AfriForum argued that Trump's proposed punitive actions against the nation should target senior ANC officials directly, rather than South African people.
Image: Jacques Naude/Independent Newspapers
AfriForum is currently the focus of South Africa after US president Donald Trump echoed the organisation's rhetoric on the Expropriation Act, claiming that the government is stripping land from white people.
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.
"So that's under investigation right now. We'll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing. They're taking away land and confiscating land, and actually they're doing things that are perhaps far worse than that," Trump said in a media briefing.
In response, AfriForum argued that Trump's proposed punitive actions against the nation should target senior ANC officials directly, rather than the South African people.
"AfriForum's position is and has always been that the foolish government and president should be punished for their destructive policies, rather than the country's citizens," said the group's chief executive, Kallie Kriel.
Media personality Gareth Cliff also jumped into the fray.
"In case you were wondering if you're on the right side of history, here's a clue: It's whatever side George Galloway isn't on."
Netizens also expressed strong opinions on the controversy.
"AfriForum really needs to be formally classified as a white supremacist terrorist group," an X user, Khuze Elikhulu posted.
Here are other posts shared by South Africans on X over the controversy:
"As a white South African, I denounce Afriforum and their lies. There is no genocide of white people here. They are dangerous grifters intent on lining their pockets at the expense of their fellow South Africans. Let's try the leaders for treason," wrote Warren Robertson.
Don Fraser also said the group's alleged actions have been treasonous. "I want to see all AfriForum leaders locked up and charged with high treason. These arrogant white supremacists cannot be allowed to continue with their rhetoric of hate against black people. Lock them up!"
Public figure Dan Corder claimed that: "AfriForum's years-long campaign led to Trump lashing out against South Africa based on absolute untruths."
"AfriForum isn't a civil rights organization! Our government must deal with them properly," Tumi Sole posted.
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