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IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
South African national Kim Towne tragically killed in the US, confirms Dirco
Government has confirmed the death of a South African national in the US. Image: GCIS / File The South African government has confirmed with 'deep sadness' the death of South African national Kim Towne, who was killed by her husband, Alexander Towne, in the US last week. It is believed that the incident occurred in West Virginia. International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family. In a statement, Lamola's spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, stated that South Africa's embassy in Washington, D.C was providing full consular assistance to the family. 'The circumstances surrounding this tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant United States authorities. 'Out of respect for the ongoing investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter, and the privacy of the grieving family, the South African Government will not be providing further detailed commentary at this time,' Lamola said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking to IOL, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel, said this was a terrible incident, conveying his condolences to the family. However, when asked whether they have received any formal communication or correspondence from US authorities, Kriel said: 'Not even the South African government reports to us the large number of incidents where people are murdered or tortured on South African farms.' 'So I can't see why a foreign government would report to us on an incident that has no relation to anything that AfriForum does.' IOL reported last week that the individual was strangled to death following a domestic dispute. Her husband has been charged with second-degree murder. Fairfax County Police said in a statement that Alexander was taken into custody without bail following the death of Kim, who is originally from Cape Town, South Africa. "On May 24 at 7:48 pm, officers responded to a domestic incident inside a residence of Bromall Court in Chantilly. "The suspect reported that he had assaulted and killed his wife." Police said the victim was found suffering trauma to her upper body and was declared deceased at the scene. IOL Politics
The South African
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
SA to bring receipts on Afrikaners as Ramaphosa meets Trump
Ronald Lamola, South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister, says they would refute claims of Afrikaner persecution with evidence if the issue arises during President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with US President Donald Trump. According to Lamola, South Africa's Constitution recognises all residents within its borders, and crime statistics don't support allegations of targeted persecution against white Afrikaners. SABC News reports that Lamola says President Cyril Ramaphosa knows what lies ahead of the meeting with Trump. 'The President is aware of that and is ready. For us, it's about resetting the strategic relationship between the two countries, which is very important. It's our second biggest trading partner. We are the number one trading partner on the continent. So there is a need for us to reset relations.' Lamola is among the ministers, including Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Parks Tau, and John Steenhuisen, who flew to the US today to meet with Trump 'There's no evidence to back such. Our stats are there, evidence-based in terms of the police statistics. No law in South Africa specifically persecutes or targets white Afrikaners, but there is a constitutional imperative that is there for transformation in the country, which is in the interest of the whole nation. That is the Constitutional imperative that is in the Preamble.' President Ramaphosa and his US counterpart are scheduled to meet at 11:30 AM, which is 5:30 PM local time, at the White House in Washington, DC. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Lamola: South Africa ready to reset strategic ties with US ahead of Ramaphosa-Trump meeting
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa is upbeat and ready for critical talks with the US aiming to renew AGOA, boost trade, and strengthen investment ties amid global geopolitical shifts. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has emphasised that South Africa is entering the talks "upbeat and ready," focused on resetting its strategic relationship with the United States. This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. South Africa's delegation is projecting confidence and strategic intent in what officials are calling a critical moment for bilateral relations. Minister Lamola highlighted the need to 'reset' the strategic bilateral partnership during President Ramaphosa's high-stakes visit to Washington. Speaking exclusively to SABC News ahead of the meeting, Lamola stressed that South Africa enters the talks with confidence, clarity, and a strong mandate to defend its sovereignty while pursuing mutually beneficial trade and diplomatic outcomes. "The South African team is ready. The president is upbeat and looking forward to engagements to reset the bilateral relations between South Africa and the US," Lamola said.
