these tensions around labour and land are direct contributors to the current farm violence, this is not clear.”
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So Why is White Genocide Agenda Pedaled in South Africa?
To answer the question, there are various reasons which explains why global and local politicians and civil society propagate the notion of white genocide. Glaser asserts that certain parties have a political agenda which exploits the fears and anxieties of the white population in the country.
“One can talk about a kind of a global network of right-wing commentators who are taking the situation in South Africa and interpreting it or rather misinterpreting deliberately as a kind of genocide against white South Africans.”
These concerns are amplified by politicians like EFF leader Julius Malema, who at times sings the anti-apartheid song ‘Kill the Boer.’ Such provocative rhetoric offends many South Africans and contributes to the perception of white genocide.
“The fact that this white genocide is a myth doesn’t mean that it’s okay to sing songs which celebrate the killing of farmers,” said Glaser.
However, critically, both national and international political parties endorse the concept of white genocide to rally support, implement policies, and exploit it for their political advantage. They often assert that the global white population is under threat, using racially charged slogans like Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again.”
“There are people who’ve got political agendas … Who wants to advance conspiracy theories … [And] various versions of this argument that basically the white race in South Africa and around the world is under threat from a variety of forces.”
It is important to clarify that there is no white genocide occurring in South Africa. Instead, there is a series of violent crimes that must be addressed to ensure justice for victims and their families in both urban and rural areas.
Encouraging the idea that each racial and ethnic group poses a threat to white people creates heightened fear and anxiety, which fosters societal division and perpetuates this groundless belief. This unfounded narrative fuels unnecessary apprehension and hinders constructive dialogue and unity, hindering the collective efforts needed for a harmonious and inclusive society.
