Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, has called on lobby group AfriForum to take responsibility for its alleged role in influencing US policy against South Africa. Pandor believes AfriForum should actively work to repair the strained diplomatic ties between the two nations or face accountability for their actions.
The South African lobby group has come under fire in recent weeks for allegedly lobbying the United States to take punitive actions against South Africa. AfriForum and its affiliates have been accused of spreading misinformation about the country’s policies, particularly regarding land expropriation and the treatment of Afrikaners, leading to significant backlash at home.
AfriForum Accused of Fueling US Intervention
Earlier this month, South African media reported that various organizations have demanded treason charges be brought against AfriForum. They argue that the group’s lobbying efforts in the US directly influenced former President Donald Trump’s decision to impose economic sanctions on South Africa, including cutting critical financial aid.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Pandor expressed concern over what she termed a “misrepresentation” of facts that seemingly shaped US foreign policy on South Africa.
“I believe this is based on misrepresentation. For one to develop policy without checking with the official representatives of a country, the elected representatives, seems to my mind to be rather odd. Of course, I don’t know on what they base their information; perhaps they were told horror stories by some South Africans—stories that were totally untrue,” she said.
Pandor Assigns Responsibility to AfriForum
Pandor, now chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, suggested that AfriForum should take corrective action rather than face legal consequences.
“I wouldn’t charge them with treason, but certainly, I would give them an assignment. Those South Africans whose exports are no longer going to the US because of these sanctions should be protesting outside the offices of AfriForum. They should be placing their fruit and other goods at AfriForum’s doorstep, demanding compensation at the level they would have received if they were still able to export to the United States,” Pandor said.
She emphasized that the group, which claims to act in the interests of South Africans, must now prove its commitment by resolving the crisis it allegedly contributed to.
Trump’s Sanctions and South Africa’s Land Reform Law
The controversy stems from former President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on South Africa in response to its land expropriation policies. Trump signed an executive order citing “egregious actions” by the South African government, claiming—without providing evidence—that the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 (Expropriation Act) would allow the seizure of Afrikaner-owned agricultural land without compensation.
In response, Trump offered to resettle white South African farmers in the US, a move that further exacerbated tensions between the two nations.
Ramaphosa’s Government Defends the Expropriation Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Act into law, a historic step in addressing long-standing land inequality in South Africa. The legislation, which underwent five years of public consultation and parliamentary review, provides a legal framework for expropriating land in the public interest, particularly in cases where it remains unused or was acquired under unjust conditions.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that the Act aligns with the South African Constitution and aims to advance social justice. “This legislation is essential in our continued efforts to correct historical injustices and ensure equitable land redistribution in a responsible and lawful manner,” he stated.
Future Implications for AfriForum and SA-US Relations
The fallout from AfriForum’s alleged actions and Trump’s sanctions remains a significant point of contention. While Pandor has refrained from advocating for legal action against the group, there is growing pressure for accountability. The question now is whether AfriForum will take proactive steps to rectify the situation or face continued scrutiny over its role in shaping US policy toward South Africa.
With diplomatic tensions still high, the onus may indeed fall on AfriForum to clarify its actions and contribute to restoring normal trade and diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States.