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
US refugee policy for South Africans sparks confusion and backlash
The United States' latest statement on its refugee admissions policy for South Africans has sparked confusion and concern, as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to show signs of strain. The Witness reports that, according to a memo released yesterday by the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa, South African nationals — particularly those from 'disfavored minorities' facing 'unjust racial discrimination' — may now be eligible for refugee resettlement consideration in the United States. The announcement follows the arrival of 49 Afrikaners who recently left South Africa for the US claiming persecution. The embassy's memo appears to give partial credence to such claims, stating that individuals of Afrikaner ethnicity or other minority groups must demonstrate a credible past experience of persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution to qualify for resettlement. To be eligible for US resettlement consideration, individuals must meet the following criteria: Must be of South African nationality; Must be of Afrikaner ethnicity or be a member of a racial minority in South Africa; Must be able to articulate a past experience of persecution or fear of future persecution. The language in the memo has triggered a wave of questions and speculation. The shift in refugee eligibility may be linked to recent legislative changes in South Africa, such as the passing of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 and the long-standing Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, both of which have been criticised by some minority groups as racially discriminatory. The ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'disfavored minorities' and the subjective nature of qualifying persecution claims has led to uncertainty about how the US will interpret and implement this policy. 'Crime affects everyone, not only certain groups' Meanwhile, SA News reports that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has firmly denied allegations of persecution against white South Africans, especially white farmers. This is after the group of Afrikaners left South Africa after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration, following claims that they were 'victims of unjust racial discrimination'. Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria yesterday on South Africa's G20 Presidency, Lamola said the South African government refutes the claim that white South Africans are persecuted and qualify as refugees. 'We have stated… that, in line with the international definition, they do not qualify for that status, according to us, and there is no persecution of Afrikaners in South Africa.' Lamola said that crime in South Africa affects all citizens regardless of race, and there is no systematic targeting of Afrikaners. 'Crime in South Africa affects everyone, irrespective of race and gender. There is a more pronounced crime that we are dealing with, which the president has declared a pandemic, [and that] is… gender-based violence, which is a societal challenge that we have to respond to. 'But there's no danger at all that backs that there is persecution of white South Africans or Afrikaners (sic).' The minister said police statistics do not support claims of racial persecution, and that crime is a national challenge affecting all South Africans. 'In fact, more farm dwellers are also affected by crime, and white farmers do get affected by crime, just like any other South African who gets affected by crime. So this is not factual… and [it is] without basis.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Lamola refutes claims of persecution as US relocation programme begins
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has slammed reports of white genocide following the departure of 49 white South Africans to the US on Sunday. Image: File International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola said there is no proof that white farmers in South Africa are being persecuted. This comes as the first group of 49 farmers accepted Donald Trump's offer to be relocated to the US and left the country on Sunday. The group, which included families and small children, was expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on Monday. Their departure also comes after US President Donald Trump in February accused the South African government of racial discrimination against white farmers and subsequently announced a programme to relocate them in the US. Lamola, who addressed the media on Monday, indicated that there is no evidence that backs claims of persecution. "There is no data at all that backs that there is persecution of white South Africans or Afrikaners for that matter. The police statistics, which we are prepared to share and release, do not back these claims. In fact, more farm dwellers are affected by crime. White farmers are also affected by crime just like any other citizen of this country. So, this claim is not factual and is without any basis," said Lamola. Last week, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held a cordial discussion with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau after the US had indicated that it had started processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the US. Botes indicated that South Africa acknowledges that the determination of refugee status requires a factual assessment in light of the prevailing circumstances. "We reiterate that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. The South Africa Police Services statistics on farm related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. "There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law," said Botes in a statement. Lamola also added that the refugees who have already left the country were taken through a vetting process to determine their criminal records and other details. "There was a process of vetting for the South Africans who have left with the checking of their criminal records and all the necessary procedures. As I have said already, they can't provide any proof of persecution because there is none. There is not any form of persecution to white Afrikaners," he said. Deputy President Paul Mashatile said while everyone should stay in the country, South Africa cannot force those who want to leave on their own accord to remain. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He was speaking outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court, in KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday, where he attended proceedings of the inquest into the death of former ANC President-General and Nobel Peace Laureate, Chief Albert Luthuli. 'On the issue of the Afrikaners going to the US, our position is that South Africa is a democracy. We have set ourselves a standard to believe that it belongs to all who live in it, black and white. We would like everybody to stay. We want white people in this country, the farmers; we want them to work in this country, but we can't stop anybody who decides, 'I do not want to stay in this country'. But we are continuing to build this country,' Mashatile said. Additional reporting Gcwalisile Khanyile Cape Times
