Springboks Photo With Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth Twisted Into ‘White Genocide’ Meme

A joyful moment for the Springboks has become the latest casualty of online misinformation. A viral image of captain Siya Kolisi being lifted on the shoulders of teammates Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman both Afrikaners has been reimagined online as a supposed symbol of “white genocide” in South Africa.

The meme emerged just days after US President Donald Trump once again repeated his claims that white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, are being persecuted a claim the South African government has firmly dismissed as false.

How A Moment Of Pride Became Political Ammo

The image that sparked the controversy was taken in France, where Kolisi marked his 100th Test cap with the Springboks. The photo captured the camaraderie between teammates a symbol of unity that transcends race and background, something the Boks have long embodied.

Yet online, the picture took a darker turn. One X user joked:

“Terrible things are happening in South Africa. They make Afrikaner people carry them on their shoulders. And they make them smile though it.”

Another user, author Zakes Mda, chimed in with biting sarcasm, tagging President Trump:

“Not only do they cook Afrikaner people for breakfast, they use them as beasts of burden as they take them to slaughterhouses.”

While these posts were clearly satirical, pro-Trump accounts quickly seized on them to validate the false narrative of a “white genocide” in South Africa echoing a rhetoric that has circulated among far-right groups since the late 2010s.

Trump’s G20 Boycott Adds Fuel To The Fire

The controversy gained traction after Trump announced he would boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for 22–23 November. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote:

“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa. Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered. And their land and farms are being illegally confiscated.”

He added that no US officials would attend the summit “as long as these human rights abuses continue.”

His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, doubled down on the claims, stating that Afrikaners have been “continuously subjected to violent racial discrimination” comments that drew sharp criticism from South Africans online.

South Africans Clap Back

On local social media, South Africans met the controversy with equal parts frustration and humour. Memes mocking Trump’s ignorance flooded X and TikTok, with users posting exaggerated “proof” of South Africa’s so-called persecution from people happily sharing braais with neighbours to fans celebrating rugby victories across races.

One post summed up the general mood:

“If unity and joy are now considered genocide, then South Africans must be the happiest victims alive.”

Government Dismisses “White Genocide” Claims

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, moved quickly to shut down the misinformation.

“Claims of a ‘white genocide’ or its euphemism, Afrikaner persecution, are imagined and used for political expediency,” Lamola wrote on X.

He added that the government continues to fight all forms of violent crime and that South Africa remains committed to hosting a peaceful and successful G20 Summit.

A Meme That Missed The Point

What was once a snapshot of friendship between Springbok teammates has been twisted into political propaganda. For many South Africans, it’s another reminder of how easily misinformation spreads and how a joyful image meant to unite can be warped to divide.

But if there’s one thing the Boks have proven, it’s that unity, not fear, defines South Africa. As Siya Kolisi once said, “We’re stronger together always.”

{Source:The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com