The ongoing discussion about South African refugee policy during President Trump’s administration highlights a significant issue: the violence faced by the country’s farmers. Reports from the Biden era and genocide monitoring groups have sounded alarms, yet these warnings have often been overlooked. The critical question remains whether these acts are driven by racial motives or simple greed.
In a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump addressed concerns about persecution. “We have many people that feel they’re being persecuted, and they’re coming to the United States,” he stated. Trump added, “People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they’re being killed.”
The violence against white South Africans, known as Afrikaners or Boers, is a genuine issue. Trump highlighted rural violence and a legal framework that supports race-based property seizures. The debate continues on whether these actions amount to “genocide.”
A State Department report from the Biden era cited alarming statistics. In 2021 and 2022, there were 748 farm attacks and over 100 killings targeting white South Africans. Some advocacy groups argue that white farmers are targeted for their race, yet it’s unclear if these attacks are isolated incidents or part of South Africa’s rampant crime rate.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates globally. With a murder rate of 34 per 100,000 people, it ranks tenth worldwide, only surpassed by some Central and South American nations. Genocide Watch, a Washington-based group, attributes this to a failure in prosecuting murderers, contributing to a culture of impunity.
President Trump suggested these attacks could be considered a “genocide.” He showed Ramaphosa videos of Julius Malema, a radical communist politician, calling to “Shoot the Boers.” Malema’s past conviction for hate speech highlights the tension surrounding this issue.
Genocide Watch agrees with Trump’s concerns. They assert that Malema and his Economic Freedom Front party encourage violence to drive farmers out of South Africa. The organization notes that Afrikaners, who make up about 8% of the population, face significant threats.
Despite these claims, some, like veteran reporter Geof Hill, argue that Afrikaners are only victims in 2% of murders. The dangers may be higher in urban areas, with several South African cities ranking among the world’s most dangerous. The media, however, often downplays these threats.
President Trump’s critics have challenged his claims, labeling them as exaggerated. Headlines focused on Ramaphosa being “ambushed” by Trump’s presentation. Reuters, for instance, described Trump’s claims as “false assertions of white genocide.”
Ramaphosa refuted the allegations during his White House visit. He pointed to the presence of white South African golfers with him as evidence of stability and safety. Critics argue that the debate is more about semantics than actual violence.
Accurate data on murdered white South Africans is hard to find, as official statistics aren’t categorized by race. Before Ramaphosa’s visit, PBS fact-checked Trump’s statements, confirming that white farmers are indeed murdered, but these make up less than 1% of the annual murders nationwide.
According to South African Police Service data, there were 19,696 murders from April to December 2024, implying around 196 white victims. This statistic raises the question of whether the issue is one of mass murder, genocide, or a tragic aspect of a violent society.
Trump’s videos have prompted political leaders and the public to focus on these murders. The legacy of apartheid continues to cast a shadow over South Africa, affecting both black and white citizens. Black farmer Thobani Ntonga echoed this sentiment, stating that crime affects everyone.
Farmers, regardless of race, face vulnerability in isolated areas. Afrikaner farmer Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt highlighted the challenges small-scale farmers face, lacking resources for private security. Yet, despite the dangers, he expressed a desire to remain in the country.
Graduate Student, wife, engaged political and legal writer.