Latest news with #Langton
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘I'm no sell-out': Political activist says leaving SA was a last resort
Langton, a 'refugee' under a US programme for SA farmers, says his departure reflects SA's deepening crisis and not disloyalty. Refugee to the United States under the Trump-era Afrikaner resettlement programme, politician Errol Langton, a former organiser for right of centre party the United Independent Movement (UIM) on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, says he's no sell-out for heading to what he believes are greener pastures. Langton was part of the first cohort of 49 asylum seekers who left for the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. He said he fought for a better SA until his departure last week as an improved version of the country had not materialised. Tipping point Langton said the tipping point for him was worsening socioeconomic conditions and 'a lack of accountability'. He said he hoped his exit would inspire change and directly impact the country positively. Langton questioned the viability of continued political participation in a country where, according to him, economic and social collapse was accelerating unchecked. 'Tell me, how many jobs are being created? Do not misquote me and make any reference to race or culture. I am asking how many jobs, non-government jobs, have been created? How much has the economy grown over the past 31 years? How many trillions have been looted?' he asked. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa not 'apprehensive' about meeting with Trump, Presidency says [VIDEO] State interventions such as social relief grants, argued Langton, could not replace a functioning economy. 'Those social relief of distress grants will eventually go away, then what? More people will starve. Those paying taxes will walk away, too,' he said. Echoing the Make America Great Again rationale for welcoming Afrikaners from South Africa, he raised concerns about rural safety and claimed the extent of violence in farming communities was underplayed. Praise MAGA's concerns about rural safety The refugee programme was introduced to offer asylum to white South African farmers, citing persecution and rural violence. 'The world and media are so hung up on how many farm murders there are and that it is not genocide. It is a lie that the government tells itself and the rest of the world. 'Do you need to be murdered to be persecuted? I argue that those who survive vicious rape and assault are the statistic that should be measured.' ALSO READ: The Voet'Tsekkers fly while Afrikaans turns 100 Langton suggested black farmers should be included. 'What about the black farmers who have less of a voice, who perpetually have their livelihood taken away from them through livestock theft, assault and so on? All farmers work hard to put food on the country's tables and what do they get in return?' he asked. He drew parallels between South Africa and historical examples of what he called cultural genocide, citing the Alhambra Decree against Jews in 15th century Spain, the suppression of Tibetan culture in the 1950s, the treatment of Uyghurs in China and the forced deportations of ethnic groups under the Soviet regime. Parallels between SA and 'cultural genocide' He argued that the persecution of South African farmers and lack of state protection amounted to a form of systemic erasure. 'Do you need to be murdered to be persecuted?' he asked. 'Those who survive vicious rape and assault are the statistic that should be measured.' ALSO READ: Afrikaner 'refugees' spot a ruse Langton said the suffering of rural communities was ignored by those in power and dismissed by the media, warning that future generations would look back and 'see a different picture'. He was heavily criticised in the media for just being Caucasian, neither a working farmer nor Afrikaner. Langton also lashed out at local media. 'Shame on local media' 'Shame on you, as a member of the South African media, you should be fighting to expose the reality of South Africa, not looking for a headline to sell some news rags.' He said, as a rule, he avoided media interviews and regretted speaking to The Citizen and before that, other journalists. 'It has brought me nothing but hate and heartache,' he said. ALSO READ: Second chance for Amerikaner 'refugees' But Langton said he continued to support the ideals of the UIM and efforts of its leadership. 'I continue to believe the UIM offers a strong platform with dedicated candidates working to improve the lives of South Africans.' He said his relocation had not changed his hope that ordinary South Africans will one day 'evict the blood suckers that are the current government'.
