AfriForum Will Not Be Silenced
By Thabo Mosia
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has denounced the ongoing high treason investigation by the Hawks as a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the organisation and suppress dissent against the African National Congress (ANC) government’s policies. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Kriel asserts that AfriForum remains resolute in its mission to advocate for the rights of Afrikaners and uphold democratic principles in South Africa.
Hawks Investigate High Treason Allegations
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, is currently probing four dockets of high treason linked to AfriForum and its affiliate, Solidarity. These investigations stem from complaints filed by various political entities, including the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, accusing the groups of seeking foreign intervention in South Africa’s domestic affairs.
The allegations focus on AfriForum and Solidarity’s lobbying efforts in the United States, where they engaged with officials from former President Donald Trump’s administration to express concerns over policies perceived as threatening to Afrikaans culture, such as the Expropriation Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya emphasized the seriousness of the investigation, stating, “These kinds of matters need to be approached carefully, as we are dealing with a serious crime here. Some witnesses have already been visited; there are others we are still visiting.” He noted that the outcome of the probe would determine if prosecution is warranted. 
AfriForum’s Response to the Investigation
Kallie Kriel has dismissed the treason charges as baseless and an abuse of state power. He argues that the investigation is an attempt to silence AfriForum and other organisations that oppose the ANC’s policies. “The Hawks’ continued investigation into the outrageous charges of high treason against AfriForum is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate AfriForum and to silence the organisation, as well as others who oppose the ANC government’s reckless policies,” Kriel stated. 
Kriel maintains that AfriForum’s actions, including engaging with international figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, are within their democratic rights to seek support for protecting human rights in South Africa. He asserts that these efforts are not acts of treason but rather a means to highlight concerns over policies that threaten the cultural existence of Afrikaans-speaking communities. 
Government’s Stance and Diplomatic Implications
President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized AfriForum and Solidarity’s actions as “unpatriotic,” accusing them of spreading misinformation about South Africa’s policies abroad. He expressed disappointment over their engagement with foreign entities, stating that such actions undermine the country’s sovereignty and efforts to resolve issues internally. 
The controversy has strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. Following AfriForum’s lobbying efforts, the Trump administration took actions including cutting funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and offering refugee status to white South African farmers, citing concerns over land expropriation policies. 
Legal Perspectives and Political Reactions
Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the viability of treason charges against AfriForum and Solidarity. The burden of proof for treason is high, requiring evidence of intent to overthrow the government or harm the state. Mpumelelo Zikalala, a legal commentator, noted, “When it comes to what has to be passed by the legal master, then you are going to have a problem if you take this matter to court.”
Political parties are divided on the issue. The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has defended AfriForum’s actions, arguing that seeking international support does not constitute treason. Conversely, the ANC and its allies view the lobbying efforts as detrimental to national interests and have called for accountability. 
AfriForum’s Commitment to Advocacy
Despite the ongoing investigation, AfriForum remains steadfast in its mission. Kriel emphasized that the organisation will continue to oppose policies they perceive as harmful to Afrikaner communities and will not be deterred by legal threats. “AfriForum will not be intimidated into silence. On the contrary, this attempt serves as motivation for AfriForum, together with our colleagues in the Solidarity Movement, to continue opposing the ANC’s reckless policies and human rights violations in South Africa,” he affirmed.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 104 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: DA’s Helen Zille Accuses ANC of Using Employment Equity Law to “Shrink Jobs and Punish Business”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Central-News-Issue-104.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube