The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly condemned AfriForum for its alleged role in damaging South Africa’s image through international lobbying efforts. This comes after AfriForum led campaigns in the United States urging action against South Africa’s transformation and land expropriation laws.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri clarified that while the ruling party does not intend to engage with AfriForum directly, it views the organization’s actions as harmful to national unity and sovereignty.
ANC Rejects Dialogue with AfriForum
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Bhengu-Motsiri stated that the ANC sees no reason to engage AfriForum, emphasizing that the group has already made its views clear.
“It is very easy to be sidetracked by AfriForum’s utterances and campaigning, but we believe South Africans should recognize them for what they are – a counter-revolutionary action and organization,” she said.
She also confirmed that various organizations within South Africa are pushing for treason charges against AfriForum and Solidarity.
“I have heard a number of calls being made. We know that multiple parties are pursuing legal action against AfriForum and Solidarity, charging them with treason. While we won’t dictate how South Africans should react, these are serious transgressions in a democratic South Africa.”
Legal Action Against AfriForum Gains Momentum
The ANC in the Western Cape has also voiced its full support for legal proceedings initiated by its members Eric Kweleta, Phindile George, and the Khayelitsha community against AfriForum, Solidarity, and associated groups.
“These organizations, backed by foreign interests, have engaged in misinformation campaigns, attempted to delegitimize the Government of National Unity, and fueled racial tensions,” said ANC Western Cape provincial secretary Neville Delport.
He added that AfriForum’s actions violate several key South African laws, including:
- The Constitution
- The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act
- The Protection of Constitutional Democracy Act
- The Treason Act
- The Electronic Communications Act
“The ANC Western Cape will not allow divisive, foreign-backed agendas to destabilize our democracy,” Delport declared.
US Cuts Funding to South Africa Over Land Expropriation
Meanwhile, international pressure on South Africa has escalated following an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The order, issued late last week, confirmed that the US would cut funding to South Africa due to the government’s land expropriation policies and allegations of discrimination against white farmers.
Trump accused the South African government of “egregious actions,” claiming that the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 was designed to seize agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation.
Additionally, the US administration cited South Africa’s recent foreign policy positions, including its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and renewed ties with Iran, as reasons for the funding cut.
“The United States cannot support the South African government’s commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining of US foreign policy,” Trump’s order read.
Growing Political Tensions
With legal action mounting against AfriForum and Solidarity and international scrutiny intensifying, South Africa’s political landscape remains on edge. The ANC has reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and democratic governance, vowing not to let external forces undermine its policies.
As developments unfold, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of legal and diplomatic consequences for all parties involved.
