South Africa – A growing debate has gripped South Africa following US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the country’s controversial Expropriation Act, a piece of legislation that has stirred tensions over land redistribution. Trump echoed rhetoric from the far-right South African group AfriForum, which claims that the government is forcibly seizing land from white citizens.
In a media briefing, Trump described the act as discriminatory, asserting that the government is targeting “certain classes of people” and confiscating land from white South Africans. He added that the US government would be halting future funding to South Africa until further investigation into the country’s actions is conducted.
“So that’s under investigation right now. We’ll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing, they’re taking away land and confiscating land, and actually they’re doing things that are perhaps far worse than that,” Trump said.
AfriForum Responds
The response from AfriForum was swift, with the group urging Trump to direct his anger not at the South African population but rather at the African National Congress (ANC) leadership.
“AfriForum’s position has always been that the foolish government and president should be punished for their destructive policies, rather than the country’s citizens,” said Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum.
Political Fallout
Trump’s comments have caused significant backlash, with politicians and public figures weighing in on both sides of the issue. Nomvula Mokonyane, a senior ANC member, labeled AfriForum as “racist” and “unpatriotic,” condemning the group’s role in spreading what she described as misinformation.
Public Reaction
The controversy has sparked heated online discussions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users have voiced strong opinions.
“AfriForum really needs to be formally classified as a white supremacist terrorist group,” wrote one user, Khuze Elikhulu.
Another user, Warren Robertson, denounced AfriForum’s stance, accusing them of spreading lies about South Africa’s land policies and urging legal action against its leaders:
“As a white South African, I denounce AfriForum and their lies. There is no genocide of white people here. They are dangerous grifters intent on lining their pockets at the expense of their fellow South Africans. Let’s try the leaders for treason.”
Don Fraser added to the criticism, calling for AfriForum’s leaders to be charged with high treason.
“I want to see all AfriForum leaders locked up and charged with high treason. These arrogant white supremacists cannot be allowed to continue with their rhetoric of hate against black people. Lock them up!”
Media Personalities Weigh In
Public figure Gareth Cliff also chimed in, making a pointed comment about the broader political landscape:
“In case you were wondering if you’re on the right side of history, here’s a clue: It’s whatever side George Galloway isn’t on.”
Ongoing Controversy
The issue is unlikely to be settled anytime soon, with both AfriForum and the ANC continuing to trade barbs. Dan Corder, a prominent media figure, accused AfriForum of inciting international backlash by misleading Trump about the situation in South Africa.
“AfriForum’s years-long campaign led to Trump lashing out against South Africa based on absolute untruths,” Corder said.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on the Expropriation Act and whether its provisions, designed to address historical land injustices, are being misrepresented or if they genuinely threaten property rights in South Africa. The unfolding political drama highlights the ongoing struggles over land, race, and national identity in post-apartheid South Africa.