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Not your average drop': Legendary critic clears out his impressive wine cellar
It's not your average wine auction, that's for sure. Renowned wine critic, author and commentator James Halliday is selling the last of his impressive wine cellar through an online auction this month. Not surprisingly, it won't be for those looking for a bargain. The James Halliday's Private Collection online auction has been open for a week or so now on the Langton's website, closing on May 25 at 9pm. This final auction will see an astonishing 100 lots of Halliday's personal passion - French producer Domaine Armand Rousseau - up for bidding, with each bottle signed by the wine critic himself. The collection includes a 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, 1976 Clos de la Roche and 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin. Highly desirable stuff. Halliday last sold a portion of his treasured collection in 2020, which included the largest single collection of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti that the Australian market had seen. He has confirmed this auction will be to clear out the final bottles in his cellar in the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills, while he relocates to Sydney. "Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led of course by the Chambertins from top vintages," Halliday said. Here are a few other tasty morsels that are sure to attract the interest of collectors. One of Australia's most respected riesling producers, Robert Stein Wines, has officially transferred ownership to third-generation custodians Jacob and Gina Stein. The couple, who have been instrumental in the business for over 17 years, now take full ownership of the Mudgee winery, vineyard and farm after his father, Andrew, decided to step down as general manager. Established in 1976, the property is nine kilometres north of Mudgee and spans 202 hectares, which includes a 20-hectare vineyard featuring nine grape varieties, a working farm with livestock and crops, a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead. In recent years, with Jacob as chief winemaker, Robert Stein Wines has achieved unprecedented acclaim, including three Best Riesling Trophies in the past five years at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and more than 80 trophies and 100 gold medals across national and international competitions. It's not your average wine auction, that's for sure. Renowned wine critic, author and commentator James Halliday is selling the last of his impressive wine cellar through an online auction this month. Not surprisingly, it won't be for those looking for a bargain. The James Halliday's Private Collection online auction has been open for a week or so now on the Langton's website, closing on May 25 at 9pm. This final auction will see an astonishing 100 lots of Halliday's personal passion - French producer Domaine Armand Rousseau - up for bidding, with each bottle signed by the wine critic himself. The collection includes a 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, 1976 Clos de la Roche and 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin. Highly desirable stuff. Halliday last sold a portion of his treasured collection in 2020, which included the largest single collection of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti that the Australian market had seen. He has confirmed this auction will be to clear out the final bottles in his cellar in the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills, while he relocates to Sydney. "Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led of course by the Chambertins from top vintages," Halliday said. Here are a few other tasty morsels that are sure to attract the interest of collectors. One of Australia's most respected riesling producers, Robert Stein Wines, has officially transferred ownership to third-generation custodians Jacob and Gina Stein. The couple, who have been instrumental in the business for over 17 years, now take full ownership of the Mudgee winery, vineyard and farm after his father, Andrew, decided to step down as general manager. Established in 1976, the property is nine kilometres north of Mudgee and spans 202 hectares, which includes a 20-hectare vineyard featuring nine grape varieties, a working farm with livestock and crops, a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead. In recent years, with Jacob as chief winemaker, Robert Stein Wines has achieved unprecedented acclaim, including three Best Riesling Trophies in the past five years at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and more than 80 trophies and 100 gold medals across national and international competitions. It's not your average wine auction, that's for sure. Renowned wine critic, author and commentator James Halliday is selling the last of his impressive wine cellar through an online auction this month. Not surprisingly, it won't be for those looking for a bargain. The James Halliday's Private Collection online auction has been open for a week or so now on the Langton's website, closing on May 25 at 9pm. This final auction will see an astonishing 100 lots of Halliday's personal passion - French producer Domaine Armand Rousseau - up for bidding, with each bottle signed by the wine critic himself. The collection includes a 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, 1976 Clos de la Roche and 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin. Highly desirable stuff. Halliday last sold a portion of his treasured collection in 2020, which included the largest single collection of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti that the Australian market had seen. He has confirmed this auction will be to clear out the final bottles in his cellar in the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills, while he relocates to Sydney. "Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led of course by the Chambertins from top vintages," Halliday said. Here