South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stinging rebuke to Afrikaner refugees who have sought sanctuary in the United States, branding their departure as an act of cowardice.
The President's comments came in response to the exodus of Afrikaners fleeing racial discrimination and the looming threat of property expropriation without compensation.
According to Breitbart, President Ramaphosa made these remarks during an unexpected appearance at a local agricultural convention. His visit was seen as an attempt to alter the perception of his government as being antagonistic towards farmers. This perception was reinforced earlier this year when Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act, which permits the government to seize property without offering compensation.
In his address, Ramaphosa stated, "They may be feeling excited theyve left the country, theyve got somebody like [US] President [Donald] Trump, but in the end its a group of South Africans demonstrating that the changes and transformation that we are embarking upon here, they are not favourably disposed to it and thats why they are running away." He further added, "And if you look at all national groups in our country, black and white, weve stayed in this country because its our country, and we must not run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. So, when you run away youre a coward and thats a real cowardly act and I expect every South African to stay here, and we work together, and we solve our problems."
The term "transformation" in this context refers to South Africa's policy of wealth redistribution based on race, enforced by law. Ramaphosa's comments are his most forceful yet, following his previous assertion that the refugees did not meet the definition of the term. He suggested that their desire to return to the racial segregation of apartheid was the reason behind their flight from "transformation", a sentiment echoed by his party.
In response to Ramaphosa's remarks, Kallie Kriel, the CEO of Afriforum, an organization representing Afrikaners, issued a strong statement. Ramaphosa has consistently alleged that President Trump has been misled by a small group of influential South Africans residing in the United States.
However, some South African political leaders have openly expressed their intent to harm Afrikaners. President Trump has accused South Africa of perpetrating a "genocide" that is being overlooked by the media. South African authorities have been investigating Afrikaner leaders for allegedly disseminating "misinformation" in the United States, a claim that has been enthusiastically endorsed by sections of the South African left-wing media.
President Ramaphosa is scheduled to travel to the United States next week to meet with President Trump directly. This meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to address these contentious issues and hopefully find a resolution that respects the rights and freedoms of all South Africans.
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