- This topic is empty.
Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)
-
Posts
-
SA government attacks Trump over Afrikaans victims of racial discrimination order
The South African government has attacked United States President Donald Trump’s executive order to assist Afrikaans citizens, including white farmers.
On Friday, 7 February 2025, Trump signed an executive order formalising his earlier announcement that he would freeze assistance to South Africa.
The White House criticised the recently signed expropriation without compensation Act, which opens the door for the state to take land without paying for it.
It argued the law amounts to discrimination against the white minority population. “The government of South Africa blatantly discriminates against ethnic minority Afrikaners,” it said.
Trump said the law follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business.
He also criticised hateful rhetoric and government actions fuelling disproportionate violence against racially disfavoured landowners.
The White House added that South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent, disfavoured minority farmers.
It said the United States would stop aid and assistance to the country until this behaviour stopped.
The White House added that Trump is going to announce a program to resettle Afrikaners, including farmers and their families, as refugees.
“The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take appropriate steps, consistent with law, to prioritize humanitarian relief,” the order said.
It includes admission and resettlement through the United States Refugee Admissions Program for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination.
South African government responds
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
The South African government responded, saying it has taken note of the latest executive order issued by President Trump.
“It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid,” it said.
“We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.”
It added that it was disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favour among decision-makers in the United States of America.
It then launched an attack on the Trump Administration’s executive order and policy on illegal immigrants.
“It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the US for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged,” it said.
“This is while vulnerable people in the US from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship.”
The government reiterated that South Africa remains committed to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes.
Trade union Solidarity responds
The chairman of the Solidarity Movement, Flip Buys
The chairman of the Solidarity Movement, Flip Buys, said he would urgently request a meeting with President Ramaphosa regarding the order.
Buys will also travel to the United States for discussions with representatives of the White House.
He said the ruling party has pursued reckless domestic and foreign policies for years, which have alienated the world’s largest economy.
The G20 summit has brought international attention to South Africa and will continue for the rest of the year.
“If South Africa, as the chair of the G20 summit, wants to be a global player, its international and domestic policies must align accordingly,” he said.
“This includes ensuring that the ANC does not violate the constitutional settlement by attempting to downscale Afrikaans schools and mother-tongue education through legislation.”
He said their message to Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump is that they want to solve the problems within South Africa.
“The United States should allow South Africans the opportunity to handle our own challenges,” Buys said.
He said the Solidarity Movement remained committed to dialogue and cooperation regarding the challenges.
“We welcome the political pressure that the USA is placing on the ANC, but we will take a stand against the withdrawal of aid,” he said.
“We support South Africa’s continued participation in AGOA, which ensures the livelihood of thousands of farmers and workers.”
He added that ordinary South Africans should not pay the price for diplomatic disputes and the ANC’s reckless policies.
source:SA government attacks Trump over Afrikaans victims of racial discrimination order – Daily Investor
Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.