are a few other tasty morsels that are sure to attract the interest of collectors. One of Australia's most respected riesling producers, Robert Stein Wines, has officially transferred ownership to third-generation custodians Jacob and Gina Stein. The couple, who have been instrumental in the business for over 17 years, now take full ownership of the Mudgee winery, vineyard and farm after his father, Andrew, decided to step down as general manager. Established in 1976, the property is nine kilometres north of Mudgee and spans 202 hectares, which includes a 20-hectare vineyard featuring nine grape varieties, a working farm with livestock and crops, a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead. In recent years, with Jacob as chief winemaker, Robert Stein Wines has achieved unprecedented acclaim, including three Best Riesling Trophies in the past five years at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and more than 80 trophies and 100 gold medals across national and international competitions. It's not your average wine auction, that's for sure. Renowned wine critic, author and commentator James Halliday is selling the last of his impressive wine cellar through an online auction this month. Not surprisingly, it won't be for those looking for a bargain. The James Halliday's Private Collection online auction has been open for a week or so now on the Langton's website, closing on May 25 at 9pm. This final auction will see an astonishing 100 lots of Halliday's personal passion - French producer Domaine Armand Rousseau - up for bidding, with each bottle signed by the wine critic himself. The collection includes a 1999 Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin, 1976 Clos de la Roche and 1990 Grand Cru, Chambertin. Highly desirable stuff. Halliday last sold a portion of his treasured collection in 2020, which included the largest single collection of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti that the Australian market had seen. He has confirmed this auction will be to clear out the final bottles in his cellar in the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills, while he relocates to Sydney. "Having long since sold the last of my DRCs, my Rousseaus are the best wines in my cellar, led of course by the Chambertins from top vintages," Halliday said. Here are a few other tasty morsels that are sure to attract the interest of collectors. One of Australia's most respected riesling producers, Robert Stein Wines, has officially transferred ownership to third-generation custodians Jacob and Gina Stein. The couple, who have been instrumental in the business for over 17 years, now take full ownership of the Mudgee winery, vineyard and farm after his father, Andrew, decided to step down as general manager. Established in 1976, the property is nine kilometres north of Mudgee and spans 202 hectares, which includes a 20-hectare vineyard featuring nine grape varieties, a working farm with livestock and crops, a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door, restaurant, and the original family homestead. In recent years, with Jacob as chief winemaker, Robert Stein Wines has achieved unprecedented acclaim, including three Best Riesling Trophies in the past five years at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and more than 80 trophies and 100 gold medals across national and international competitions.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
'Free ride to US': Afrikaner 'refugee' accused of exploitation
Afrikaner 'refugee' Jacqueline Botha is accused of taking advantage of the resettlement programme in order to receive a 'free trip' to the US, to possibly join her husband, living in the country. Last week, a group of 49 white South Africans arrived in America under the guise that they were being 'persecuted' back home, based on their race. However, internet sleuths have discovered that this isn't necessarily the case for many of them, who have been branded 'opportunistic'. According to Newzroom Afrika and South African social media users, Jacqueline 'Jackie' Botha, is accused of exploiting the refugee resettlement programme to join her husband abroad. Jackie left her house in an affluent neighbourhood in Gqerberha as part of the contingent of white South Africans – believed to be 'Afrikaner farmers' – who have sought refugee status in America. The 52-year-old woman left the country with her three children. Their move was in line with President Donald Trump's Executive Order, which was offered to South African minorities who are reportedly victims of 'racial discrimination'. According to a former employee, Botha's husband has been living abroad for several years. It's unclear what career Botha practised or what 'persecution' she faced to warrant her becoming and 'Afrikaner refugee'. On social media, many South Africans have come to their own conclusions…. @sirap777: 'So she caught a free lift to her husband, who is living in the US?' @nom_fam: 'Free flights, food and accommodation…we have to stan a resourceful queen' @modestdeephead: 'Easy way to get immediate citizenship without the long, tedious process. Jackie was like, 1+1=2!' Jacqueline Botha isn't the only 'Afrikaner refugee' who is accused of taking advantage of a trip to the US to reunite with family. Another, IT tech businessman and 'leafy green farmer,' Errol Langton, told the New York Times that he planned to settle in Birmingham, Alabama. Coincidentally, this is the same town his brother moved to several years ago. In a viral TikTok video, Langton's former stepdaughter Geneveve Gouws accused him of 'lying' in his refugee status application. She also alleged that Langton had likely hoped to move closer to his family in the US. Langton clapped back at the claims that he was not an Afrikaner – or a farmer – and claimed that he had been 'attacked' on his property. He also stated that he – and his eight family members – were 'deserving' of the 'refugee' offer. His stepdaughter disputed his claims. 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.
