Latest news with #US-SouthAfrica
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Trump allies' fact finding mission on white farmers and genocide may not change US President's mind
US President Donald Trump's narrative on white farmers received a backlash from his ally, Pastor Mark Burns (right). Image: X Mark Burns, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has returned from a visit to South Africa with a message contradicting claims of genocide against white farmers in the country. However experts believe that Trump always knew that there was no white genocide in the country and even if Burns advises the US President otherwise, this will not make a difference. Burns, who is the founder and CEO of the NOW television network, met with white Afrikaner farmers and business owners during his trip and concluded that there is no evidence to support the claims of genocide. According to Burns, the farmers he met were shocked to discover that such claims were being made. "You were able to hear their perspectives. "From their point of view, being white Afrikaners, there is absolutely no genocide or white genocide in South Africa," Burns said. He added that the farmers were more concerned about crime and safety, rather than genocide. Burns cited statistics provided by a white farmer, which showed that out of 5,200 murders in the last reporting quarter, only 12 were related to farmers, and only three of those were white. 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 "You clearly see that based on those statistics, and this was given to me by a farmer, a white farmer, and that to me speaks extreme volumes," he said. Despite the controversy, Burns is optimistic about the future of US-South Africa relations. He believes that a stronger South Africa is a stronger America, and vice versa. "If we are going to continue to make America great, partnering with South Africa is one of the components to do it," he said. Burns The question remains whether Burns' claims will change Trump's "belief" that there is a white genocide in South Africa. International relations expert Rich Mashimbye said for a while, the SA-US diplomatic tensions centred around the Trump-led government's accusations that the Ramaphosa government, was persecuting white South Africans and confiscating land from Afrikaner farmers while remaining silent. He said it did not matter what people said because Trump was aware there was no white genocide in South Africa but wanted to use the claim to get his way. 'As president of a country with one the largest embassies that is fully staffed in South Africa, Trump has access to all the information he requires about South Africa's transformation project and he likely knows that the issues of land reform and crime dynamics are not as has been portrayed so far. 'He knows that there is no genocide happening nor confiscation of white owned farms in South Africa. It is likely that the diplomatic attacks directed at South Africa are aimed at discouraging the Ramaphosa government from robustly executing the transformation project,' he said. Political analyst Sandile Swana said Burns' public statements were encouraging and showed that not everyone in Trump's camp agreed with him. 'To me they represent signs from the Trump's they have to tell a different story, which they are now doing…and a different story they are now telling is that whatever crime that is happening, is not a genocide but just crime that needs to be attended to." "There are about 600 American companies in South Africa such as Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, the Ford Motor Company and so on, so quite clearly the sources of information they have used (for the genocide claims) were not genuine. He said the country should welcome the efforts of Burns and hope that his camp will start to change their narrative to a much more sensible one.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
US-SA Feud: Israel, lobby power and BRICS are the real reasons
Following his recent visit to Washington, President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed the country to an ambitious infrastructure plan to turn the country's economy around. Image: AFP IN my view, the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump was 'more than meets the eye'. To the ordinary observer, it appeared straightforward, but closer scrutiny reveals intricacies and complexities better left unspoken, lest we risk opening Pandora's box. There are unrevealed details, a different perspective that even seasoned political commentators avoid addressing. Some philosophers play an intellectual version of Russian roulette. So I am prepared to risk shooting myself in the head by exploring the Israeli factor and the pro-Israel lobby's role in the deterioration of US-South Africa relations. My aim is not consensus but controversy. Like Ian Mitroff and his colleagues argue in *Assumptional Analysis: A Methodology for Strategic Problem Solving*, our culture unconsciously trains us for compromise — even the avoidance of conflict. This risks reaching consensus 'too soon and for the wrong reasons', such as an inability to tolerate disagreement. Their 'assumptional analysis' technique is a tool for strategic problem-solving, one that embraces conflict rather than sidestepping it. It begins by identifying stakeholders, dissecting their assumptions, and negotiating solutions without shying from controversy. