The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the latest report by the United States (US) Department of State, which describes the human rights situation in South Africa as having “significantly worsened”, with specific reference to the rights of Afrikaners and other minorities.
The report underscores the fact that the US government will not turn a blind eye to the situation in South Africa, and that bilateral relations between the two countries will not improve until concrete steps are taken to comply with America’s conditions.
The report also confirms the four conditions conveyed by senior White House officials to Afrikaner leaders (Dr Corné Mulder of the VF Plus, Mr Theo de Jager of SAAI and Mr Gerhard Papenfus of NEASA) during their recent US visit:
These are that farm attacks should be declared a priority crime, the song “Kill the Boer” should be unequivocally condemned without exception, land may only be expropriated at fair market-related compensation, and American businesses should be exempted from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements.
The report criticises President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Act as a “substantially worrying step” that threatens the land rights of Afrikaners and other minorities.
It also notes “credible reports” of human rights violations, including arbitrary killings, unlawful detentions and the repression of racial minorities.
The report refers to unresolved cases of violence against farmers in areas such as the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, where investigations into farm attacks “often remain incomplete”.
Furthermore, the ANC and EFF are accused of intimidating and harassing journalists who report on corruption, party politics and the worsening security environment.
The US report shines the international stage’s spotlight on South Africa’s challenges and the ANC has nowhere to hide. Its shortcomings are plain for all to see and yet it remains obstinate.
Last week, ANC Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), “We will not abandon our economic or foreign policy, regardless of external pressure.”
This uncompromising attitude has already led to many withdrawing from the planned National Dialogue, further isolating the ANC both domestically and internationally.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to promoting human rights and justice for all South Africans.
The party will keep bringing these issues to international attention, while seeking to collaborate with other organisations and parties on finding an inclusive solution to the country’s problems.