The South African
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
TikTok drama: 'Afrikaner refugee' accused of LYING to get to US
A Johannesburg man – Errol Langton – has been accused of 'lying' about being an Afrikaner in his bid to travel to the US as a 'refugee'. The claims were made by his stepdaughter in a series of TikTok videos. This week, 49 white South Africans arrived in thees United States as part of a resettlement programme signed off by President Donald Trump. In a video that has gone viral on TikTok, a young woman named Geneve Gouws claims she was shocked to see footage of her former stepfather and his eight family members arriving in the US as Afrikaner 'refugees'. She said: 'I'm completely shocked. What do they need protection from exactly? They're not even Afrikaners.' Gouws went on to claim that her former stepfather 'lied' in his application to become a 'refugee'. She also believed that his claims of being a 'victim of crime' were a result of domestic abuse incidents with her mother, whom he has since divorced. 'What lie do you have to tell to get to America?' she added. @genzithevamp5 lol I really can't believe it 😹 ♬ original sound – Geneveve Gouws @genzithevamp5 two sides hey. ♬ silence in 3 minutes – ⋆ 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝒸𝒮𝒩𝒦40 ⋆ On his own TikTok account, Langton – a South African businessman – defended his action of labelling himself as an Afrikaner 'refugee'. Responding to claims by his former stepdaughter, he said: 'I am of Afrikaner descent. My family made a decision a long time ago not to speak Afrikaans and switch over to English. Because that was the medium that was seen as most effective to get around and get things done. 'Not because of any dislike of Afrikaans, just purely a functional change'. @weatherman_za Just stating the facts, believe what you want but both sides need to be heard. ♬ original sound – WeatherMan_ZA While his LinkedIn account lists him as the owner of an IT business, Langton also claims that he was indeed a farmer. He continued: 'I did farming, I owned a farm or at least leased a farm for more than three years, where I farmed with the leafy greens and tried to get commercial farming up and running. He added: 'So tell me, why don't I qualify for this programme? 'I may speak English and be two generations away from being actively Afrikaans. But I am a South African Afrikaner, and that is a fact.' According to a statement from the US Mission to SA, applicants for the refugee resettlement programme must meet the following criteria… Be SA citizens; Be of Afrikaner ethnicity or belong to a racial minority group; and Must articulate a past experience of persecution or fear of future persecution. 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.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The surprisingly posh background of Martin Clunes's ‘fake gypsy' neighbour
With its ancient woodlands, multimillion-pound properties and the Jurassic coastline just a short drive away, Beaminster in west Dorset seems the perfect place for a star to escape the stresses of modern life. But the area's resident celebrity, actor Martin Clunes, 63, has found himself embroiled in a bitter planning row with neighbours seeking to set up a permanent traveller site just 300 yards from his 130-acre farm, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Theo Langton and Ruth McGill have been living off-grid on their woodland plot for more than 20 years, raising two children in a caravan with no running water or electricity. Now, the pair have said they are entitled, as members of the New Age Travellers community, to continue living on the site permanently in their 45ft x 16ft mobile home. They claim there are no other suitable sites in the area in which they could live. Dorset Council appears sympathetic. Officials recommended their plans for approval in April (though the case has been temporarily deferred after concerns were raised about flooding at the site). Importantly, the council's gypsy liaison officer has also suggested Langton and McGill should definitively be considered as 'New Age Travellers' – a nod to a subculture that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s and is characterised by nomadic, counter-cultural lifestyles. For their part, the pair say the fact they earn a living, as artists, from travelling to festivals, proves they are travellers. However, the request has infuriated Clunes and his neighbours, who accuse the couple of playing the system in an attempt to circumvent planning laws. In recent years, the pair have developed the 'Wintergreen Barn' site, which now features a renovated barn and composting toilets. When The Telegraph visited Clunes's nearby property – where he lives with his wife, TV producer Philippa Braithwaite, surrounded by their horses and dogs – the actor politely declined to comment. But in a recent submission to Dorset Council, he was scornful of Langton and McGill's application. 'It cannot be concluded that the applicants are persons of nomadic habit of life due to them visiting music and other festivals each year to sell items and help set them up,' Clunes wrote. 'This would mean that many, if not all, stallholders at such festivals, as well as the roadies who travel with the festival organisers, retailers and bands would be classed as gipsies and travellers within the planning definition, which clearly is not the case,' he added. Clunes also argued there 'is no evidence that the applicants have 'a cultural tradition of nomadism or living in a caravan'.' 