AfriForum has escalated its long-running campaign on farm attacks and property rights. Consequently, the civil rights organisation formally launched an AfriForum G20 appeal this week by sending detailed letters to every G20 embassy just days before the summit opens in Johannesburg.
Contents of the AfriForum G20 Appeal
In the letters, AfriForum clearly outlines two core concerns. First, it details the persistent violent attacks on farms and smallholdings. Additionally, it strongly criticises the new Expropriation Act, which now allows land seizure without compensation in certain cases.
CEO Kallie Kriel says, “G20 countries can play a constructive role in stabilising both local and international relations.”
For this reason, the group urges foreign leaders to raise these matters directly with President Cyril Ramaphosa while they are in Johannesburg.
Specific Demands to Curb Farm Attacks
Moreover, AfriForum spells out four practical steps it wants government to take immediately. Firstly, the president must publicly and unambiguously condemn the “Kill the Boer” chant as ethnic incriminating incitement.
Secondly, authorities should officially acknowledge that farm attacks involve disproportionate brutality compared to other crimes. Thirdly, government needs to declare farm attacks a priority crime.
Finally, police must establish formal, structured cooperation with accredited farm-watch groups for joint planning and patrolling. According to AfriForum, these measures will reduce violence and restore much-needed confidence among rural communities.
Property Rights Under Threat
Meanwhile, the organisation remains deeply alarmed by the Expropriation Act signed earlier this year. Specifically, Section 12(3) permits nil compensation in certain instances, while Section 19(2) allows the state to take possession before courts finalise disputes. Kriel warns that similar disregard for property rights previously triggered economic collapse in Zimbabwe and Venezuela.
Growing International Backlash
Notably, the timing of the AfriForum G20 appeal coincides with high-profile diplomatic boycotts. For example, United States President Donald Trump confirmed he will skip the Johannesburg summit, citing concerns over the treatment of Afrikaner farmers.
Similarly, Argentina’s President Javier Milei opted to send representatives rather than attend in person. Furthermore, AfriForum plans to release a comprehensive report on minority rights violations in the coming days. Ultimately, the group hopes sustained international pressure will lead to real policy change.