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, citing philosopher Cornelius Castoriadis, warns: 'The problem with our civilisation is that it has stopped questioning itself. No society which forgets the art of asking questions can count on finding answers to the problems that beset it—certainly not before it is too late.' We must ask these difficult questions, for emotions often blind us to the bigger picture. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The much-anticipated discussions between Trump and Ramaphosa, including their media briefing, revolved around several key points: Meeting Context: Trump's questions seemed tailored to favour pro-Israel lobby perspectives, revealing a clear bias. Trump's questions seemed tailored to favour pro-Israel lobby perspectives, revealing a clear bias. South Africa-Israel Tensions: South Africa's decision to take Israel to the ICJ over Gaza genocide allegations triggered a fierce reaction from Trump. South Africa's decision to take Israel to the ICJ over Gaza genocide allegations triggered a fierce reaction from Trump. Trump's Comments: He weaponised the term 'genocide' to describe white farmer killings in South Africa — a deliberate, exaggerated provocation. He weaponised the term 'genocide' to describe white farmer killings in South Africa — a deliberate, exaggerated provocation. Israeli Sensitivity: The word 'genocide' carries immense weight for Jews, given the Holocaust's trauma. Israel's outrage was predictable. The word 'genocide' carries immense weight for Jews, given the Holocaust's trauma. Israel's outrage was predictable. Criticism of Trump: Many saw his rhetoric as a political stunt, deflecting from South Africa's legitimate grievances against Israel. It is my view that Trump's questions — both publicly and behind closed doors — were influenced by the pro-Israel lobby within his administration. They were framed with vengeance in mind, designed to humiliate South Africa for its ICJ case. Notably, Trump fixated on 'genocide' when criticising South Africa's handling of farm murders. For Jews, this term is psychologically debilitating, evoking the 6 million lives lost in the Holocaust. Yet, if 'genocide' applies to historical Jewish suffering, how can Israel deny its relevance to Gaza, where over 70 000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2025? Trump sought to exaggerate farmer killings into a systemic 'genocide'. The reality is starkly different. Yes, there are killings on farms — but to call this a genocide is a blatant distortion. His rhetoric was a retaliatory move by Israel, using Trump as its mouthpiece. Without delving into conspiracy, the pro-Israel faction has long been accused of shielding Israel from accountability. It has influenced US policy for decades, ensuring the US's reluctance to criticise Israel's violence against Palestinians, its human rights abuses, or its threats against Iran. Media outlets are increasingly exposing the lobby's corrupt practices. For years, this issue was ignored in political discourse. But no longer. The collapse of the Oslo Accords and the Second Intifada brought it to the forefront. Figures like Jimmy Carter (*Peace Not Apartheid*) and scholars John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt (*The Israel Lobby*) have challenged the lobby's dominance. Their works sparked global debate, praised by some as a wake-up call, dismissed by others as misleading. What went unmentioned in the Trump-Ramaphosa press conference was the elephant in the room: Israel. South Africa is the only nation to openly condemn Israel's actions in Gaza and pursue legal action. This principled stance has cost it dearly — US aid was cut, and diplomatic relations soured. Israel's fury stems from South Africa's use of the word 'genocide', a term that opens old wounds for Jews. The irony is palpable: a state born from genocide now inflicts similar horrors. Another thorn in America's side is South Africa's BRICS membership. China and Russia, particularly China, are vying for global influence, challenging US hegemony. South Africa is caught in a Catch-22: Russia and China supported the anti-apartheid struggle, but the US remains its largest trade partner. This delicate balancing act fuels Washington's frustration. Critics underestimate Ramaphosa's handling of Trump. As Goethe said: 'Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.' Ramaphosa prioritised mending ties over pointless confrontation. With 8 million unemployed, South Africa cannot afford empty gestures. Henry Ford's words ring true: 'Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.' Ramaphosa kept his focus — stabilising relations with a critical trade partner.
