Is there really 'white genocide' in South Africa? President Cyril Ramaphosa denies claims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims that white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, are being persecuted, calling it a "completely false narrative."
His remarks come in response to allegations from figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, as well as certain white minority groups in South Africa, who claim systemic discrimination against them.
In a national address, Ramaphosa urged unity, cautioning against foreign influences that could divide the country. He directly challenged accusations that his government is deliberately targeting the white community through policies such as land reform and allegations of orchestrated farm attacks.
"In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution," Ramaphosa said.
Musk recently amplified concerns over white farmers' safety, claiming that political figures in South Africa were promoting "white genocide." He referenced a rally by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, where members sang a controversial anti-apartheid song often associated with anti-Boer sentiments. Musk suggested that many people underestimate the party’s influence in shaping radical narratives.
The EFF, which holds 9.5% of seats in South Africa's parliament, has faced criticism for inciting racial tensions. While a previous court ruling classified the song as hate speech, recent legal decisions have upheld it as protected under freedom of expression laws.
The South African government has sought to clarify that while farm attacks and violent crimes do occur, they are part of the broader crime trends affecting all racial groups. Experts and crime analysts emphasize that there is no evidence of targeted violence against white individuals, stressing that South Africa’s high crime rates impact communities across racial lines.
