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The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
White persecution myth: What the data on jobs and land really says
There's no genocide and no persecution. There is, however, discrimination based on race in many sectors of our society. The first group of Afrikaners from South Africa to arrive for resettlement in the US. Picture: Saul Loeb / AFP There has been plenty of emotional comment from both sides on Donald Trump's crusade to save Afrikaners and other minorities in South Africa from genocide and land expropriation without compensation. That's why it is interesting to consider a few facts – as opposed to opinions. Two which emerged this week should give pause for thought. In the unemployment figures released yesterday for the first quarter of 2025, there were stark differences in the rate of joblessness across the various race groups. Most noteworthy, though – especially given the current narrative that whites are being discriminated against in the work sector – is that white unemployment stands at 7.3%, while the rate for black Africans is 37%. Those are facts, not opinions. Another fact, which we report today, is that not only have forced land expropriations not yet started – the hysterical claims of right-wingers notwithstanding – but the government has spent R217 million in 2024-25 in settling land claims mainly from black people. ALSO READ: Texas Chicken Run highlights white privilege Land has been acquired for money and not by force and people deprived of their land during the years of colonialism and apartheid have been compensated. Taken together, whether you like it or not, those two facts give the lie to the assertion that white people are being persecuted. And therein lies the rub. No genocide, no persecution. But there is discrimination based on race in many sectors of our society. That, along with fear of crime – which is at insane levels – is why many, and not just ethnic minorities – have left this country. Those 49 people who arrived in Washington this week were looking for a better life for their kids. That's a powerful motivator. Many see little hope for our broken country – and that's why we must fix it. NOW READ: Afrikaners pawns on Trump's board
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Government settles land claims worth over R200 million since start of 2024/25 financial year
According to Rise Mzansi, expropriation should be properly applied in cases of public housing and rural development. Rise Mzansi leadership is seen at the launch of the party, 19 April 2023, at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. The party is led by Songezo Zibi. Noticeable faces among the leadership are former Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Makashule Gana and apartheid activist Ishmael Mkhabela. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen The South African government has spent more R217 164 192 on land claims in the 2024/2025 financial year. This land was privately owned by individuals and private companies; the claims were largely submitted by black people. This information was recently revealed in a parliamentary reply to questions directed to the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Affairs. Rise Mzani, chief whip of Makashule Gana, recently told The Citizen that this amount of money was paid for 287 claims. He said that of these claims, 14 farms were considered productive at the time of settlement. During the 2024/2025 financial year, the land reform and rural development department budgeted R466 million to acquire and allocate 46 767 hectares of land for redistribution through the proactive acquisition of strategically located land and also for security tenure purposes. 'This information once again pours water over the misinformation and disinformation around the Expropriation Act,' said Gana. Gana said Afrikaner farmers who had applied for asylum in the United States (US) were spreading false information about land confiscation by the South African government. 'Peddling lies on land' The first group of Afrikaners landed in Washington this week. Gana accused some Afrikaners of peddling lies and division. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to meet Trump, says 49 Afrikaners headed to US are not 'refugees' 'They falsely claimed that the government has in the past and will arbitrarily and illegally start a process of grabbing land, particularly farming property. 'Thus far, not a single iota of proof has been produced to support this false claim,' he said. Is the Expropriation Act in full use? Gana said the party had even questioned Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson about the amount of land expropriated using the Expropriation Act. Macpherson is the custodian of the Expropriation Act. 'He stated that between 2014 and 2024, the department has not expropriated a single portion of land, despite already having the legal authority to do so,' he said. According to Gana, the minister of Land and Rural Development, had also confirmed that 16,696 beneficiaries elected monetary compensation over taking ownership of the land being claimed. 'This in itself requires further inquiry around the reasons so we can better understand the psychology around and processing of land claims,' he said. Gana said, while his party believe that the Expropriation Act should be implemented, he does not believe that it should be used maliciously. 'Government should follow the provisions of the constitution, implement the Expropriation Act and have the political will to do so.' At the same time, he said the lies being peddled about the Expropriation Act have the potential to create a diplomatic crisis for South Africa and other countries, such as the US. 'Rise Mzansi hopes that with accurate information on expropriation and land reform in the public domain, it will aid with positively resetting relations between Pretoria and Washington. 'Moreover, we hope that those who have subscribed to the misinformation and disinformation campaigns now see the truth,' he said. Why is Trump not listening? Meanwhile, Gana took a jab at US President Donald Trump for failing to listen to the South African authorities about the situation with land in the country. 'He listens to the wrong people. It is deliberate from certain sections of society that have never supported our transition to democracy. NOW READ: Afrikaners who accepted Trump refugee offer 'know there's no persecution in SA'
