Key Points
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South Africans reject Trump false genocide claims as baseless.
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Citizens say crime affects all races, not only white farmers.
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Misinformation threatens South Africa–US relations and diplomacy.
South Africans have responded with outrage to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated false claims that a “white genocide” is underway in the country.
During a tense meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, Trump played a controversial video showing white crosses, which he falsely described as the graves of murdered white farmers.
The meeting, meant to mend strained diplomatic ties, was overshadowed by Trump’s comments, which many South Africans say were based on misinformation and perpetuate racial divisions.
Nicole Mbhele, a university student, told AFP, “He made it seem like we want to kill white people for land.”
The claim echoes far-right conspiracy theories and has been widely discredited by both South African authorities and international observers.
Citizens say Trump misrepresents South African land and crime issues
Saleswoman Naledi Morwalle said Trump’s statements lacked factual basis. “Donald Trump does not have facts about what is happening in South Africa.
We are all facing all types and levels of crimes — both blacks and whites,” she said.
Activist Ulrich Steenkamp praised South Africa’s delegation for handling the situation with dignity. “I think our country did well and actually put the facts out there,” he said.
Ramaphosa’s calm response, while measured, left some South Africans wanting a firmer rebuttal. Political analyst Thelela Ngcetane-Vika noted Ramaphosa’s unease during the video segment and suggested he should have cited more statistics to directly challenge the misinformation.
Trump’s misinformation threatens South Africa–US relations
The false genocide claims risk worsening already delicate diplomatic and trade relations between the U.S. and South Africa.
Ramaphosa, accompanied by four cabinet ministers and two professional golfers, sought to reset the tone, but Trump’s remarks derailed much of the goodwill.
Arthur Williams, an Afrikaner father, said the outcome of the talks would be seen in future economic agreements. “I hope we reach a deal with mutual benefits,” he said.
Observers say misinformation like the Trump false genocide claims not only distorts public perception but can also hinder progress on real issues such as land reform, safety, and trade.
