Latest news with #WhiteAfrikaner
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
WATCH LIVE: Ramaphosa responds to questions in Parliament on efforts to redress race-based discrimination
President Cyril Ramaphosa will respond to key questions in parliament today Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa will be responding to questions from Members of the National Assembly, with economic growth and the cost of living among issues for deliberation on Tuesday afternoon. This was confirmed by the Presidency in a media statement. This comes after Ramaphosa concluded his working visit to the United States with President Donald Trump, aimed at mending strained relations between the two countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The President's engagement with the National Assembly is a mechanism for Parliament to hold the Executive branch of government accountable, ensuring transparency and strengthening constitutional democracy,' said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya. He said Ramaphosa will also brief the Parliament on efforts to redress race-based discrimination and the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. 'The President will also reflect on South Africa's commitment to conflict resolution regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in that country,' Magwenya said. He said the oral replies will centre on economic growth and job creation as well as creating employment. The engagement will take place at the Nieuwmeester Dome, Cape Town, on Tuesday afternoon, at 2pm. IOL News previously reported that Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the United States, returning to the country following what the Presidency described as 'productive' diplomatic engagements, despite an unexpectedly charged meeting with Trump. On Wednesday, Ramaphosa and Trump held a high-level meeting at the White House, initially intended to focus on diplomatic ties and economic engagement. However, the discussion quickly escalated into a heated confrontation with the South African delegation During a striking Oval Office meeting, Trump urged Ramaphosa to take action to protect White Afrikaner farmers from violent attacks. Trump reiterated widely discredited claims that these farmers were victims of a targeted genocide, even showcasing video footage of crosses and earthen mounds, which he asserted marked over 1,000 graves of murdered individuals. However, the mounds were part of a protest symbolising opposition to violence, not actual grave sites. Notably, Trump failed to acknowledge South Africa's complex and painful history, including decades of violent, racially discriminatory white rule under apartheid. It fell to others in the room to contextualise the broader epidemic of violence in South Africa, which affects all communities. Despite the attack, Ramaphosa remained calm but maintained that there were no land grabs, violence or genocide against any particular race taking place, particularly white people. The South African delegation also clarified that this was misinformation because no such thing was happening in the country.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Showdown in Washington, but we aren't having any of that white genocide BS
Most people weren't having any of it when President Donald Trump, as expected, ambushed a working delegation the US, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, over unsubstantiated claims of 'white genocide': @Mpumalanga Post Many of you might not like Cyril Ramaphosa, but the guy is by far smarter than Donald Trump and Elon Musk combined. @PhutiPela Why didn't Trump and Elon have a meeting with Julius because that's clearly where their REAL issues lie. #SAinUSA @Givenkazeni I don't think Trump is ignorant at all. He knows how to work his ignorant nation. He knows how and to digress, when to interrupt someone who's about to make a valid point. When to be rude to throw you off. It's all an act to push the agendas. @MDNnewss During a meeting at the Oval Office on May 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with images he claimed were evidence of a 'white genocide' occurring in South according to sources, some of the images shown was misrepresented. The photo, purported to show burial sites of white farmers, was in fact taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It depicted Red Cross workers handling body bags following a mass prison break in Goma, where numerous women were reportedly raped and burned Ramaphosa, unaware of the image's actual context at the time, responded calmly. He firmly rejected the genocide claims and explained that crime in South Africa affects all communities, with the majority of victims being Black South Africans. @zilevandamme Reading US and international coverage of the Ramaphosa/Trump meeting. The vast majority focus on Trump's 'unsubstantiated' claims about a white genocide/persecution in South Africa. I'm calling a geopolitical airwar victory for South Africa. @mazemoore They said when Biden took office that the 'adults were back in charge.'South African President Ramaphosa visited both President Biden and President Trump. Biden told Ramaphosa one of his made up stories. Trump called out genocide. @wise30152072 Trump: Why does one need to be black in order to do business & own farm in your country? Ramaphosa: Johann Rupert is white and he owns many multi million businesses in South Africa. Trump: …but but Elon, huh Starlink, huh genocide Ramaphosa: LOL @RachBlevins While Trump is being praised for publicly accusing Ramaphosa of not protecting White Afrikaner farmers, @DougAMacgregor noted that the confrontation was likely done 'at the behest of Israel,' as South Africa is the one pursuing a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ... @Moletsane_keora Pres. Ramaphosa did well even though Trump kept interjecting him. He was calm and collected but Trump was hell bent on believing the so called genocide taking place in our country. Johann Rupert, John Steenhuisen and Zogiswa Losi came through for the country. #Ramaphosa #Trump @allenanalysis Trump dragged Cyril Ramaphosa into the Oval Office and made him watch cherry-picked videos about so-called 'white genocide.'Elon Musk stood in the room like it was a TED Talk on racial message? Weaponize conspiracy. Gaslight a sovereign a narrative that white people are the real victims globally. @TheRedactedInc By some estimates, more than 2 000 white farmers have been killed and the government does confiscate land but it also confiscates other white-owned business. But 50 000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and President Trump has never confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu like this.