During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, President Trump addressed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to encourage former liberation fighters to speak out against the violence toward white South Africans.
The Trump administration has faced calls to expedite refugee status and citizenship for white farmers in South Africa amidst accusations of genocide. These claims have been particularly emphasized by the administration this year.
Trump also presented Ramaphosa with a nearly four-minute video, which African advocates argue features clips from Julius Malema, a controversial figure who was expelled from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) years ago. Malema is known for his support of these claims.
“That’s a significant move in South Africa,” Trump remarked about Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters party.
He pointed out the aggressive rhetoric used by Malema at rallies, recommending that Ramaphosa take action against him. “Their land is being taken, and many are being killed,” Trump stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “People are dying… South Africans are fleeing due to violence and discriminatory laws.”
Ramaphosa offered a gentle counter to Trump’s assertions, suggesting that Malema’s comments are a form of free speech and that while crime is an issue, it hasn’t disproportionately impacted white farmers. “Our government policies contradict your statements,” he asserted, noting that Malema’s party is a minority that has a right to exist under their constitution.
A Complex Legacy
White South Africans, primarily of Dutch descent, constitute less than 7% of the nation’s population. They were in power from 1948 until 1994, when Nelson Mandela led the ANC to victory.
Ramaphosa held the position of Mandela’s deputy before becoming a successful businessman and union leader. He returned to politics as president in 2018.
This January, South Africa’s Parliament passed legislation aimed at addressing the “consequences of past racist laws and practices,” including apartheid. The law faces legal challenges but hasn’t been fully implemented yet.
Despite this, some critics, including high-profile individuals like Elon Musk, have raised alarms about perceived threats against wealthy white citizens. Musk attended the meeting with Trump and has voiced concerns regarding the country’s land laws via social media.
According to reports, the South African government is working on a solution that would allow internet providers, like Musk’s Starlink, to operate despite regulations centered on Black economic empowerment.
Violence and Genocide Allegations
The concept of “genocide” was formally acknowledged by the United Nations post-Holocaust, referring to acts intended to destroy specific groups. However, the situation in South Africa has not been classified as such by legal authorities, and evidence supporting systemic political violence against any group is lacking.
South Africa’s crime statistics indicate that in 2024, there were 6,032 murders across the nation, with fewer than 1% occurring on farms, and only one farmer’s murder was reported. Data does not distinguish by race.
The White House video also included footage of over a thousand crosses along South African roads, which Trump claimed symbolize murdered white farmers.
However, the Witkruis monument was created as a general memorial for victims of farm attacks, not solely for white farmers. Historically, farm violence has affected both black and white landowners.
Musk had previously shared a video of the crosses on his social media, showing some confusion over their intended commemoration.
“That’s alarming,” Trump commented. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
This narrative about South African farmers ties into the larger discontent expressed by Trump and others in his circle.
