Julius Malema’s Rhetoric, Afrikaner Persecution, and Trump’s Response Matt Gaets interviews Ernst Roets and Gavin Wax South Africa is facing an increasingly tense political and humanitarian crisis, with growing concerns over the safety of white South Africans, particularly Afrikaner farmers. At the center of this controversy is Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a radical political party known for its inflammatory rhetoric. Malema has repeatedly chanted slogans like "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" at rallies attended by tens of thousands of supporters. Critics argue that these chants are not merely symbolic but represent a growing wave of hostility toward the white farming community in the country. Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire, has taken to social media to voice his alarm, calling Malema a "genocidal lunatic" and questioning why global leaders are not taking stronger action. The rhetoric has sparked international attention, prompting former U.S. President Donald Trump to take decisive measures. In response to what he perceives as a deteriorating human rights situation, Trump announced that the U.S. would cut aid to South Africa and extend refugee status to Afrikaners facing persecution. The crisis is not only a matter of words but of real-world consequences. Reports indicate that farm murders in South Africa have been carried out with extreme brutality, raising concerns about a broader pattern of violence and displacement. According to Ernst Roets, executive director of the Afrikaner rights group AfriForum, Malema's rhetoric has emboldened attacks on farmers and fueled racial tensions. Roets argues that the South African government has done little to address these threats and, in some cases, has even enabled them. He noted that shortly after Malema’s speech calling for the "slitting of the throat of whiteness," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended an invitation for Malema to rejoin the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republicans, echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a "humanitarian crisis" and comparing it to Zimbabwe's economic collapse. He warned that South Africa is on a similar trajectory, with its economy deteriorating and its political leadership embracing Marxist policies that undermine stability. Wax also pointed out that the global community has largely ignored the plight of Afrikaners, despite the ongoing violence and calls for land seizures without compensation. A major point of debate is the future of the Afrikaner people in South Africa. Some, like Wax, argue that Afrikaners should be granted their own sovereign state, separate from the South African government. He believes that this is the only viable solution to ensure their safety and cultural preservation. Others, like Roets, acknowledge the desire for autonomy but emphasize that many Afrikaners still wish to remain in South Africa and build self- sufficient communities within the country. He highlighted efforts by Afrikaners to establish independent towns, such as Orania, where they can maintain their cultural identity while avoiding reliance on what they perceive as a corrupt and hostile government. Beyond the immediate concerns of Afrikaners, the discussion also touched on South Africa’s shifting geopolitical alliances. Wax noted that the country is moving closer to China and Russia through the BRICS economic bloc, a development that could have significant global implications. He questioned whether the United States would continue to consider South Africa an ally in the future, given its alignment with anti-Western powers and its failure to protect minority communities. With upcoming elections in South Africa, Malema’s growing influence raises questions about the country’s political trajectory. If he gains more power, potentially even becoming deputy president, his policies could further radicalize the nation and exacerbate existing tensions. The question remains whether the international community will take action before the situation escalates further. As discussions around South Africa’s future continue, one thing is clear: the world is beginning to pay attention to the plight of Afrikaners. Whether through Trump’s executive order, Musk’s outspoken criticism, or growing advocacy from groups like AfriForum, the issue is no longer confined to South Africa’s borders. The coming years will determine whether Afrikaners will find protection through international intervention, internal autonomy, or forced displacement.

Source: Ernst Roets February 18, 2025 View on YouTube

South Africa, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is facing an unprecedented crisis. The BBC documentary *Crime and Punishment in South Africa - BBC Africa Eye* has sparked a wave of emotional reactions from viewers, particularly South Africans who experience the harsh realities of crime daily. The documentary sheds light on the growing lawlessness and the failure of the government to protect its citizens, leading to widespread frustration, fear, and even despair. Many viewers expressed deep anxiety over the high crime rates, sharing personal stories of hijackings, home invasions, and brutal murders. Some spoke of losing friends and family members to violent crime, while others described the intense stress of constantly living in fear. One commenter stated that after leaving the country, they realized how abnormal it was to live under such conditions. Another remarked that simply stepping outside felt like a dangerous gamble. Many South Africans have resorted to extreme security measures, turning their homes into fortresses with multiple gates, alarms, and electric fences, yet still feeling unsafe. A large portion of the commentary targeted the ruling African National Congress (ANC), blaming it for the deterioration of law and order. Viewers accused the government of corruption, incompetence, and misplaced priorities, with some pointing out that the ANC is more focused on international affairs than solving domestic issues. Calls for change were widespread, with many urging South Africans to vote the ANC out of power in the upcoming elections. The sentiment that "the country is ruled by criminals, not taxpayers" was echoed in multiple comments.

The documentary also highlighted the efforts of community-led crime-fighting groups, which received significant praise. Many viewers admired these volunteers for stepping up to protect their neighborhoods in the absence of police intervention. Some even suggested that the government should provide them with funding, training, and official recognition. However, there was also some debate about the role of these groups, with a few questioning whether their methods were truly effective or sustainable. Several commenters compared South Africa’s situation to that of war-torn countries, arguing that the murder rate is higher than in some active conflict zones. Others reflected on the country’s past, expressing disappointment at how it had fallen from being a global success story to a place many are now desperate to leave. Those who have already emigrated spoke of their relief but also their sorrow at having to abandon their homeland. The discussion also touched on tourism, with some warning foreigners to reconsider visiting South Africa due to safety concerns. However, others clarified that while crime is a serious problem, certain areas remain relatively safe for visitors. Ultimately, the overwhelming message from viewers was one of frustration, fear, and a desperate need for change. Many believe that without a radical shift in governance, law enforcement, and economic policies, South Africa will continue its downward spiral. Despite this, there was also a glimmer of hope—hope that with the right leadership and collective effort, the country could reclaim its potential and become a safer place for its people.