AfriForum Rejects Claims of Fuelling Disinformation on Afrikaner Genocide: Denies Role in SA-US Tensions Amid Expropriation FearsSouth Africa’s lobby group

AfriForum has hit back at accusations that it is behind a disinformation campaign alleging a government-led genocide against Afrikaners, which President Cyril Ramaphosa says has strained ties with the United States. The group insists its concerns centre on real threats like farm murders and land expropriation without pay, not made-up stories of widespread killings. This denial comes after critics pointed fingers at AfriForum following its February trip to the White House, where they met US officials to raise alarms about policies they see as harmful to minority rights.

Ramaphosa, in a recent national address, slammed what he called false narratives spread by some groups that influenced US views on South Africa. But AfriForum’s CEO Kallie Kriel fired back, saying the real issue is the Expropriation Act’s risks to the economy, not any genocide talk. As debates rage over land reforms and safety, this row highlights deep divides on how to handle SA’s past inequalities without sparking new fears. With Trump’s team echoing similar claims, it raises questions on foreign influence in local matters. Here’s a closer look at the denials, the backstory, and why it matters for unity in SA.

AfriForum’s Firm Denial: Focus on Facts, Not Fiction

AfriForum has come out swinging against charges that it peddles lies about a “white genocide” in SA. Kriel made it clear the group never used that term, instead calling for action on hate speech like “Kill the Boer” and treating farm attacks as a top crime issue. “AfriForum never spread any misinformation. The real misinformation that is being spread is by those who are trying to deny the real threats that the Expropriation Act has for the economy of the country. The President signed the Expropriation Act on the 23rd of January, and [US] President [Donald] Trump responded ten days later. AfriForum played no role in that,” Kriel said.

The group says its work aims to protect rights and the economy, not stir panic. They point to wins like getting media outlets to retract false stories claiming they push a genocide narrative – at least five have apologised after complaints to the press watchdog. Kriel argues their lobbying is about loyalty to SA, fighting policies that could lead to economic ruin like in Zimbabwe.

This stance ties to AfriForum’s broader push against land grabs without pay, which they see as a real danger to farmers and growth. Their February US visit, where they met officials to discuss these fears, has been twisted by critics as proof of disinformation. But the group says it was about highlighting threats to minorities, not making up genocide tales.

Ramaphosa’s Condemnation: Misinformation Hurting SA’s Global Ties

The president did not hold back in calling out what he sees as harmful lies. “We were most pleased that many organisations, businesses and individuals from the United States participated in large numbers in G20-related activities… It is regrettable that the United States of America… chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit… based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people,” Ramaphosa said.

He blamed “groups and individuals within our country, in the US and elsewhere” for spreading these stories, which he says damage jobs and ties with key partners. Ramaphosa urged those behind it to join a national dialogue instead, stressing SA’s commitment to equality under the law. His words echo fears that such claims fuel divisions at home and hurt abroad, like Trump’s threats to bar SA from G20 talks.
The Expropriation Act, signed in January 2025, lets government take land for public needs with fair pay, but critics like AfriForum fear it opens doors to abuse. Ramaphosa’s team sees this as twisted info aimed at blocking reforms to fix apartheid’s land imbalances.

Critics Fire Back: Accusations of Propaganda and External Meddling

Not everyone buys AfriForum’s defence. Critics argue the group has long pushed a narrative of targeted attacks on white farmers, which some say borders on claiming genocide without using the word. Social media buzzes with claims that their US lobbying spreads fear to rally support and funds from right-wing donors abroad.

One online voice called it “a classic move from an organisation addicted to inflating its own importance,” accusing them of using international spots to undermine SA’s progress. Others link it to apartheid nostalgia, saying AfriForum fights changes that level the playing field. Political figures have slammed it as selfish, ignoring how it hurts the whole country’s image and economy.

AfriForum’s actions, like staging events at the UN on minority rights, get labelled as PR stunts rather than real advocacy. Detractors say this exports internal gripes, risking sanctions that hit all South Africans, not just their base.

The Backstory: Farm Attacks, Land Debates, and US Influence

Farm murders are a hot-button issue in SA, with stats showing over 50 killings yearly, though not all tie to race. AfriForum highlights these as priority crimes, lobbying for special protections and against hate speech. They deny genocide claims, saying media twisted their words – and have won corrections from outlets for false reporting.

The land debate adds fuel, with the Expropriation Act seen by some as a step towards fairer ownership, but by others as a threat to property rights. AfriForum’s February White House meet discussed these fears, leading to accusations they influenced Trump’s views. But Kriel insists the timing – Trump’s response 10 days after the act’s signing – shows no link to them.

US-SA ties have taken a hit, with Trump’s boycott of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg over these claims. Ramaphosa called it regrettable but reaffirmed friendship, urging dialogue over division.

Why It Matters: Unity, Economy, and Global Standing

This spat shows how internal debates can spill abroad, hurting trade and investment. SA’s economy relies on US ties for jobs in sectors like farming and tech. Misinformation could scare off partners, worsening unemployment at over 30%.

For unity, Ramaphosa’s call for dialogue aims to bridge divides, inviting critics to talk solutions. But trust gaps remain, with some feeling minority voices get drowned out. As elections loom, this could sway votes in rural areas where land and safety top concerns.

Experts urge fact-based talks, noting farm murders are real but not a genocide – rates are high for all farmers. Groups like the Institute for Security Studies back this, saying claims exaggerate to push agendas.
As debates rage, SA’s strength lies in open talk. AfriForum’s denial and Ramaphosa’s response show both sides digging in, but common ground on safety and growth could heal rifts. For now, the row reminds us words matter – at home and abroad.

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