The myth of white genocide in South Africa: The US knows the misinformation but doesn't care

THERE is a saying that goes; no one cares about the truth, when the lie is more entertaining.

This modern adage was one of the favourite lines of The Breakfast Club’s motormouth radio personality Charlamagne Tha God whenever he would interview high profile American celebrities on his show with DJ Envy and Angela Yee at the time.

Fast forward to 2025, these words ring true and have never had a clearer meaning, especially when it comes to dealing with conservative, right-wing Americans and their over-hyped political games and shenanigans.

In recent months, South Africa has witnessed a controversial phenomenon; the so-called great “trek” of white Afrikaners seeking refuge in the United States.

Some on social media have turned it into the joke that it truly is and called it the great “tsek” instead of the great “trek”. “Tsek”, in this case is short for the Afrikaans slang word; “voetsek”, which means “go away” or, in not so polite terms “piss off ”.

This controversial Afrikaner refugee movement has been overshadowed by a wave of misinformation and deeply-rooted narratives portraying South Africa as a nation rife with racial violence and persecution against its white communities.

Yet, a closer examination reveals a different story, one that highlights the resilience and unity of the South African populace, irrespective of colour, amidst the challenges they face.

South Africa prides itself on its diverse cultural tapestry and its commitment to non-racialism.

For the past three decades, the country has navigated the turbulent waters of post-apartheid reconciliation through dialogue, the legal system, and parliamentary processes aimed at redress.

The idea that there is widespread land seizures from whites, or any form of genocide targeting white South Africans, stands in stark contrast to reality and is rooted in the great delusion of a boer republic/utopia that does not, and has never existed throughout contemporary South African history.

When the Afrikaner nationalists came into power in 1948, it is important to note that Apartheid South Africa was an oppressive regime no different from the Third Reich in sowing hatred and inflicting brutality on its own people.

Instead, our current reality is that the nation continues to grapple with widespread violent crime, a concern that transcends racial boundaries and affects all South Africans from different walks of life.

Amidst this backdrop, the narrative of a ‘white genocide’ has gained traction, particularly in conservative circles.

As many know, this propaganda is both unfounded and misleading. Recent political maneuvers, particularly by the administration of current US President Donald Trump, have underscored a troubling alliance between false narratives and ultra-conservative ideologies.

The Trump administration has, knowingly or not, embraced this distorted depiction of South Africa, igniting debates over refugee status for Afrikaners that are rooted in misinformation.

It is impossible not to argue that policymakers in the United States fully understand the context yet choose to perpetuate the narrative for ideological gain.

This leaves South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a precarious position as they engage with a government that seems unwilling to accept the truth.

The prevailing belief in the ‘white genocide’ myth showcases a disconcerting trend – misinformation can warp perceptions and lead to dire consequences.

History has proven time and time again that powerful lies can instigate conflicts, especially when one takes into consideration other global events like the Iraq War or the destabilisation of Libya and the subsequent brutal murder of Muammar Gaddafi.

As the world watches the unfolding story of these so-called white refugees, a critical question emerges: what is at stake when lies trump truths?

The primary victims of such misguided beliefs are not just the communities being misrepresented but also those who mistakenly believe that truth will ultimately prevail.

When a powerful instigator adopts a false narrative, the ramifications can reverberate far beyond borders, instigating social upheaval and international strife.

In this shifting landscape of perceptions, it remains imperative for South Africans and global citizens alike to stand firm in the pursuit of truth.

The resilience of a nation forged in the fiery crucible of apartheid cannot be undermined by simplistic narratives that ignore the broader reality. Moving forward, it is critical to focus on the shared struggles and triumphs that unite all South Africans, while safeguarding against the dangerous allure of divisive propaganda.

With that said, the current Trump administration knows very well that the notion of a white genocide in South Africa is a myth and a lie, they just do not care.

Therefore, what we need to be worried about is what comes next, once this lie gains enough traction and reaches its objective?

What is their end game?

Just thinking about this sends shivers down my spine and leaves me very uneasy. We are living in scary times.

Anyways, enough about the doom and gloom. In today’s edition you can read about how your favourite newspaper’s new format is a big hit with our readers.

DAILY NEWS