AfriForum Extends Olive Branch to ANC After US Fallout Over White Persecution Claims

AfriForum is trying to mend fences with the African National Congress (ANC) following a period of escalating diplomatic tensions fueled by its own misleading claims about white persecution in South Africa—claims that captured global headlines and contributed to a strained relationship with the United States.

The right-wing civil rights organization, known for championing the interests of white Afrikaners, met with the ANC on Tuesday in a bid to reframe the narrative and open lines of dialogue. The meeting, facilitated by the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), was described as “robust and frank” by AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel.

“We all realised there’s a need to find solutions to the issues raised,” Kriel told IOL. “Of course, we will communicate in due course as the process comes to a point that we have reached something.”

While the specifics of the discussion remain under wraps, both parties emphasized the shared goal of strengthening national unity. In its official statement, the ANC reaffirmed that all involved were committed to “South African solutions” for building an inclusive and stable society.

The gesture comes in the wake of serious consequences triggered by AfriForum’s previous actions. The group had urged the United States government to impose sanctions on ANC leaders, alleging systemic targeting of white South Africans. These accusations—widely criticized as inflammatory and unsubstantiated—drew condemnation at home and abroad.

Their lobbying efforts reportedly contributed to former US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 30% tariffs on South African exports and cut financial aid. He even floated the idea of offering refugee status to white South Africans—a move AfriForum and its affiliate Solidarity ultimately declined.

South Africa is now facing increased uncertainty around its future under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade pact that provides preferential access to the US market. The economic implications could be far-reaching.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the diplomatic rift and recently told reporters he plans to meet with Trump “soon” to address outstanding concerns.

As AfriForum repositions itself toward dialogue, political observers will be watching closely to see if the organization can shed its polarizing past and contribute meaningfully to national cohesion.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com