Pretoria: White South Africans gathered at the US Embassy in Pretoria on Saturday.
They expressed support for President Donald Trump and his stance on their alleged victimization.
Protesters held signs reading “Thank God for President Trump” and condemned South Africa’s government.
Many came from the Afrikaner community, which Trump referenced in a recent executive order. The order reduced US aid to South Africa, alleging discrimination against white citizens.
Land Expropriation Debate
Trump claimed South Africa’s government was unfairly seizing land from white farmers.
The South African government denied the allegations, calling them misinformation.
Officials said the new land law aims to correct historical inequalities.
The law allows land redistribution but does not involve forced removals.
Trump’s order referred to Afrikaners as “racially disfavored landowners.”
Refugee Status Proposal
Trump proposed granting US refugee status to Afrikaners.
They form part of South Africa’s white minority but are not the only affected group.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected Trump’s claims.
He said forced removals would never happen again under his administration.
Ramaphosa argued the law serves the public good, not racial bias.
Historical Context
Under apartheid, Black South Africans were forcibly removed from their land.
The government says the land law is meant to address past injustices.
Most farmland remains white-owned, despite whites making up only 7% of the population.
Affirmative action policies have also sparked frustrations among some white citizens.
Protesters criticized these policies, including Black Economic Empowerment initiatives.
Elon Musk’s Criticism
Musk has long accused the South African government of racism.
Musk has struggled to secure approval for his Starlink internet service in South Africa.
Authorities denied his request, citing affirmative action regulations.
His criticism of the government has sparked debate over his true intentions.
Despite racial tensions, South Africa’s government includes both Black and white-led parties.