The South African
5 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
United States issues updated travel warning for South Africa
The United States has updated its travel advisory for South Africa, adding new warnings about terrorism risks and tightening security protocols for US government employees. While the country remains at Level 2 – 'Exercise Increased Caution''' – the enhanced advisory reflects growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The updated guidance, issued by the US Department of State on May 27, now includes a warning about the risk of terrorist violence in South Africa, although it does not identify any specific threats or groups. In addition, travelers are being urged to remain vigilant in urban centers after dark and avoid traveling outside major metropolitan areas at night due to heightened crime risks and road safety concerns. US officials working in South Africa now face stricter movement restrictions. They must secure special authorisation to enter certain township areas near Cape Town and are required to use armored vehicles during limited visiting hours. The travel update comes just days after a contentious Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 21. Trump cited alleged attacks on white farmers and accused South Africa of enabling a so-called 'white genocide' – claims that have been widely debunked. President Ramaphosa pushed back, stating that while South Africa faces serious criminal challenges, violence is not racially exclusive. 'There is criminality in our country,' Ramaphosa said. 'People who do get killed, unfortunately through criminal activity, are not only white people. The majority of them are black people.' The South African leader also reaffirmed that land reform efforts are aimed at addressing historical injustices, not racially motivated land seizures. This advisory is the latest in a series of developments straining US-South Africa relations. In recent months: The US cancelled development aid to South Africa to South Africa Offered asylum protections to white Afrikaner groups Expelled South Africa's ambassador following public criticism of President Trump. The upgraded travel guidance now appears to reflect a hardening US posture towards South Africa amid the political fallout. Despite the advisory level remaining at Level 2, the US government's updated stance suggests travelers should exercise greater vigilance, particularly in high-crime areas and during night-time travel. Government employees face restricted access to certain regions, underscoring US concerns over security and political stability. The long-term impact of the diplomatic spat remains to be seen. Analysts warn that if tensions escalate further, it could affect bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and regional development. For now, South Africa remains open to American travelers, but the message from Washington is clear: caution is advised. 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.
Daily Maverick
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Was Ramaphosa's diplomatic dance with Trump a success or a failure?
Between the firefighting and fireworks, South Africa's delegation did just enough to meet its strategic objectives. The recent meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and United States (US) President Donald Trump at the White House triggered a predictable flurry of reaction and commentary. Some praised Ramaphosa's composure and restraint under pressure, while others criticised the lack of pushback and saw him as overly cautious. Aside from its theatrics, the meeting should be assessed based on what it aimed to achieve. A useful framework comes from the psychological model of relationship effectiveness, which evaluates complex engagements across three dimensions: the objective, the relationship, and self-respect. The underlying principle is simple: in high-stakes interactions, it is rarely possible to optimise all three. Trade-offs are necessary, and success depends on correctly identifying the hierarchy of priorities and acting accordingly. Consider the analogy of a tenant facing eviction. If a landlord threatens to terminate the lease without immediate alternatives, the focus shifts. Securing an extension (the objective) becomes the priority. Preserving the relationship comes second, and defending one's pride or making a moral stand (self-respect) comes last. Survival takes precedence over principle. The same logic pertains to diplomacy. Applying this to the Ramaphosa-Trump engagement requires first identifying South Africa's strategic objectives. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly in recent years and are at a nadir. Washington's annoyance has been no secret, and the risk of diplomatic or economic retaliation has loomed large. 