South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has rejected allegations from United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Afrikaners face racial persecution. Lamola described the claims as politically motivated and factually incorrect, sharing official police statistics to counter the narrative. He stated that crime on farms impacts all racial groups, noting that of 225 victims recorded from April 2020 to March 2024, 101 were farm workers who are predominantly Black.
This diplomatic dispute follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American officials would boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of violence against white farmers. The South African government has dismissed the boycott as an act of imperialist interference.
Minister Lamola affirmed that South Africa remains focused on hosting a successful G20 summit. He reiterated the nation's commitment to combating all crime while continuing its preparations for the international gathering.
This diplomatic dispute follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American officials would boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of violence against white farmers. The South African government has dismissed the boycott as an act of imperialist interference.
Minister Lamola affirmed that South Africa remains focused on hosting a successful G20 summit. He reiterated the nation's commitment to combating all crime while continuing its preparations for the international gathering.
