Ramaphosa Warns False Claims of White Persecution Threaten South Africa’s Unity

False Narratives and Real Consequences

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sounded the alarm on the rise of false claims that white Afrikaners are being persecuted in South Africa, describing these narratives as a threat to the country’s unity, democracy, and sovereignty.

Speaking at the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg on Monday, Ramaphosa said these claims, both domestic and international, are being deliberately amplified for political gain.

“The sense of shared nationhood is well established among South Africans of all races. Yet some still cling to racial superiority and resist transformation,” he said. “This opposition conveniently feeds into a narrative of white victimhood, which is both false and dangerous.”

Disinformation and International Tensions

Ramaphosa’s warning comes amid rising diplomatic strains between South Africa and the United States, driven by repeated, unverified claims by US President Donald Trump that South Africa is forcibly taking land and targeting white farmers.

These narratives are echoed by domestic groups such as AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement, which allege systematic persecution of white citizens, despite evidence to the contrary.

The situation escalated last month when the US boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, claiming no consensus could be reached without its participation. In a rare diplomatic snub, Washington has since invited Poland, not South Africa, to the opening meetings of its 2026 G20 presidency.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the shift, accusing Pretoria of harbouring racism claims South Africa dismisses as baseless.

Ramaphosa’s Call to Action

The president emphasised the real-world consequences of these false narratives, warning they threaten national security, international relations, and South Africa’s sovereignty.

“We must confront disinformation head-on, engaging frankly with all sectors of society and mobilising for a vision of non-racialism, reconciliation, and transformation,” Ramaphosa said.

Social media reactions reflected a mix of support and scepticism. Many South Africans applauded Ramaphosa for defending the country against misinformation, while some questioned the government’s ability to curb rising disinformation campaigns effectively.

A Broader Context of Transformation

Ramaphosa framed the debate as part of a larger struggle to uphold South Africa’s democratic project and protect it from actors exploiting racial divisions for political or economic gain. He highlighted that transformation and equality remain central pillars of the ANC’s vision, and that unity across racial lines is non-negotiable.

“These narratives are not just ideological disputesthey have practical implications for our sovereignty and international standing,” he said.

As South Africa faces increasing scrutiny on the global stage, Ramaphosa’s message was clear: the country must resist disinformation, uphold the principles of democracy, and protect the fragile unity that underpins its diverse society.

US Sanctions on ANC Officials Seen as Inevitable Amid SA-US Tensions

{Source: IOL}

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