President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned civil rights group AfriForum for allegedly spreading misinformation about South Africa during their recent visit to the United States, calling their actions “unpatriotic” and damaging to the country’s international reputation.
Ramaphosa: “Unpatriotic” to Seek Foreign Intervention
Speaking in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa expressed deep disappointment over AfriForum’s actions, particularly in light of recent negative remarks made about South Africa by former US President Donald Trump. He stressed that domestic challenges should be resolved locally, rather than seeking intervention from foreign governments.
“I have expressed my concern and disappointment at what AfriForum and Solidarity have been doing—spreading misinformation about their own country in the US. I regard that as unpatriotic.
“When you are a patriot, you work to resolve your country’s issues internally rather than damaging its sovereignty by expecting other nations to take action against your own country,” he said.
Government Plans to Counter “Misleading Narratives”
Ramaphosa confirmed his intention to send special envoys to the US to counter the misleading information and work alongside Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to protect South Africa’s image.
He also suggested that it was up to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to assess whether AfriForum and Solidarity’s actions could be classified as treasonous.
“Whether it is treasonous or not is something our law enforcement agencies must evaluate. The NPA needs to look into that. But I take a very dim view of their actions—they are badmouthing their own country and putting South Africa into disrepute.”
US-South Africa Relations Under Strain
Ramaphosa’s remarks come at a time when US-South Africa relations have been under increasing pressure. Recently, the United States withdrew funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and key US officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, skipped South Africa’s G20 events.
AfriForum’s lobbying efforts in the US have further escalated tensions, with concerns that their actions could lead to diplomatic and economic repercussions for South Africa. Trump’s recent claim that “bad things” are happening in South Africa has only fueled these fears.
As the government works to counter these narratives, the debate continues over the role of civil rights groups in international lobbying and what constitutes national interest versus political activism.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com