AfriForum is at the center of controversy in South Africa after former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated the group’s claims regarding land expropriation, alleging that the government is confiscating land from white citizens. Trump’s comments have sparked heated online debates, with some South Africans demanding that AfriForum be formally classified as a white supremacist organization.
During a media briefing, Trump stated that his administration had launched an investigation into South Africa’s land policies, claiming that certain groups were being unfairly targeted. He further suggested that all future U.S. funding to the country could be suspended until the matter was resolved.
In response, AfriForum defended its stance, arguing that any punitive measures taken by the U.S. should be directed at senior ANC officials rather than the broader South African population. “AfriForum’s position is and has always been that the foolish government and president should be punished for their destructive policies, rather than the country’s citizens,” said the organization’s CEO, Kallie Kriel.
The backlash against AfriForum has been swift, with social media users condemning the organization’s role in influencing Trump’s views. Many South Africans took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the group, with some calling for its leaders to be charged with treason.
“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,” wrote comedian Warren Robertson.
Others echoed similar sentiments, with public figure Dan Corder asserting that “AfriForum’s years-long campaign led to Trump lashing out against South Africa based on absolute untruths.”
The ANC has also condemned AfriForum, labeling its actions as part of a misinformation campaign and urging South Africans to reject what they described as “racist distortions.”
As tensions rise, calls for government action against AfriForum continue to gain momentum, with critics arguing that the group’s rhetoric threatens social cohesion in the country.