South African politicians demand legal action against AfriForum following its controversial meeting with Donald Trump’s administration.
South African politicians and civil society groups call for treason charges against AfriForum after the lobby group meet with members of US President Donald Trump’s administration. The meeting, which aimed to advocate for Afrikaner interests and lobby against the African National Congress (ANC), has sparked widespread outrage.
AfriForum’s Meeting with the Trump Administration
AfriForum, led by CEO Kallie Kriel, recently travelled to the US, where they urged Trump-aligned officials to take punitive action against ANC leaders. According to Kriel, the meeting at the White House was prompted by frustrations with the South African government’s stance on issues such as land expropriation and farm killings.
AfriForum claims the South African government has failed to address their concerns, particularly regarding the Expropriation Act, which they argue threatens private property rights. They also suggested that US officials were “well-versed” in South African affairs and were pushing back against the government’s narrative.
Political Backlash and Calls for Treason Charges
The meeting has drawn fierce criticism from various political leaders, with many arguing that AfriForum is undermining South Africa’s sovereignty by seeking foreign intervention in domestic affairs.
Prominent Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Carl Niehaus called for the immediate arrest of AfriForum leaders upon their return, stating, “All of them must immediately be arrested for treason! This has really gone far too far.”
Vuyo Zungula, leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), also condemned the South African government’s inaction, saying, “These groups should be deregistered, and their leaders charged with treason.”
Social Media and Public Reactions
The controversy has ignited heated debates online. Political analyst Sandile Swana accused AfriForum of clinging to apartheid-era ideologies, stating, “Their commitment to apartheid can earn no forgiveness, just like that of Trump and Elon Musk. They undermine the Constitution and the sovereignty of South Africa.”
Author Kim Heller also weighed in, asserting that AfriForum represents a remnant of white supremacy in the country. Meanwhile, social commentator Naledi Mashishi criticized the group’s willingness to engage with a US leader known for controversial policies, remarking, “It says a lot that Solidarity and AfriForum feel so empowered to approach him in pursuit of their benefits in SA.”
What’s Next for AfriForum?
While no official charges have been laid against AfriForum, the calls for treason highlight deepening political and racial tensions in South Africa. The ANC and other political parties may now face increasing pressure to take action against the lobby group.
With AfriForum’s meeting sparking widespread condemnation, the debate over foreign influence in South African politics is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
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