Deputy President Paul Mashatile has dismissed claims made by former United States President Donald Trump regarding an alleged “genocide of white Afrikaners” in South Africa, describing them as baseless and the result of misinformation. He extended an invitation for Trump to visit South Africa and see the reality on the ground.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Africa Travel Indaba in KwaZulu-Natal, Mashatile expressed confidence in South Africa’s social cohesion, highlighting peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. He stressed that the country is home to both Black and White citizens who live and work together harmoniously.
Mashatile’s remarks follow reports that Trump, during a White House press briefing, threatened to boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa unless the country addresses what he describes as ongoing violence against white farmers.
Trump criticised both the South African government and media, accusing them of ignoring the issue. His administration also recently welcomed 49 Afrikaners who had fled South Africa and sought refugee status in the United States.
Despite these statements, South African officials maintain there is no targeted campaign of violence against white citizens. President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the Africa CEO Forum, confirmed he had spoken directly with Trump to clarify the situation. Ramaphosa reportedly assured him that the allegations were unfounded and misrepresented the realities on the ground.
South Africa is due to hand over the G20 presidency to the United States at the end of the year. While formal invitations to the summit have been extended to all G20 leaders, including Trump, reports indicate that some members of his former administration are boycotting meetings. They cite concerns about land reform policies and alleged racial violence as key reasons for their absence.
Mashatile reiterated the country’s openness and urged international leaders to engage with South Africa directly rather than rely on inaccurate narratives. He expressed hope that Trump would accept the invitation and experience the truth for himself.
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