The South African government has firmly denied allegations contained in the 2024 United States Human Rights Report, rejecting claims that white farmers are being specifically targeted in racially motivated attacks.

The controversy has revived a long-standing false narrative, one previously amplified by high-profile figures such as US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

Trump also threatened to skip the SA G20 summit later this year because “bad things are happening in South Africa”.

Musk, in turn, has echoed similar sentiments in public statements and online, warning of an alleged “white genocide” in the country.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) labelled the assertions as “distorted and inaccurate,” reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, evidence-based approach to rural safety.

In a revised statement issued this week, DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, clarified what it described as “misleading interpretations” of crime data in South Africa’s farming communities.

The US report had suggested a pattern of racial targeting in rural attacks—a claim the South African government says is not supported by official statistics.

“We address all forms of crime, which remain a significant challenge for all of our citizens, regardless of race or location,” said Phiri.

“The suggestion that these crimes represent a concerted practice of racially motivated attacks is not borne out by the facts.”

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), only six murders were reported in farming communities between January and March 2025.

Of these, two were farmers, three were employees, and one was a farm dweller—evidence that violence in rural areas is not racially selective but affects all individuals living and working in those communities.

The government also aimed at domestic groups—specifically AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement—for fuelling divisive rhetoric.

Both organisations have publicly accused the South African government of attempting to “destroy Afrikaners” and of turning a blind eye to farm attacks.

These claims have sparked widespread public outrage and drawn criticism from across the political spectrum for misrepresenting facts and deepening social tensions.

“The claim that the government is trying to destroy Afrikaners is not only false—it is inflammatory and dangerous,” the Presidency said earlier this year.

“We will not allow any organisation, local or international, to spread lies about our country.”

The backlash against AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement has been swift, with many South Africans expressing anger at what they see as fear-mongering and an attempt to politicise crime statistics.

Several civil society organisations and agricultural unions have also distanced themselves from the groups’ claims, urging a more unified and constructive approach to rural safety.

To address rural crime, the government has rolled out a comprehensive National Rural Safety Strategy, now fully implemented at 99% of the country’s rural police stations.

The plan includes collaboration with a broad coalition of stakeholders, including Agri-SA, the African Farmers Association of South Africa, labour unions, traditional leaders, and even AfriForum itself, despite its public antagonism.

In addition, initiatives like the Eyes and Ears (E2) project, developed in partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, are helping improve police intelligence and responsiveness by tapping into the resources of the private security sector.

DIRCO reaffirmed South Africa’s willingness to engage in open dialogue with the US and any international partners—but warned that cooperation must be based on facts, not fiction.

“Our democracy is built on transparency and human rights for all. Misrepresentation threatens that foundation,” the department said.

Meanwhile, Trump has since hit South Africa with 30% tariffs. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics 

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