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African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane has accused AfriForum of leading a misinformation campaign against South Africa.

Mokonyane believes that AfriForum’s statements contributed to US President Donald Trump’s decision to threaten cutting all financial aid to South Africa, linking the Expropriation Act to the ‘confiscation of land’.

In response, AfriForum issued a statement urging Trump to target specific senior ANC leaders rather than punishing all South Africans.

The organisation also called on the government to amend the Expropriation Act to better protect property rights.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel had previously warned President Cyril Ramaphosa against signing the Expropriation Act, arguing that it would undermine investor confidence and further strain citizens already struggling with economic challenges.

‘AfriForum’s position is and has always been that the foolish government and president should be punished for their destructivepoliciesrather than the country’s citizens,’ Kriel said.

Mokonyane said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika that AfriForum’s action exposes the group as a selfish organisation which champions racial discrimination.

‘Part of what we are dealing with here is the extent of misinformation that has been done against South Africa, particularly around the progressive laws we have taken. It is a demonstration of the need for the USA to strengthen their own diplomatic relations with [ourselves] and where there are issues to be engaged upon, as president Ramaphosa as raised, there has to be mutual respect in terms of communication,’ Mokonyane said.
She said AfriForum has not looked at the situation fully and claimed the group has been racist in calling out ANC leaders to be punished.

‘That is very racist of them, very reactionary of them, very unpatriotic. We have a government that is led by the African National Congress. Our progress policies are actually meant for uniting South Africans, for promoting equality, for ensuring that there is inclusivity,’ Mokonyane said.

‘They are now exposed to their commitment and determination for racial discrimination and self-enrichment in terms of how they see these opportunities. They know that they stand to benefit if there is no expropriation for future public development and public use.’

‘They know, as a matter of fact, that if we get affected in terms of non-funding for some of the programmes such as HIV/Aids, they stand to benefit through the private sector and our constituencies would be the ones that are going to be disadvantaged.’

Mokonyane insisted that AfriForum has proven to be ‘very selfish’ and resisting to do away with discrimination in South Africa.

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Picture: @nomvulamoko_ / X

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