AfriForum CEO, Kallie Kriel, remains unfazed by the high treason charges filed against the lobby group, as he continues to call for the Trump administration to sanction President Cyril Ramaphosa and other ANC leaders. Kriel, currently in the United States, stated that the complaints against AfriForum are baseless and that any action taken against them would only strengthen their position.
The charges of high treason were brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, citing the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956. They accuse AfriForum of instigating foreign intervention in South Africa’s affairs, particularly regarding the Expropriation Act and land seizures. However, legal experts argue that AfriForum’s actions, while controversial, do not constitute treason under South African law.
Despite this, the Hawks have confirmed that they are investigating the case opened by the MK party. It is also reported that other complainants have accused trade union movement Solidarity of treason as well. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has stated that the investigation into AfriForum is being taken seriously, with the dockets being handled by the crimes against the state unit.
The Trump administration’s executive order suspending donor aid to South Africa has further escalated tensions. President Trump accused the South African government of supporting terrorism and racial violence, offering refuge to Afrikaners in the US. AfriForum and Solidarity leaders visited the White House to deliver a memorandum, urging the US not to penalize ordinary citizens but to put pressure on ANC leaders to abandon certain policies.
Kriel emphasized that South Africa should not be kicked out of AGOA, as actions against the country would harm regular citizens while ANC leaders remain unaffected. The African Growth and Opportunity Act provides local exporters with tariff-free access to the US market. Despite the ongoing controversy, Kriel remains steadfast in his advocacy for change and accountability within the South African government. The United States appears to be ready to take action against South Africa, with the possibility of being removed from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) looming. However, there is hope that convincing the US not to kick South Africa out of AGOA could prevent such drastic measures.
Dan Kriel, a prominent figure in South Africa, expressed his belief that if the US is persuaded not to remove South Africa from AGOA, they may instead target senior ANC leaders with other actions. He emphasized that it is not the people of South Africa who disrespect property rights or seek to destroy Afrikaans schools, but rather the government officials who signed controversial acts.
The debate over the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, which impacts mother tongue instruction in schools, has been a point of contention. Kriel also highlighted South Africa’s involvement in international conflicts, attributing it to senior ANC leaders rather than ordinary citizens.
The White House cited South Africa’s stance on the conflict in Gaza and its accusations against Israel as reasons for potential actions. There have been criticisms of the government’s policies on land and race, with Breitbart editor Joel Pollak even suggesting that South Africa’s actions are moving away from the democratic world.
Pollak’s statements, including false claims about treason charges against AfriForum, have stirred controversy. The government has refrained from directly addressing Pollak’s remarks, but Clayson Monyela criticized his spread of misinformation.
While President Ramaphosa has expressed concerns about groups like AfriForum and Solidarity meeting with US government representatives, the presidency has not yet responded to Kriel’s comments. The situation remains tense, with South Africa potentially facing repercussions if diplomatic relations with the US are not carefully managed.
