The FW de Klerk Foundation has rejected Afrikaner genocide claims promoted by US President Donald Trump. Executive director Christo van der Rheede called the statements false and divisive, and said they damage South Africa’s reputation ahead of the G20 summit in Johannesburg later in November. He said groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity amplified the rhetoric, which deepened mistrust.
Polarisation Warning Ahead of G20
“We cannot allow Donald Trump to make these claims,” Van der Rheede told EWN, adding that he has never seen such stark division on social media and in public debate. He stressed that South Africa faces governance and corruption problems, but these do not amount to racial persecution (EWN). The Foundation warned that Afrikaner genocide claims fuel polarisation at a sensitive moment.
Unite Against False Narratives
In a statement carried by The Star (IOL), Van der Rheede urged citizens across racial and political lines to unite and reject the allegations by Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “This is simply not true!” he said. He encouraged South Africans to hold leaders accountable for corruption, violence and poor services, while defending constitutional values and non‑racialism. The Foundation again rejected Afrikaner genocide claims and urged calm, facts and due process.
Boycott Risk and Constitutional Focus
AFP reported that Trump said no US government officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, accusing South Africa of human rights abuses and repeating the allegations about Afrikaners. Van der Rheede warned that a boycott could harm US interests and business ties in South Africa. He also called on the Government of National Unity to stay focused on the Constitution and on building a safe, prosperous country for all who live in it
What’s at Stake
Van der Rheede cautioned that falsehoods could erode goodwill and breed mistrust between South Africans and international partners. He said people who looted the state cannot define the nation’s character. He urged the GNU to protect dignity, equality and human rights, and to create conditions for inclusive growth under the Constitution
