Following US President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order cutting aid to South Africa and offering refugee status to Afrikaaners, The Free Stater Editor Darlington Majonga engages AfriForum’s Head of Public Relations, Ernst J van Zyl, for an in-depth question-and-answer interview. Van Zyl shares AfriForum’s perspectives on the implications of Trump’s decision, the state of international diplomacy, land reform policies and the broader conversation on race relations in South Africa. Excerpts:
Q: AfriForum has consistently opposed land expropriation efforts. Given South Africa’s historical land dispossession, how does AfriForum propose addressing land inequality without maintaining the status quo of white land dominance?
A: Expropriation of property without compensation is not the answer. You don’t solve an illness by taking poison. A land restitution process is already in place, which AfriForum supports. This legitimate proses of addressing the wrongs of the past has however been derailed by corruption and mismanagement. Fix that existing, sufficient proses. Farming is not easy. It is a technical job that requires a significant amount of time, expertise, experience and money, as well as substantial support and training if you have no background in farming. Providing someone with the land to farm is no guarantee that the farm will be successful. They need support, experience and proper training. Politicians need to stop injecting misinformation, half-truths and outright lies into the land debate for political gain. This does not facilitate solutions. It only misinforms people, fuels division and conflict and muddies the waters. It’s shameful and should not be tolerated. Protect the constitutional right to private property. Countless studies show that the protection and enforcement of private property is one of the key factors which facilitate economic growth, job creation, investment (both foreign and domestic) and political stability. Many case studies show that the destruction of private property rights has exactly the opposite effect on all these metrics.
Q: The new expropriation law provides compensation based on public interest. How does AfriForum justify labelling it as an “injustice” against Afrikaners when it seeks to correct historical imbalances?
A: Because expropriation without compensation, which the Expropriation Act enables, is state theft of land – a current injustice. You do not solve past injustices with current injustices.
Q: The ANC argues that AfriForum is amplifying misinformation about land reform, particularly the claim that white-owned land is being forcibly seized. What is your response to that accusation?
AfriForum has spread no misinformation. The only misinformation being spread is about what AfriForum’s real stance is on the Expropriation Act. AfriForum’s stance is that it is a serious threat to private property rights, not that the government has already started using it so seize land.
Q: How does AfriForum reconcile its appreciation for Trump’s recognition of Afrikaner grievances with its stated commitment to remaining in South Africa?
A: Trump’s pressure on the South African government is welcomed. AfriForum’s mission has always been and remains to ensure a future for Afrikaners in South Africa.
Q: Does AfriForum acknowledge that Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa could have negative economic consequences for all South Africans, including Afrikaners?
A: It could indeed. Therefore AfriForum’s stance has always been that sanctions should target and punish the politicians pushing extremist policies, rather than the normal citizens of South Africa.
Q: The ANC suggests AfriForum played a role in influencing Trump’s decision. Can you confirm or deny any direct lobbying efforts with the US administration?
A: AfriForum has built up a massive network of friends and allies all across the world over the years. We informed them all about the risk the Expropriation Act poses for private property rights, as well as about South Africa’s many race laws.
Q: You claim Afrikaners are victims of “unjust racial discrimination”. Given South Africa’s history of apartheid, how do you respond to critics who say this narrative distorts reality?
A: The South African government currently has 141-plus race laws on the books, many of them explicitly discriminatory. Racially discriminatory laws by the government were wrong in the past, and they are wrong in the present.
Q: AfriForum often highlights farm murders as a crisis affecting white farmers. While crime is a national issue, do you acknowledge that Black South Africans are disproportionately affected by violent crime?
A: When taking into account the frequent cases of torture and extreme violence associated with farm murders, as well as the fact that high-profile politicians regularly encourage these crimes through chants such as “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer”, farm murders are not normal violent crime.
Q: You have called for an end to racial discrimination against Afrikaners. Do you also support affirmative action and Black economic empowerment policies meant to rectify past injustices?
A: All racially discriminatory legislation, in all forms, by the South African government needs to be scrapped.
Q: You mention a desire for greater community control over governance and service delivery. Does this include self-governance models like Orania?
A: Yes.
Q: Back to Trump. His decision to cut US aid to South Africa has been widely criticised as damaging to the country’s economy. Does AfriForum believe this move helps or harms Afrikaners and South Africans in general?
A: AfriForum’s stance has always been that sanctions should target and punish the politicians pushing extremist policies, rather than the normal citizens of South Africa.
Q: AfriForum has welcomed Trump’s recognition of Afrikaner grievances, but some argue this order will deepen racial and political divisions in South Africa. Do you see this as a potential risk?
A: The only organisation increasing racial and political divisions is the ANC through their extremist rhetoric and policies.
Q: AfriForum suggests South Africa should adopt a more neutral foreign policy. What specific changes would you like to see in the government’s stance towards global powers like the US, Russia and China?
A: Do not make enemies for South Africa. Trade and build good relations with the US, Russia, China and more.
Q: What diplomatic steps does AfriForum believe should be taken to repair relations between South Africa and the U.S. following Trump’s executive order?
A: The South African government should amend the Expropriation Act so that it no longer threatens private property rights, scrap all racially discriminatory legislation, as well as amend the BELA Act to remove section 4 and 5.
Q: Trump’s decision has sparked renewed international attention on race relations in South Africa. Do you see this as an opportunity or a challenge for Afrikaners?
A: This is an opportunity to expose the race-mad policies of the South African government.
Q: Finally, would AfriForum be willing to participate in government-led talks with the US nto clarify the realities of land reform and ease tensions?
A: AfriForum will be talking to both the US government and the South African government on our own terms.