'Reset relations' So, the primary aim was clear: stabilise or 'reset' relations, reduce tensions and preserve space for commercial and diplomatic engagement. It was an exercise in damage control. This — more than the relationship or self-respect — was the key priority the South African delegation had to deliver on. The goal was to prevent the relationship from deteriorating further and establish a platform, however minimal, for functional future engagement. Viewed through this lens, the outcome was a measured success. The meeting preserved lines of communication, while averting the worst-case scenario: a complete breakdown in relations. The secondary axis of analysis — the relationship — considers the quality of bilateral engagement in the room. While US-South Africa ties are rooted in formal channels, the personal dynamic mattered in this case. Trump's leadership style, heavily centred on personality politics and performative diplomacy, often subordinates substance to chemistry. Ramaphosa appeared to grasp this reality. The meeting opened on a cordial note, with informal references to golf and mutual acquaintances. These seemingly trivial gestures were deliberate and calculated. Ramaphosa's team clearly understood Trump's engagement style. The president also deferred to members of his delegation on certain matters, allowing Trump to engage with figures he could relate to, avoiding unnecessary friction. Given Trump's unpredictability and tendency towards undiplomatic outbursts, a Volodymyr Zelensky-type moment was a risk. That such a scenario didn't materialise is partly a reflection of Ramaphosa's composure and situational awareness. To be sure, the Oval Office meeting was not going to be the kind of high-chemistry 'bromance' that characterised Trump's meetings with leaders like India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Too much ill will had preceded it. But that was not the South African delegation's objective. By managing a tense situation without triggering further instability or inviting personal antagonism, Ramaphosa passed a difficult test. Of course, it would be premature to suggest the relationship has been substantively repaired. The underlying differences remain unresolved, and the mood music from Washington remains sceptical. The outcome may not have been a turning point, but it established a constructive starting point for the reset. Self-respect The final dimension — self-respect — was arguably the most constrained from the outset. In a setting defined by asymmetric power and a hostile undercurrent, it was always going to be difficult for Ramaphosa to be assertive. He would have known that to secure the primary objective, some degree of restraint and discomfort was required. Ramaphosa was subjected to subtle provocation and coded language that many observers noted carried racial undertones. Yet he resisted the impulse to engage emotionally or defensively. He avoided confrontation, maintained composure and stayed focused on the strategic imperative — leaving difficult conversations for outside the public domain. Critics in South Africa were disappointed that he didn't rebut falsehoods or respond more forcefully to provocations. And the lack of coherent messaging from the South African delegation and failure to use statistics to enhance the counter-argument was a blind spot. There is some validity to this view. At times, Ramaphosa appeared overly cautious. However, a combative response would probably have been counterproductive, escalating tensions and undermining the very objective that brought him there. Preserving space for future negotiation required keeping the temperature low. Despite the imperfections, there are signs the relationship may be moving to a more constructive footing, underpinned by economic and diplomatic factors. Three positive signals are worth noting. First, commercial talks appear to have progressed. South Africa's offer of a comprehensive trade and investment plan — emphasising liquefied natural gas imports, critical minerals and digital trade, alongside a regulatory carve-out for Elon Musk's Starlink — was clearly pitched to Trump's dealmaker instincts. The alignment with US strategic sectors gives the trade relationship a path to move from terrible to workable. Second, the absence of any serious reference to South Africa's 'malign actor' designation or broader geopolitical alignment, including the highly contentious International Court of Justice case, was notable. That silence may reflect Trump's cooling relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly after his recent Middle East visit. Whatever the reasons, South Africa will view it as a diplomatic reprieve. Constructive and cordial Third, insider accounts suggest that away from the theatre of the absurd, the meetings were largely constructive and cordial — indicating a willingness, at least behind closed doors, to engage pragmatically. So, was the trip a success or failure? Ramaphosa entered a hostile environment, navigated complex political terrain and emerged without further damaging South Africa's core strategic interests. On the axis of objective — clearly the most critical — he met the mark. On the relational front, he managed a volatile dynamic with pragmatism. On self-respect, he absorbed some tactical discomfort to protect broader national priorities. To be sure, the diplomatic endeavour was less about fireworks and more about firefighting. And although the Oval Office meeting delivered both, the South African delegation did just enough to meet its objectives. DM
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Editor's Note: Houston, we have a crisis: The ‘Afrikaaner genocide' myth and the real threat to SA's reputation
