BY: Saneliso Mlambo
President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized AfriForum and the trade union Solidarity for their recent visit to the United States, accusing them of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty and sowing domestic divisions. The two organizations traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss concerns over the Expropriation Act, the BELA Act, and crimes against white farmers with U.S. officials.
Speaking at the Basic Education Lekgotla in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africans should resolve their issues internally rather than seeking external intervention. He stated, “We must stop running to other countries. Our problems should be discussed and resolved here. That confirms our sovereignty and our standing as a free and independent nation.”
The President expressed concern that such actions could lead to increased tensions within the country, noting that they cause South Africans to view each other negatively. He urged for unity and collaborative problem-solving to address national challenges.
In response, AfriForum and Solidarity have defended their visit, stating that their discussions with U.S. representatives aimed to highlight issues affecting their constituencies. However, details of their meetings in Washington remain undisclosed.
This development has sparked a broader debate on the appropriate avenues for addressing domestic grievances and the potential implications of seeking foreign intervention in South Africa’s internal affairs.