SA tourism industry pushes back amidst Trump crime narrative

Tourism association says much of the coverage borders on sensationalism

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

THE South African tourism industry has come into defense of the country's safety and hospitality levels amidst an ongoing narrative about crime in Africa's most-developed economy.

This comes as a group of 49 Afrikaners recently migrated to the United States after taking up the offer of a refugee status as the US government falsely believes there is an ongoing "genocide" against them in South Africa.

Recent headlines sparked by a widely publicised exchange between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa have reignited international focus on crime in South Africa.

During the meeting, Trump repeatedly claimed that genocide against white farmers is taking place in South Africa, an allegation denied by Ramaphosa.

"We have many people that feel they're being persecuted, and they're coming to the United States," said Trump. "People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they're being killed."

The latest crime statistics in South Africa show that nearly 10 000 people were murdered between October and December 2024.