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa returns home after standing firm against Trump's falsehoods and defending South Africa's sovereignty
US President Donald Trump hands papers to President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Image: AFP President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the United States, returning to South Africa following what the Presidency described as 'productive' diplomatic engagements, despite an unexpectedly charged meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Presidency announced that Ramaphosa and his delegation would be flying home after their trip to Washington had concluded. On Wednesday, Ramaphosa and Trump held a high-level meeting at the White House, initially intended to focus on diplomatic ties and economic engagement. However, the discussion quickly escalated into a heated confrontation with the South African delegation During a striking Oval Office meeting, Trump urged Ramaphosa to take action to protect White Afrikaner farmers from violent attacks. Trump reiterated widely discredited claims that these farmers were victims of a targeted genocide, even showcasing video footage of crosses and earthen mounds, which he asserted marked over 1,000 graves of murdered individuals. However, the mounds were part of a protest symbolising opposition to violence, not actual grave sites. Notably, Trump failed to acknowledge South Africa's complex and painful history, including decades of violent, racially discriminatory white rule under apartheid. It fell to others in the room to contextualise the broader epidemic of violence in South Africa, which affects all communities. Despite the attack, Ramaphosa remained calm but maintained that there were no land grabs, violence or genocide against a particular race, especially the white people. The South African delegation also clarified that that was misinformation because no such thing was happening in the country. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa emphasised that it was important for the US to be part of the South African G20 in November this year. 'The US has introduced the G20 and it would be an honour for them to be there. Fortunately, we will be handing over the G20 presidency to them,' he said. [email protected] IOL Politics
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First Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
'What else could Cyril have done?' South Africans praise Ramaphosa for keeping his cool after Trump's ambush
Some South Africans have dismissed the information referred to by Trump as 'AfriForum propaganda,' a White Afrikaner lobby group that has faced criticism for promoting White nationalist views read more President Cyril Ramaphosa's calm demeanour during US President Donald Trump's ambush at the Oval Office has earned the appreciation of South Africans. It was a Zelenskyy-showdown all over again at the White House on Wednesday after Trump, instead of having a civil bilateral talk with the first African leader to have visited the US, cornered him and pushed his baseless argument of 'genocide' against white South Africans. 'What else could Cyril have done? You're damned if you do, damned if you don't. I think they were caught completely unawares. How on earth could you have planned for that?' asked veteran journalist Milton Nkosi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People from his country were quick to back Ramaphosa, with many citizens taking to X to show their support. 'He remained calm, collected and humble in the face of bigotry and lies. You were a leader today. Went to build not to fight,' one user wrote. Turn the lights down,' President Trump said. It was showtime in the Oval Office . He directed everyone's attention to a television that had been wheeled into the room, and a video began to play. Trump stared at the screen while Ramaphosa looked away. For roughly four minutes, the video showed Black politicians — none part of Ramaphosa's government or political party — using anti-apartheid chants about attacking white South Africans. 'It's a terrible sight. I've never seen anything like it,' the US president said, to which Ramaphosa replied, 'I'd like to know where that is. Because this I've never seen.' Some South Africans have dismissed the information referred to by Trump as 'AfriForum propaganda,' a White Afrikaner lobby group that has faced criticism for promoting White nationalist views. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa rejected allegations of genocide in South Africa, which has a painful history with race. Once an apartheid country, it was ruled by a white minority known as Afrikaners. The system of racist oppression ended three decades ago, and some tension remains despite largely successful efforts at reconciliation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The white Afrikaners lining up to accept Trump's offer of asylum
