Afrikaners in the US: genocide narrative condemned

THE recent emigration of 49 Afrikaners to the USA has sparked varied reactions in South Africa, with many condemning the move as unfounded and politically motivated.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

Pops Rampersad, of the Active Citizen Movement (ACM), said he was shocked by their decision to move.

“I am personally horrified. We have problems such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, lack of support for whistle-blowers, corruption and service delivery issues, but we do not have genocide.

“This narrative of a genocide is inflammatory and must be condemned. Those who propagate this kind of narrative of South Africa, should hang their heads in shame.

“There is no genocide here. But I wish they could call to an end of the genocide in Palestine. We are a country with a constitution and an independent judiciary. Any aggrieved person or persons can contest any legislation which they deem to be unconstitutional, and this includes the Bela, NHI, and Land Expropriation acts,” said Rampersad.

“Those who want to leave can do so peacefully and on their own free will without spreading lies and disinformation.

“With the Afrikaners leaving, how it happened was upsetting, and this brings their integrity into question.

“Asking the US to interfere in our law-making process is dangerous and nothing short of asking for regime change,” he added.

Ravi Pillay, former KZN MEC for Finance, said he was glad that South Africans were not agreeing with the decision of the 49 Afrikaners.

“It is very encouraging that the overwhelming majority of South Africans, including white South Africans, have refused to identify with or show any sympathy for these so-called refugees. It is a scam fuelled by this age of fake news.

“There were two characterisations that I thought very appropriate.