President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized AfriForum for seeking intervention from the United States government on South African policies, warning that such actions risk creating divisions within the country. Speaking on the sidelines of the Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Johannesburg, Ramaphosa responded to reports that AfriForum and other groups had met with US representatives to pressure the African National Congress (ANC) to change its policies.
“We need to be sending a clear message to them that as far as we are concerned, as proud South Africans, we prefer that we should all stay here and solve our problems,” Ramaphosa said. He emphasized that South Africans should address their challenges internally rather than seeking external intervention.
The President expressed concern that AfriForum’s actions were exacerbating divisions within the nation. “Already, what they are doing has spawned divisions in our nation. That is not a nation-building process—running around the world trying to have your problems solved,” he stated. “You are just sowing divisions because then a number of South Africans start looking at others negatively, and I don’t think that is the right way to handle our problems.”
AfriForum, a civil rights organization representing mainly Afrikaner interests, has been vocal in its criticism of certain ANC policies, particularly those related to land reform and affirmative action. The group’s decision to engage with US officials has drawn sharp criticism from the ANC and other political leaders, who view it as an attempt to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty.
Ramaphosa’s comments underscore the government’s commitment to resolving domestic issues through dialogue and collaboration among South Africans. He called for unity and urged all stakeholders to work together to address the country’s challenges without resorting to external pressure.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the ANC and groups like AfriForum, which often clash over issues of race, land, and economic transformation. As South Africa continues to navigate these complex debates, Ramaphosa’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering national unity and addressing grievances through inclusive and constructive dialogue.