President Donald Trump has called for the arrest of South African opposition leader Julius Malema, accusing him of inciting violence against white farmers. Image: AFP 'Houston, we have a problem.' The iconic Apollo 13 line feels oddly fitting for South Africa's latest headache: the 'Afrikaaner genocide' narrative making waves in US-South Africa trade talks. This exaggerated claim, fueled by images of crosses symbolising farm murders, paints a distorted picture of crime in South Africa, ruffling feathers globally. It's a headache for the country's reputation overshadowing its 'Rainbow Nation' legacy. To navigate this storm, South Africa must confront the misinformation head-on while addressing the root causes - crime, unemployment, and governance failures - with decisive action. The 'Afrikaaner genocide' narrative gained traction during the recent White House meeting, where US President Donald Trump presented video clips of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema chanting 'Kill the Boer,' an apartheid-era struggle song. The South African delegation, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, dismissed the EFF as a minor political party, but the damage was done. The chant, paired with images of white crosses, reinforced a narrative of targeted violence against Afrikaners, sticking in the global imagination. At the Google Zeitgeist event in London last weekend, I faced questions from business leaders about this so-called 'genocide'. I was amused by how misinformation travels - yet frustrated by its persistence. This distortion, like a comedic skit flipping tragedy into exaggeration, stems from a real issue: South Africa's massive crime problem. Video Player is loading. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ Crime in South Africa is severe but not genocidal. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu set the record straight at the latest crime stats release on Friday. From January to March 2025, South Africa saw 5 727 murders (62 daily), 10 688 rapes, and 4 571 kidnappings. These numbers are grim but cut across all communities - not a targeted 'genocide'. Mchunu debunked a viral image of crosses in KwaZulu-Natal, tied to a 2020 farm murder case where justice was served, with suspects convicted. "We have respect for the USA as a country, we have respect for the people in that country and for President Trump, but we have no respect for this genocide story – at all. It is totally unfounded and unsubstantiated." He further said, "We do not deny that the levels of crime in the country are high – we are very concerned. Crime cuts across all divides. We are currently intensifying the fight against crime and criminals. The crime states we are presenting today will show progress; we commend and encourage the SAPS (South African Police Service) to fight on and harder. We will win." Despite these clarifications, the narrative persists, amplified by global figures like Elon Musk, who has claimed on X that South Africa promotes 'white genocide' and that his Starlink service was denied a license due to his race. This misinformation travels fast and sticks, overshadowing South Africa's broader crime crisis, which is tied to a 31.7% unemployment rate (Q1 2025) and systemic inequality. The economic backdrop makes addressing crime even tougher. The recent Budget 3.0, finalised after two failed attempts, slashed R68 billion in spending over the medium term and downgraded 2025 GDP growth to 1.4% (from 1.9% in March). This fiscal squeeze, reflecting a 'bottom-of-the-barrel' economy, limits resources for policing and job creation. The budget process itself, marred by political wrangling, underscores South Africa's reputation as an 'extended talk shop' where rhetoric often trumps action. This perception of inaction feeds into the global narrative, making it harder to counter the 'genocide' label and attract investment. Worse, the trade talks exposed another complication: the proposed Starlink deal. Reports suggest the government may bypass Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws through 'equity equivalent' arrangements, allowing Starlink to invest in development projects instead of ceding equity. This move, while pragmatic, risks undermining BEE - a cornerstone of post-apartheid transformation designed to redress historical disparities. Bending rules for a high-profile figure like Musk could signal to investors that South Africa's legislative framework is flexible, eroding trust. For example, the MultiChoice-Canal+ deal adhered to BEE. If BEE is sidestepped, what message does this send? That the policy is negotiable? This opens a can of worms, threatening the consistency investors crave and potentially undermining the spirit of South Africa's post-apartheid vision. This governance inconsistency ties into a broader issue: accountability. The Zondo Commission, costing millions, exposed State Capture corruption, yet few prosecutions followed, fostering perceptions of impunity. To rebuild trust, I propose fast-tracking mandatory lifestyle audits for all government officials and political leaders - 37% of Gauteng's senior officials recently failed such audits. Suspending officials under investigation until cleared could further deter corruption. These steps, though, require political will, which has been lacking in a system where committees often produce 'hot air' instead of results. Ultimately, South Africa's 'Afrikaaner genocide' narrative is more than a diplomatic headache - it's a wake-up call. While the country's brightest need to put their heads together to whittle away at the crime conundrum, more needs to be done on every level for South Africa to reclaim its Proudly South African shine. Houston, we have a problem - but it's not unsolvable. South Africa's challenge is to reclaim its narrative through tangible action: robust crime reduction, economic revitalisation, and transparent governance. The 'Afrikaaner genocide' label, threatens to derail progress, but with strategic focus - clear policies, accountability, and global engagement - South Africa can realign its trajectory. A united, action-oriented approach can restore the nation's shine as a beacon of resilience, not a caricature of chaos. Visit: Philippa Larkin, is the executive edior of Business Report. Image: Supplied
