'I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa': Viola Davis slams 'white genocide' narrative

Viola Davis has slammed allegations of "a white genocide" in South Africa.

The multi-award winning actress took to social media to share that she stood with South Africans following months of claims of a genocide in SA.

In a post on Instagram, Davis said, "Spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban… there is no argument. There is no justification. I’ve seen the ravages of apartheid. I’ve seen the townships — all Black. Full stop.

"Thank you, @abbydphillip, for speaking truth to power. I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa.

"NGIYAKUTHANDA" (Translated: I love you) 

In the clip, shared by Davis CNN's NewsNight anchor Abby Phillip was responding Scott Jennings's questions around murders in the SA.

According to the statistics Phillip shared, there were 19,696 murders committed in SA between April to December 2024 with 36 being farm murders and seven farmers killed.

Davis has starred in two movies filmed in SA, Woman King and G20. 

Speaking during last week's delivery of the latest crime stats, South African Police Service (SAPS) Minister Senzo Mchunu debunked President Donald Trump's claims of genocide in SA.

"It is claimed that there is 'white genocide' in South Africa and as evidence, a lot of material has been put into circulation, including in the White House, in the USA. These materials include pictures of crosses along a particular road, to name a few," he said.

Mchunu said while the SAPS have respect for the US, its president and people, it did not have respect for the genocide story.

"It is totally unfounded and unsubstantiated," he said.

"South Africa is a full democratic state, with a lot of NGOs, NPOs and free media – they would have run headlines both locally and abroad if there was any genocide," Mchunu said.

Meanwhile, United Nations Human Rights Office spokesperson in Genevam Ravina Shamdasani, said Trump's claims are wholly inappropriate.

She said these are very serious issues and the word should not be used casually.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL