AfriForum and Solidarity Face Backlash After Meeting with Trump Administration
Leaders of lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity are facing widespread criticism following their recent meeting with members of the Donald Trump administration in the United States.
During the meeting, held on Tuesday, the groups urged US officials to take punitive measures against African National Congress (ANC) leaders while advocating for the rights of Afrikaners in South Africa.
AfriForum’s chief executive, Kallie Kriel, stated that their engagement with White House officials was driven by frustration over the South African government’s refusal to address their concerns.
He claimed that US officials were well-informed about South African affairs and were challenging the government’s stance on farm killings, a contentious issue in the country.
AfriForum also expressed opposition to the Expropriation Act, arguing that it threatens private property rights.
The meeting has sparked intense backlash in South Africa, with many condemning AfriForum’s actions as an appeal for foreign interference in domestic affairs.
Critics have called for the organisation to be labelled treasonous. Social media reactions were swift, with commentator Ryan Cummings remarking that AfriForum’s actions contradict its claim to oppose “reverse apartheid.”
He accused the group of effectively lobbying for “White Bantustans” in a democratic South Africa.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also weighed in, with senior member Carl Niehaus demanding that AfriForum leaders be arrested for treason upon their return.
Author Kim Heller criticised the organisation, arguing that it fosters a lingering sense of white supremacy and longs for the apartheid era.
Similarly, Naledi Mashishi condemned AfriForum’s confidence in engaging with a US administration accused of undermining democratic institutions and promoting divisive policies.
Vuyo Zungula of the African Transformation Movement criticised the South African government for failing to act against AfriForum and Solidarity, calling for their deregistration and for their leaders to face treason charges.
Political analyst Sandile Swana echoed this sentiment, accusing AfriForum of refusing to abandon apartheid-era ideologies and undermining South Africa’s Constitution and sovereignty.
The controversy continues to intensify, highlighting deep divisions over AfriForum’s role and its engagement with foreign governments.