By Marcus Moloko
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has rebuked recent comments made by U.S President Donald Trump on Truth Social, in which he accused the country of persecuting Afrikaners, while boycotting the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Trump claimed Afrikaners – whom he described as “white descendants of European settlers” are being killed and slaughtered, and that their farms are being illegally confiscated.
He declared that no U.S. government official will attend as long as the perceived human rights abuse continued while referring to South African’s hosting the G20 as a disgrace.
DIRCO responded swiftly, stating that Trump’s characterization of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is “ahistorical” and that his claims of persecution are “not substantiated by fact.”
The department emphasized that South Africa’s position on this matter remains consistent with previous statements, referencing four official responses to similar allegations made in recent years:
Statement on the US special refugee programme
South African government sets record straight on farm crime
South Africa rejects inaccurate and deeply flawed account of human rights practices
Government of South Africa notes the USA executive order
The South African government reiterated its commitment to democratic values and inclusive development, stating: “Drawing on our own journey from racial and ethnic division to democracy, our nation is uniquely positioned to champion within the G20 a future of genuine solidarity, where shared prosperity bridges deep inequalities.”
Trump’s boycott announcement comes just weeks before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which South Africa is set to host for the first time.
The move has sparked diplomatic concern, especially given Trump’s previous remarks at the America Business Forum in Miami, where he referenced South Africa in the context of “communist tyranny.”
Despite the controversy, South Africa remains focused on its global leadership role and preparations for the summit. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that the country looks forward to hosting a successful G20 gathering, emphasizing that misinformation should not derail international cooperation.
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