Kyle believed God was looking out for him when he survived a violent farm robbery in South Africa eight years ago with only a black eye and broken ribs. The robbers failed to get the kettle and iron working, so were unable to burn anyone. Then the gun trigger jammed when they tried to shoot Kyle in the spine. 'They specifically said they were coming back for this farm … [that] it was their land,' said the 43-year-old, who did not want to use his full name. 'Only afterwards, we found out that the guy that stays on the plot was actually killed … the farmhand … I don't know what his name was.' Kyle, a divorced father of three, is one of thousands of white South Africans hoping to take up Donald Trump's offer of refugee status, to escape crime and what they allege is discrimination against white people. The Trump administration's support for these claims, while stopping other new refugee arrivals, has inflamed uncomfortable conversations about how far racial reconciliation still has to go, three decades after the end of white minority rule. The US president's offer was a 'godsend', said Kyle, now a salesman working remotely for an overseas company: 'I've got white children, they're at the bottom of the hiring list here. So, there is no future for them. And the sad thing is they don't even know what apartheid is.' White Afrikaner governments racially segregated every aspect of life from relationships to where people were allowed to live during apartheid, repressing South Africa's Black majority while keeping the white minority safe and much better off. South Africa remains deeply unequal, more than 30 years since the system ended. The black South African unemployment rate is 46.1%, for example, compared with 9.2% for white people. Related: As a white Afrikaner, I can claim asylum in Trump's America. What an absurdity | Max du Preez Affirmative action has created a Black elite, but also nurtured feelings of disfranchisement among some white South Africans. Less than two-thirds of white South Africans agreed that apartheid deprived black people of their livelihoods, v three-quarters of Black South Africans, according to the 2023 Reconciliation Barometer, a survey by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, a thinktank. Kate Lefko-Everett, the report's author, said: 'The level of contact and interaction between South Africans of different race groups has not really changed substantially.' South Africa's high violent crime rate – in the last quarter of 2024 there were almost 7,000 murders, according to police figures – affects everyone. But it has also added to a siege mentality among some white people. Almost two-thirds of white people were considering emigrating, compared with 27% of all South Africans, according to 2022 Afrobarometer data. More than 8,200 people have registered their interest in US refugee status, the New York Times reported in March. The US embassy in Pretoria refused to comment. Chilly Chomse, a 43-year-old carpenter, said he wanted to claim asylum for the sake of his four daughters. He moved to Orania, a white, Afrikaner-only town, for work during the Covid-19 pandemic, but said he was not committed like some residents: 'Once you leave this Orania premises, you are still in South Africa … you're not safe and you can't remain here 24/7 for the rest of your life.' While some white English-speaking South Africans like Kyle hope the refugee programme will include them too, Trump's February executive order referred to 'ethnic minority Afrikaners'. It claimed a recently signed South African law that allows land expropriation in limited circumstances would enable the government to seize Afrikaners' property, while state policy was 'fuelling disproportionate violence against racially disfavoured landowners' (a longstanding far-right claim). When Esté Richter, a friend of Chomse's in Orania, heard about Trump's refugee policy, she initially did not believe it. 'Then I felt that someone has heard us, finally, that someone has heard the cries of Afrikaners,' said Richter, 35, who homeschools her two children and helps her husband with plumbing jobs. 'The main reason why we are looking at the refugee programme is in September 2022 my husband's father was murdered on his farm,' she said. Richter's mother-in-law was burned with a hot iron, beaten up and abandoned in the bush, but survived. The Afrikaner rights group AfriForum met Trump allies in the US during his first term, claiming the South African government was 'complicit' in white farmer murders. The group, which has 300,000 members, continues to claim that 'Afrikaners are the target'. Rudolph Zinn, a University of Limpopo professor, noted South African police data on farm attacks – which listed 12 'farming community' murders in the final quarter of 2024 – included black smallholder farms and non-commercial plots. He said: 'It's definitely not linked to any political motive or a specific race. It's all about the money.' Zinn said imprisoned farm robbers he interviewed said they would tailor their language to instil as much fear as possible to get victims to hand over cash and valuables. 'If it's a white victim, then they would say: 'I hate you because you've taken our land.' But the very same offender would, when it's a Black victim, say: 'You're a coconut, black on the outside, but inside you're white.'' Both AfriForum, which promotes staying in South Africa, and the prospective refugees raised the controversial Kill the Boer song as a reason for their fears. A South African court ruled in 2022 that the song, sung by the populist, far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party at political rallies, was not meant literally. Others said South Africa risked a 'white genocide', a conspiratorial claim repeated by Trump's billionaire, South African-born adviser Elon Musk. Sam Busa, a 60-year-old business consultant of British descent, wants to claim asylum for herself and her three adult sons. She set up an 'Amerikaners' website and social media pages to disseminate information, and gathered 30,000 signatures to thank Trump for offering refugee status. She said: 'We're in, in my personal opinion, an advanced stage of a genocide potentially unfolding. What that does is it effectively throws out any argument about economic status.'
