Cyril Ramaphosa pushes back against Trump claim of Afrikaner “genocide”
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Ramaphosa calmly rebuffs Trump’s Afrikaner “genocide” claims during tense White House meeting.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday in a tense but diplomatically managed session, following controversial claims by Trump that white Afrikaner farmers were facing “genocide” in South Africa. The meeting, which Ramaphosa pushed for in an effort to stabilize strained diplomatic relations, marked a key moment in the post-apartheid era of South African-U.S. engagement.
Tensions escalated after Trump previously tweeted that he had instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to study South African land and farm seizures and the “large-scale killing of farmers.” These comments were seen by many, including human rights experts and international observers, as misinformed and inflammatory, especially as they amplified a narrative mostly promoted by far-right groups.
During the meeting, Trump again raised the issue, citing alleged reports and documentaries that claim Afrikaners are being systematically targeted in South Africa. When pressed by reporters on the topic, Ramaphosa responded calmly but firmly, stating that the genocide narrative is not only false but harmful.
Ramaphosa pointed out that members of his own government are white Afrikaners and serve without fear. “If there was an Afrikaner farmer genocide,” he said, “I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here,” referring to Agriculture Minister John Henry Steenhuisen and two other Afrikaner officials who accompanied him to Washington.
Despite Ramaphosa’s clarification, Trump remained unconvinced. He directed aides to dim the lights in the Oval Office and brought in a television to show a video featuring controversial content, including a South African politician singing the struggle-era anthem “Shoot the Boer,” which some interpret as inciting violence against white farmers. The South African government has consistently distanced itself from such rhetoric, labeling it as fringe and not representative of national policy.
Trump watched the video with evident concern. “It’s a terrible sight,” he commented. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Ramaphosa, seeking to deescalate, emphasized the difference between isolated incidents of violence—common in many parts of the country and affecting all races—and what could be classified as systematic genocide. Independent crime statistics in South Africa show that violent crime affects both black and white citizens, with the majority of victims being black South Africans.
South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution has long prioritized reconciliation and inclusivity. While land reform remains a politically sensitive and necessary process to address the economic inequalities inherited from apartheid, Ramaphosa stressed that such policies are being implemented legally, peacefully, and in consultation with stakeholders.
The South African president noted that land reform aims to redress the historical dispossession of the black majority without jeopardizing the country’s food security or investor confidence. “We are not seizing land. We are reforming our land laws to make them fair,” Ramaphosa said.
After the Oval Office exchange, both leaders proceeded to a working lunch, where discussions reportedly shifted to trade, investment, and regional security. Though the mood during the meeting was tense at times, Ramaphosa described it afterward as “very productive.”
“I think it went very well,” he said upon leaving the White House. “We had a candid conversation, and that’s what partnerships are about.”
The meeting came at a critical time as South Africa seeks to maintain strong ties with the U.S., one of its largest trading partners. The controversy around Trump’s remarks has stirred political debate within South Africa and drawn international media attention. However, analysts say that Ramaphosa’s composed handling of the issue may help ease tensions and refocus attention on constructive diplomatic relations.
As South Africa continues its journey of transformation, Ramaphosa remains committed to defending the truth about his country and ensuring international dialogue is based on facts, not fear.
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