uMkhonto weSizwe Party refutes claims of white genocide in South Africa

THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has strongly refuted claims of a so-called "white genocide" in South Africa, describing the allegations made by some Afrikaners living in the United States, among them Charl Kleinhaus, as unfounded and misleading.

MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela dismissed the genocide claims in an interview with the Daily News, and said: “There is no genocide happening in our country. That claim has no basis.”

A photo circulating online showing Kleinhaus with MKP leader Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla residence, has sparked controversy, but Ndhlela downplayed its significance.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that photo. President Zuma takes pictures with many people who visit Nkandla. This person drove all the way there like others do,” he said.

Ndhlela added that the picture should not be viewed as controversial. “If anything, it works in our favour. It shows that the MKP is non-racial and inclusive. It also undermines any claims of genocide.”

The MKP, now the official opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU), was one of several political parties rejecting the genocide narrative. This follows the controversial defection of 49 Afrikaners to the United States, where they were granted asylum based on claims of racial persecution.

They relocated last Monday.

Kleinhaus, reportedly one of the asylum seekers, spoke to the BBC about his experience on leaving South Africa. “I had to leave behind my five-bedroom house, my dogs, my car, and my mother. But my children are safe now. If you're white, you're wrong in South Africa,” he said.

According to IOL, Kleinhaus was previously listed as the co-owner of Honey Badger Granite Mining in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, on a LinkedIn profile that has since been deleted.

In response to the growing diplomatic tension, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen announced his participation in the South African delegation, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday. The visit is aimed at mending strained relations and to counter misinformation about racial issues in South Africa.

In a statement, Steenhuisen said: “South Africa's relationship with the US is one of immense importance. Preferential trade agreements such as AGOA contribute significantly to our economy. Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers, and the economy at large.”

Steenhuisen stressed that the relationship between the two nations needed to be resolved and strengthened.

“As a proud member of this GNU delegation, I will endeavour to ensure every effort is made to mend and improve relations between the US and SA,” he said.

The EFF was among other parties that have slammed the claims of genocide in the country.

Its leader Julius Malema lashed out at the Afriforum’s Kallie Kriel, questioning why he went to the US in February. 

Speaking at a recent event hosted by the party, Malema, said: “Why is Kriel not going to America? He was the one who said people are being killed. Kriel must lead by example and go. Roets must go. Gerrie Nel must go. But they can’t, because they know life is better here. The moment they land in America, they’ll become hobos.”

DAILY NEWS