'The applicants are locally well-liked and they and their site may give the appearance of a New Age lifestyle, but that does not entitle them to special treatment,' he said. To some, the star's concerns are understandable; the Wintergreen Barn site is just a short drive from Clunes's property, down a narrow country lane, appears to threaten his view and has, in the past, been slammed by the council as 'visually intrusive'. Today, however, the plot appears a peaceful and respectable setting, at least from the road. The renovated barn, which the family are not permitted to live in, sits next to a trickling brook and wild spring flowers. Beleaguered by the ongoing row, a well-spoken Langton tells The Telegraph he does not want to 'inflame' the situation, but stresses his family do qualify as travellers. He points out they are invited each summer to teach sculpture and jewellery-making at a number of high profile festivals. The son of a wealthy Dorset landowner, Langton describes this 'cultural art exchange' as something he is 'very proud' of and does not wish to see 'denigrated'. 'We are living a lawful way of life and have done so since we moved here. All we are doing is seeking recognition of that,' he tells The Telegraph. The family's application is for continued, exclusive use of the land as a private residential traveller site, including a mobile home, touring caravan and van. It also seeks permission for the barn to be used as a workshop. But it seems unlikely that Clunes and his neighbours will abandon their opposition to his plans – given they contend Langton is a man of considerable means, with static roots. As a child, Langton reportedly attended a well-known public school in the area, while his mother is the celebrated garden designer Georgia Langton, whose work is popular among the country set. Although he has lived on the site near Clunes's property in a tent since 1997, Langton was gifted the land by his mother – who previously owned several Dorset properties – in 2019. (Clunes himself bought his idyllic farm off Langton's mother in 2007 for around £3 million.) Almost all the time Langton has been on the plot, the row over his presence has bubbled. He has repeatedly refused to leave the site on the grounds that Dorset Council provides few other options for travellers. In 2006, the council issued an enforcement notice against him, with his site described as 'visually intrusive and detrimental to the appearance and character of the area'. But he remained in situ and almost a decade later, in 2015, he was granted five-year temporary permission to remain, while he looked for other suitable traveller accommodation. A local planning expert, who didn't wish to be named, says the decision over his future status is far from straightforward. 'Arguably, if you are following planning policy, he shouldn't be there,' the expert tells The Telegraph. 'But Dorset Council has to balance the fact that the site is his home, and he's lived there for quite a period of time,' they add. 'The council is also under pressure to provide more sites for travellers, as they don't have enough.' The protracted nature of the row has split this otherwise genteel community, where both Clunes and Langton have their supporters. Clunes hosts the annual Buckham fair on his land, which raises thousands each year for local charities, while Langton has previously sat on the local council and is an expert forager, respected by many for growing his own food and his sustainable way of life. One local, Diana Clarke, who owns a classic English property, set in acres of land next to the plot occupied by Langton and his family, is adamant the council must not grant approval for it to become an official travellers site. 'Whether you live in a castle or a cottage, planning rules should apply to all,' she tells The Telegraph from her home. 'What homeowner would not wish to prevent an illegal development from being set up next to their own home? We simply want the correct application of the law.'Describing Langton's status as a traveller 'baffling', she adds: 'He is a long-term land owner who visits festivals and wants to live on his own land without planning permission.' Dorset Council appears to take a different view. Paula Clover, the local authority's gypsy and traveller liaison officer, said of the family in a recent report: 'It is very clear they follow and are a part of the New Age traveller community and have been for many years.' 'Although they are not ethnic gypsies, I am more than satisfied they are New Age travellers and have a lot of friends and support in the New Age traveller community,' she added. Other officials have cited the lack of sites for 'gypsies, travellers and travelling show-people' in Dorset as a key factor in their consideration of the plans. One local resident, who did not want to be named, said some in the community were worried that more travellers may come if the council signs off on Langton's request. Others were quick to quash such fears, however. Paula Tuff, a town councillor and charity director in Beaminster, who has known the Langton family for decades, says she has been appalled at their treatment. 'Theo has been a valued member of the community for years,' she says. 'He has gone to great lengths to protect his identity as a traveller and we need to welcome this diversity in this community. 'He simply wants a home for his family. And the idea that this will attract more travellers to the site is basically untrue.' Another resident took issue with the characterisation of Langton by some of his critics as privileged. 'I believe he left school at 16, and as far as I'm aware, the travelling community has always been a diverse place, full of all sorts,' they said. 'People might say he's living illegally on this site but the council and its planners do not seem to think that anymore, so I think the neighbours are possibly out of step.' As the row continues to rage, the council is yet to say when a final decision will be made. Some contend it can't come soon enough, arguing the issue simply needs resolving – one way or another – to put an end to the years of uncertainty. 'A decision needs to be made so the whole saga can be put to bed and everyone can just get on with their lives,' says local resident and photographer Tim Booth. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
