Protests Ignite in Pretoria Over Allegations of Racism Towards White South Africans

PRETORIA, South Africa — On Saturday, a gathering of white South Africans took place outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, where attendees expressed their backing for President Donald Trump, claiming they are victims of systemic racism from their own government.

The protest drew hundreds, many of whom carried placards that read “Thank God for President Trump,” alongside various statements criticizing what they view as discriminatory policies targeting the white minority in South Africa.

Numerous participants identified as part of the Afrikaner community, which Trump recently spotlighted in an Executive Order that halted aid to the Black-led government of South Africa. In this directive, Trump claimed that Afrikaners, who are descendants of primarily Dutch settlers, are experiencing discrimination due to a new law allowing the government to seize private land.

The South African government has firmly rejected the idea that this law is racially driven, arguing that Trump’s claims are filled with inaccuracies and misunderstandings.

Trump asserted that Afrikaners are losing their land under this legislation, labeling them as “racially disfavored landowners,” even though no actual land seizures have occurred because of this law. Additionally, he suggested a plan to provide refugee status in the U.S. to Afrikaners, who make up only a small fraction of South Africa’s white demographic.

In a recent statement to Parliament, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the forced eviction of anyone from their property will not be tolerated again, referencing the historical injustices suffered by millions of Black South Africans during apartheid and colonialism.

“The people of our nation understand the pain of forced removals,” Ramaphosa stated. He clarified that the land expropriation law does not allow for arbitrary land confiscation and is aimed solely at redistributing land for the public good.

The Trump administration’s criticisms and sanctions regarding South Africa have highlighted an enduring challenge in the country: addressing the wrongs established during decades of white minority rule that marginalized the Black majority.

Government sources indicate that the land reform initiative aims to correct the disproportionate ownership of farmland, which is predominantly in the hands of the white minority, who constitute just 7% of the total population.

During the protest, participants not only raised concerns about the expropriation law but also criticized affirmative action initiatives, known as Black Economic Empowerment, which were established post-apartheid in 1994 to enhance opportunities for Black South Africans. These policies have generated discontent among certain segments of the white community.

Elon Musk, an influential advisor to Trump with roots in South Africa, has also criticized the South African government, branding it as anti-white. However, his motivations have faced scrutiny, particularly following his recent inability to obtain a license for his Starlink satellite internet service in South Africa due to non-compliance with the country’s affirmative action requirements.

While racial tensions have historically influenced South African politics, the nation has made considerable progress in reconciling its diverse populace in the years following apartheid. The current administration is a coalition of ten political parties, representing both Black and white communities, working together toward a common goal.

—Imray contributed reporting from Cape Town, South Africa