A high-level delegation of Afrikaner leaders recently met with senior United States government officials in Washington, D.C., where the White House outlined specific conditions for normalising relations with South Africa.
The delegation comprised Corné Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+); Theo de Jager, chairperson of the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI); and Gerhard Papenfus, CEO of the National Employers Association of South Africa (NEASA). Meetings were held with representatives from the Office of the Vice President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council.
During these discussions, US officials raised four major concerns they believe must be addressed to restore trust and cooperation:
- Farm Attacks
Violent attacks on farmers must be officially recognised as priority crimes. The US urged that these cases be investigated by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, in the same manner as rhino poaching and cash-in-transit heists.
- “Kill the Boer” Chant
The United States called on the African National Congress (ANC) to unambiguously denounce the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant, stating it must be condemned in all contexts, regardless of historical or cultural arguments.
- Land Expropriation
US officials expressed firm opposition to land expropriation without compensation. They emphasised that any expropriation must involve fair market compensation and be pursued only after all legal remedies have been exhausted
- Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Exemptions
The US argued that BEE requirements act as non-tariff trade barriers and requested that American companies operating in South Africa be exempt from such regulations.
These issues, the delegation was told, reflect longstanding concerns the US has conveyed to South African authorities, including ahead of a past meeting between former President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Following the talks, the South African delegation reiterated its commitment to transparency and building stronger international ties. They pledged to communicate the US’s position to both the South African government and the broader public.