Fallout from Trump threat: Nomvula Mokonyane calls AfriForum a group of racists and unpatriotic

As the fallout from the Expropriation Act continues to deepen, first deputy secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), Nomvula Mokonyane has lambasted lobby group AfriForum for spearheading a misinformation campaign against South Africa, which she believes has culminated in United States President announcing tough financial action against South Africa. 

This follows Trump's warning to cut aid to South Africa, citing concerns that the newly implemented Expropriation Act is contributing to the “confiscation of land”.

Trump claimed that the country was being discriminatory towards "certain classes of people" and added that he will be axing all future funding to the country, pending an investigation.

In response to Trump’s drastic action, AfriForum said it would seek to persuade Trump for leniency on programmes which affect ordinary South Africans, the lobby group wants ANC leaders to be punished.

Mokonyane said AfriForum’s action exposes the group as a selfish organisation which champions for racial discrimination.

“That is very racist of them, very reactionary of them, very unpatriotic. We have a government that is led by the African National Congress. Our progress policies are actually meant for uniting South Africans, for promoting equality, for ensuring that there is inclusivity,” Mokonyane spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.

“They are now exposed about their commitment and determination for racial discrimination and self enrichment in terms of how they see these opportunities. They know that they stand to benefit if there is no expropriation for future public development and public use.

“They know, as a matter of fact, that if we get affected in terms of non-funding for some of the programmes such as HIV/Aids, they stand to benefit through the private sector and our own constituencies would be the ones that are going to be disadvantaged,” she said.

Mokonyane insisted that AfriForum has proven to be “very selfish” and resisting to do away with discrimination in South Africa. 

Earlier, IOL reported that AfriForum argued that Trump's proposed punitive actions against the nation should target senior ANC officials directly, rather than South African people.

The organisation went on to make an urgent request to the South African government, saying that in order to prevent a catastrophe, the government should propose a revision to the Expropriation Act that would secure the preservation of property rights in the nation.

According to Kallie Kriel, chief executive of AfriForum, the group has already warned President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC that signing the Expropriation Act and enforcing the country's existing racial laws will have a serious negative impact on investor confidence in SA.

Kriel went on to say that there are severe worries about the impact of Trump's punitive actions on regular individuals, who are already breaking under economic hardship.

"AfriForum’s position is and has always been that the foolish government and president should be punished for their destructive policies, rather than the county's citizens."

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL