Cape Town – Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has criticised AfriForum’s actions as morally reprehensible, arguing that the group struggles with the reality of equality in post-apartheid South Africa.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Madonsela said that AfriForum is resisting the idea of all citizens being treated as ordinary, as colonialism and apartheid had previously granted white people a privileged status.
“I think AfriForum is struggling with the reality of being ordinary, because the new South Africa requires all of us to be ordinary, whereas colonialism and apartheid made white people special people,” she said.
Madonsela accused AfriForum of seeking to “reverse the wheel” and reclaim special treatment, finding an ally in US President Donald Trump.
Stellenbosch University Social Justice Chairperson, Prof. Thuli Madonsela says AfriForum is struggling with the reality of white people being ordinary in South Africa, as the apartheid regime had afforded them to be special. She adds AfriForum seeks to reverse the will of… pic.twitter.com/8sxREA1Uu9
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 2, 2025
“I think some white people, and AfriForum in particular is seeking to reverse the wheel and find reason to be special again. They seem to have found an ally in the American president and clearly that is neither compatible with social justice nor compatible with human rights as we celebrate Human Rights Month in South Africa.”
Madonsela emphasised that their lobbying efforts in the US, which contributed to economic sanctions against South Africa, are incompatible with social justice and human rights.
[WATCH] “AfriForum says nothing when white farmers kill farm labourers. Women are murdered far more than farmers.” Social Justice Chair at Stellenbosch University, Prof. Thuli Madonsela says AfriForum’s myth of genocide is undermining the constitution. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/8gVGCUPQan
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 2, 2025
Trump, without presenting any concrete evidence, accused the South African government of “egregious actions” in an executive order, citing concerns over the recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024.
The act allows the state to expropriate land without compensation in specific cases, which Trump framed as an attack on white South African farmers.
As a result, the US cut financial aid to South Africa, affecting millions of poor citizens.
AfriForum and its ally, Solidarity, have faced widespread backlash within South Africa for their role in influencing US policy. Critics argue that their actions have harmed the nation’s economy and reinforced racial divisions.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
