By: Bright Ntuli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly reiterated that there is no evidence of a “white genocide” occurring in South Africa.
This statement followed his meeting with former United States President Donald Trump at the White House yesterday, amid ongoing criticism from some quarters in the US. These critiques have included unsubstantiated allegations that white farmers in South Africa are being systematically targeted and killed.
President Ramaphosa clarified that crime in South Africa affects people of all races.
“The victims of violent crime in our country include black and white citizens alike,” he said.
“To suggest that only white people are being killed is both factually incorrect and deeply misleading.”
In response to concerns about land reform, Ramaphosa also took the opportunity to explain the Expropriation Bill, which has been the subject of much international misunderstanding.
He emphasised that the legislation is aimed at addressing historical land injustices in a lawful and responsible manner, within the framework of the Constitution. The Bill allows for land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions, such as where land is abandoned or state-owned, but does not target individuals based on race.
South Africa’s government has consistently maintained that the land reform process is essential to economic transformation and reconciliation and that it will be implemented in a manner that safeguards food security, investor confidence, and the rule of law.
The meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump marked an important moment in South Africa–US relations, as both leaders acknowledged the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and mutual understanding.
