By Thapelo Molefe
Cosatu has launched a scathing attack on AfriForum, condemning what it calls “recklessly dangerous behaviour” that has contributed to severe economic and humanitarian consequences for South Africa.
In a strongly worded statement, it accused the group of spreading “fact-free hysteria” during its recent engagements abroad, particularly in the United States.
This comes after representatives from the Solidarity Movement visited Washington, calling on the US government to put pressure on the ANC to stop implementing what it says are “race-based” laws against the white Afrikaner population.
Cosatu claims that AfriForum’s actions have led to the cancellation of R8 billion in aid, primarily affecting healthcare support for HIV/AIDS patients, and raised the risk of South Africa losing preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“AfriForum has for many years deluded itself into believing that it is a civil rights movement—it is not,” said Cosatu Parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks.
“It has equally misled many, in particular our counterparts in the United States, into believing it speaks on behalf of Afrikaners and Afrikaans speakers—again, it does not.”
Cosatu argued that AfriForum’s lobbying efforts, which reportedly included claims of genocide and land expropriation without compensation, have had dire consequences.
The federation linked these claims to the US government’s decision to withdraw aid that supports over half a million South Africans living with HIV/AIDS, as well as 15,000 community health workers who now face salary losses.
“AfriForum may be amused by what one suspects are now very successful fundraising drives for American dollars,” the federation stated.
“But there are very real casualties to its reckless tomfoolery.”
Cosatu further warned that if South Africa was removed from AGOA, half a million jobs in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and motor manufacturing could be jeopardised. The tourism industry could also suffer severe losses.
Many of the farmers, whom the US President Donald Trump is claiming to protect, would be negatively impacted if the Act is not renewed next year
Beyond condemning AfriForum’s conduct, Cosatu advocated for legal action. The federation urged affected families, workers and businesses to sue AfriForum for damages.
“The families of any patient unable to access HIV/AIDS treatment as a result of these developments and the Department of Health should launch civil claims in our courts against these delinquents and spewers of fake news,” it said in a statement.
“Likewise, any worker or company who suffers losses from an AGOA exit should seek civil claims and attach AfriForum’s assets.”
Earlier in the week, the Hawks confirmed that four dockets of high treason had been opened.
Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya said they were looking into the matter following cases being opened across the country.
Despite not being officially named by the Hawks, the accusations are believed by many to be against AfriForum and Solidarity, whose leaders have met senior officials from the US administration.
AfriForum, a self-described civil rights organisation that often advocates for the rights of Afrikaners, has long been a controversial player in South African politics.
Its critics argue that it fuels racial tensions, while its supporters see it as a voice against perceived injustices.
Cosatu, however, dismissed AfriForum as nothing more than “embarrassing village idiots” who contribute nothing to South Africa’s democratic project.
“Whilst it is tempting for grown-ups to ignore the rantings of AfriForum as the delusions of ill-adjusted aging hoodlums, we cannot ignore what we believe are the very real consequences of their actions,” Parks said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest party and a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), has also been in the US.
“During the visit, the DA engaged with key decision-makers across Congress, the State Department, and the White House. These discussions were aimed at ensuring that US leaders receive accurate and fact-based information regarding South Africa’s domestic landscape and the challenges our nation is currently navigating,” In a statement issued earlier this week, DA spokesperson on international relations Emma Louise Powell said.
The DA emphasised its opposition to “unnecessary provocations” that could harm economic development and diplomatic ties.
“It was clear from discussions that much work must be done in order to rebuild bilateral trust,” Powell noted.
Both the DA and AfriForum have threatened court action over South Africa’s new land laws, which Trump has highlighted as reason for pulling aid from South Africa, as well as the country’s stance on Israel.
INSIDE POLITICS
