AfriForum Rejects Trump’s Refuge Proposal, Vows to Stay Committed to South Africa
AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have formally declined US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Afrikaner farmers to the United States, affirming that the future of Afrikaners lies in South Africa.
During a joint press conference on Saturday, the Afrikaner civil rights organization and trade union movement asserted that white South Africans will not leave the country, despite Trump’s allegations of discrimination stemming from the Land Expropriation Act.
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Trump’s Executive Order Reduces US Aid to South Africa
This rejection came in response to Trump’s executive order signed on Friday, which reduces US financial aid to South Africa, primarily impacting HIV funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The directive also emphasizes the resettlement of Afrikaners through the US refugee program, accusing the South African government of discriminating against white citizens.
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In response, AfriForum attributed the strained relations with Washington to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration but insisted that solutions should be pursued locally.
Afrikaners Are Not Leaving
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel stressed that Afrikaners should focus on preserving their cultural identity in South Africa instead of seeking refuge overseas.
He noted that emigration presents a risk of sacrificing the cultural heritage of future generations, declaring that the cost of such a sacrifice is simply too significant.
Kriel further stated that it is the duty of Afrikaners to their ancestors to continue shaping their identity in South Africa rather than abandoning it.
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Solidarity Movement Chairman Flip Buys announced his intention to engage directly with Ramaphosa to address Afrikaner issues. He also plans to visit the United States to seek practical solutions beneficial to all South Africans.
Buys reaffirmed his belief that, while US concerns are valid, resolutions must be rooted in South Africa. He emphasized the necessity of collaborating with the South African government instead of relying on outside intervention.
AfriForum Condemns “Fake News” Regarding Sanctions
Buys rejected assertions that AfriForum had advocated for sanctions against South Africa or the reduction of US aid. He clarified that Trump’s order stems from the ANC’s irresponsible policies rather than a disinformation campaign by AfriForum.
AfriForum presented several proposals to tackle issues faced by Afrikaners and the broader South African community. The organization seeks to amend the Basic Education Law Amendment Act (BELA) to safeguard Afrikaans schools and contest the Expropriation Act, which poses a threat to property rights.
AfriForum also urged South Africa to adopt a neutral position on international disputes, contending that the ANC’s anti-Western foreign policy is detrimental to the nation’s economy.
The organization proposed creating a cultural accord with the South African government to safeguard Afrikaner institutions and promote cooperation among cultural communities.
In addressing racial discrimination, AfriForum called for an end to animosity toward Afrikaner institutions and urged the government to act against hate speech, including the contentious “Kill the Boer” chant.
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The organization also stressed the importance of enhanced law enforcement to protect all citizens, with targeted efforts to eliminate farm murders.
In light of corruption, AfriForum demanded the swift prosecution of individuals identified in the State Capture Inquiry (Zondo Commission).
The organization also advocated for community involvement in service delivery and suggested partnerships between civil society organizations and the government to enhance infrastructure and governance.
South African Government’s Response to Trump’s Orders
Earlier on Saturday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola criticized Washington’s statements, accusing the US government of spreading misinformation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that a government delegation will visit global capitals, including the US and various African nations, to clarify South Africa’s stance on land expropriation, foreign policy neutrality, and the ICJ case against Israel.
Despite Trump’s involvement, AfriForum and Solidarity remain steadfast in their commitment to finding solutions domestically. They firmly believe that Afrikaners should secure their future within South Africa rather than seek refuge elsewhere.
As diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria rise, the upcoming weeks may significantly impact the future of US-South Africa relations.
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