‘Crime affects all’ : International Relations Minister Lamola refutes Afrikaner persecution claims as 49 relocate to the US
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says White South African farmers, like all citizens, face crime, but not persecution.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has dismissed claims that the 49 Afrikaners who left South Africa for the United States did so because of persecution, adding that the government has seen no evidence to support such allegations.
“We must encourage the South African citizens who participated in this matter, particularly regarding the execution order, to find their place here,” Lamola said during a G20 media briefing on Monday.
Lamola addressed the issue following reports that 49 Afrikaners boarded a chartered flight from OR Tambo International Airport en route to the US.
The move reportedly followed an invitation extended under President Donald Trump’s refugee policy and was facilitated on humanitarian grounds.
The Trump administration had previously expressed concern over South Africa’s Expropriation Act, legislation perceived to threaten the rights of the white minority, particularly Afrikaners.
However, Lamola dismissed these concerns as unfounded.
“From the perspective of the South African government, and in terms of the executive orders that define refugee status, we have clearly stated, per the statement issued on Friday, that these individuals do not qualify as refugees under international law,” he said.
He emphasised that crime in South Africa affects everyone equally, regardless of race or gender.
“This has been proven by numerous statistics, including police reports, which do not support the claim of persecution against white South Africans,” Lamola said.
“Crime in our country is a shared burden. It affects everyone.”
He added that while white farmers do experience crime, they are not uniquely targeted.
“In fact, more farm dwellers are also affected by crime,” he said.
“White farmers are affected by crime like any other South Africans. This claim of persecution is simply not factual.”
Lamola also addressed the group's vetting process that left, confirming the involvement of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“There was a process to check all criminal records and to follow the necessary procedures,” he said.
“As I have already stated, there is no evidence of persecution, none at all.”
He said the government has welcomed statements from various Afrikaner organisations that have rejected the notion of persecution.
“Where challenges exist, there are legitimate platforms within the South African context to address them. This is a domestic issue,” Lamola said.
“Our legislation offers sufficient means for grievances to be addressed.”
Lamola urged continued dialogue and collaboration to counter disinformation about the country’s treatment of its white minority.
“We encourage more such engagements and platforms to clarify, on the global stage, the falsehoods that have taken root,” he said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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