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South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned lobby groups AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement, accusing them of fueling division by seeking intervention from the United States government instead of addressing South Africa’s challenges internally.
The groups recently sent a delegation to the US, stating in a memorandum that they had met with senior representatives of the Trump administration at the White House to advocate for Afrikaner interests.
Their requests included urging the US to “intensify pressure on ANC leaders” regarding issues such as discrimination, property rights, and hate speech, particularly concerning farm murders.
They also called for “a cultural agreement with Afrikaners” to protect Afrikaans-language educational institutions.
However, speaking on the sidelines of the Basic Education Lekgotla, Ramaphosa strongly criticised their approach, stating, “They’re doing precisely what we said we as South Africans should not do.”
“We should stop running to other countries… We should discuss our own problems here and find solutions,” he stressed, adding that resolving issues internally “confirms our own sovereignty” and South Africa’s ability to “stand proud amongst many other nations.”
Ramaphosa also warned that such actions were deepening divisions within the country. “That is not a nation-building process—running around the world to try and have your problems solved,” he said.
“You are just sowing divisions because now a number of South Africans start looking at others negatively.”
AfriForum’s Response to the President
In response to Ramaphosa’s criticism, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel, who was part of the US delegation, pushed back in a video on X, calling it ironic that Ramaphosa accused them of division when, according to him, it is the ANC that is responsible.
He claimed the government was actively creating division through “Anti-Afrikaans laws” such as the BELA Act and the Expropriation Act. He also accused Ramaphosa of failing to acknowledge farm murders and refusing to condemn slogans like “Kill the Boer.”
Despite the widespread opposition to their claims, the nationwide criticism of their US visit, and a treason case opened against them by Umkhonto we Sizwe, AfriForum and Solidarity have defended their actions, arguing that they are advocating for both the Afrikaner community and the nation as a whole.
“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.”
“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,’ and we look forward to the future,” Kriel said.
US Lawmakers Consider Reviewing Relations with South Africa
Following their meetings with US representatives, AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement warned that frustration with South Africa’s foreign policy is growing in Washington, which could have severe economic consequences.
“There is growing anger in the US government over South Africa’s foreign policy. This is going to cost South Africa dearly, and tens of thousands of people who will lose their jobs will pay the price for the government’s reckless policies,” they stated.
During discussions with senior US House of Representatives, Senate, and the Trump administration members, the groups claimed that the ANC government had alienated the world’s largest economy, creating a diplomatic crisis.
“It seems that the South African government does not realise the seriousness of the situation. They are looking for scapegoats, believing that the current situation is just a diplomatic misunderstanding. In reality, this is a diplomatic crisis, but the ANC insists that they will not be bullied.”
In response, a draft Bill proposing a comprehensive review of US-South Africa relations is being reconsidered in Congress. According to AfriForum, this draft Bill was already approved by the House of Representatives in 2024 but was not taken up by the Senate.
“Given the rapidly changing relationship between South Africa and the US, members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs are currently considering re-submitting the Bill to the House of Representatives. Since Republicans now also control the Senate, the Bill will have a better chance of acceptance.”
The Bill cites South Africa’s ties with Hamas, China, Iran, and Russia, arguing that the government has abandoned its neutrality. It also highlights domestic governance failures, corruption, and the Expropriation Act contributing to worsening tensions.
“If this Bill is passed, it would be solely the fault of the government, and specifically the ANC. This situation has been building up over many years, and the recent passing of the Expropriation Act was merely the trigger.”
AfriForum and Solidarity have urged the US to maintain South Africa’s inclusion in AGOA, which supports 500,000 jobs but have called for targeted sanctions against corrupt individuals rather than broad economic measures that would harm ordinary citizens.
“The Solidarity Movement has proposed that, instead of punishing ordinary South Africans, the focus should rather be on sanctions against corrupt individuals and pressure on ANC leaders.”
