United States
By Neo Mofokeng
The United States has outlined specific demands that South Africa must meet to normalize bilateral relations, including addressing farm attacks, condemning the “Kill the Boer” chant, ensuring fair compensation for land expropriation, and exempting US entities from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements. These preconditions were shared with a delegation of Afrikaner leaders during a high-level meeting with senior White House officials in Washington, DC, on 25 June 2025. The delegation, comprising Freedom Front Plus (FF+) leader Dr Corné Mulder, Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) chairman Dr Theo de Jager, and National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) CEO Gerhard Papenfus, has committed to relaying these conditions to the South African government and public to foster transparency and support stronger ties between the two nations.
High-Level Talks in Washington
The Afrikaner delegation met with senior US officials from the Office of the Vice President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. The meeting, described as “constructive” by the delegation, focused on the US administration’s expectations for mending strained relations with South Africa. According to FF+ spokesperson Pieter de Necker, the US officials expressed frustration that these issues—raised multiple times with the South African government—have not been adequately addressed. The delegation was tasked with clearly communicating these preconditions to South Africans to encourage accountability and dialogue.
This visit follows a previous trip three months earlier, where the FF+ supported AfriForum and Solidarity in urging the Trump administration to pressure South Africa on policies like land reform and education. The latest meeting came shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the US in May 2025, aimed at repairing bilateral ties amid growing tensions.
The Four Key Preconditions
The United States has laid out four specific demands for South Africa to meet:
Farm Attacks as a Priority Crime The US insists that farm attacks be classified as a priority crime, akin to rhino poaching or cash-in-transit heists. They argue that these incidents, which claimed 23 white and nine black lives in the past year according to the Transvaal Agricultural Union, require urgent attention. The US has called for each farm attack to be investigated by the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, to ensure thorough action.
Condemnation of “Kill the Boer” The ANC must issue a “clear and unequivocal public condemnation” of the “Kill the Boer” chant, whether used in song or any context. This demand stems from concerns that the chant—rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle—incites violence against farmers in its modern use. The issue gained international spotlight when US President Donald Trump played clips of EFF leader Julius Malema chanting it during his meeting with Ramaphosa, prompting Ramaphosa to argue the footage was taken out of context.
Fair Compensation for Land Expropriation The US demands that no land expropriation occur without fair market compensation and only after all legal processes are exhausted. This comes amid South Africa’s contentious land reform efforts, intensified by the Expropriation Act signed into law in January 2025. The US position reflects concerns over property rights as the country seeks to address historical land disparities.
Exemption from BEE Requirements
US entities should be exempt from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which the US views as potential non-tariff trade barriers. BEE, designed to redress apartheid-era economic imbalances, has been praised for promoting inclusion but criticized for complicating foreign investment. The US argues that race-based legislation should not apply to its companies operating in South Africa.
Mixed Reactions and Historical Context
The US preconditions have sparked debate in South Africa. Political analyst Dr Levy Ndou questioned the US’s authority, asking, “Who are they to tell the ANC what to do?” He criticized the FF+ for engaging in what he sees as divisive diplomacy and urged the US to consult black-led parties like the EFF for a balanced approach. “If the US chooses who to talk to, it risks deepening racial divides,” Ndou warned, suggesting the FF+ is leveraging its whiteness to gain traction in the US.
South Africa’s history adds layers to this story. Apartheid left a legacy of racial inequality, with white South Africans—especially Afrikaners—owning most of the land. Post-1994, the ANC has pursued policies like BEE and land reform to correct this, but progress has been slow. The “Kill the Boer” chant, once a symbol of resistance, now divides opinion, while farm attacks remain a flashpoint, with some alleging targeted violence against white farmers—a narrative the government disputes.
Tensions flared further in February 2025 when the US suspended critical aid to South Africa and offered resettlement to Afrikaners, citing alleged persecution. The South African government rejected claims of “white genocide,” a term Trump has used but which experts widely debunk. During his May 2025 meeting with Ramaphosa, Trump reiterated concerns over land reform, calling it a “seizure” of white-owned farms, a stance Ramaphosa firmly denied.
Diplomatic Strain and Broader Implications
US-South Africa relations have deteriorated in Trump’s second term. His focus on farm attacks and land expropriation—echoed by conservative US groups—has clashed with South Africa’s sovereignty narrative. Ndou argued that bypassing official channels, like Minister Ronald Lamola, undermines diplomacy. “A government cannot continually meet with only certain groups,” he said, hinting that the FF+ trip may not have been formally acknowledged by Pretoria.
The demand for BEE exemptions raises questions about economic fairness versus global trade norms. South Africa’s land reform, meanwhile, balances historical redress with investor confidence—a tightrope made trickier by foreign pressure.
A Call for Dialogue
Despite the friction, the Afrikaner delegation remains optimistic. “The delegation now has a clear understanding of the USA administration’s expectations,” they stated, pledging to relay these demands to both the government and public. Led by Mulder, De Jager, and Papenfus, they aim to support normalization efforts, emphasizing, “We are committed to ensuring that these issues are addressed in a way that benefits all South Africans and strengthens our relationship with the United States.”
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 112 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Local Municipality’s R2 Billion Budget Rejected as Unfunded by Free
State Treasury
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.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