By Nco Dube

South Africa stands at a critical juncture, its journey towards genuine equality and justice continuously undermined by the persistent efforts of right-wing, conservative, and, frankly, racist lobbies both domestically and internationally. These groups, driven by a calculated desire to maintain the unjust status quo inherited from apartheid, have launched a global campaign to discredit South Africa’s attempts at land reform, economic transformation, and redress for the victims of apartheid. Their actions, amplified by figures such as Elon Musk and weaponised by political opportunists such as Donald Trump, pose a serious threat to South Africa’s sovereignty and its pursuit of a more equitable future.

Nco Dube political economist, businessman, and social commentator on Ukhozi FM. File

The Architecture of Disinformation: AfriForum and the Global Right-Wing Network

At the core of this insidious campaign lies a network of organisations, with AfriForum playing a central role. While presenting itself as a civil rights organisation, AfriForum actively promotes a racist agenda aimed at preserving the privileges of the white minority and undermining the rights of the black majority. Their strategy involves disseminating misinformation about South Africa’s land reform policies, falsely claiming that white farmers are being targeted for violence and land expropriation.

This narrative, amplified through right-wing media outlets and social media platforms, gains traction among conservative circles in the United States and other Western countries. AfriForum’s leaders have been actively lobbying politicians and media personalities in the US, seeking to influence public opinion and policy decisions regarding South Africa. Their efforts have been remarkably successful, with figures such as Donald Trump echoing their false claims and threatening to curtail aid to South Africa.

Elon Musk: The Prodigal Son’s Betrayal

The amplification of these false narratives by Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, adds a particularly regrettable dimension to this situation. Despite his South African origins, Musk has repeatedly used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate misinformation about the country, accusing the government of “openly racist ownership laws” and implying that white South Africans are victims of genocide. Musk’s pronouncements carry considerable weight due to his immense wealth and influence. His alignment with right-wing ideologies and his close relationship with figures such as Trump have further amplified his voice, enabling him to propagate harmful narratives to a global audience.

The writer says that despite his South African origins, Elon Musk has repeatedly used his platform on X to disseminate misinformation about the country (Photo by RYAN COLLERD / AFP)

Trump’s Weaponisation of Disinformation: Punishing South Africa for Justice

Trump, ever the opportunist, has seized upon these false narratives to advance his own political agenda. His recent threats to curtail funding to South Africa, couched in the language of human rights violations, are a thinly veiled attempt to punish the country for its stance on the Palestine/Israel conflict and its decision to refer Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Trump’s actions are not only a blatant interference in South Africa’s domestic affairs, but also a betrayal of the principles of justice and equality. By aligning himself with those who seek to maintain the apartheid status quo, he is undermining South Africa’s efforts to address historical injustices and build a more inclusive society.

The Silence of the Complicit: The Democratic Alliance and White South African Silence

The complicity of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the silence of many white South Africans in this matter is equally concerning. While the DA often professes to support equality and justice, its response to AfriForum’s racist agenda and the dissemination of false narratives has been inadequate.

The DA’s reluctance to unequivocally condemn AfriForum’s actions stems, in part, from its reliance on white voters, many of whom may sympathise with AfriForum’s concerns. While it must be acknowledged that the DA has recently made statements against the false narrative surrounding the new Expropriation Act, this is insufficient. The DA needs to explicitly and consistently denounce all false narratives, including the unsubstantiated claims of a “white genocide.”

The relative silence of many white South Africans is also a cause for concern. While not all white South Africans support the racist agenda of AfriForum and its allies, many remain silent out of fear of social ostracism or a reluctance to engage in difficult conversations about race and privilege. This silence allows false narratives to spread unchallenged, further entrenching the unjust status quo.

Standing Firm: Ramaphosa’s Resistance and the Path Forward

President Cyril Ramaphosa has demonstrated commendable resolve in the face of this concerted assault on South Africa’s sovereignty and its pursuit of justice. He has directly addressed Trump’s false claims, reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to land reform and economic transformation, and engaged in dialogue with figures such as Elon Musk to correct misinformation.

However, President Ramaphosa’s efforts alone are not enough. South Africa requires a united front against the forces of racism and reaction. This necessitates a concerted effort to:

Expose and Counter Disinformation: South Africans must actively challenge false narratives regarding land reform, economic transformation, and the situation of white farmers. This requires investing in fact-checking initiatives, supporting independent media outlets, and utilising social media to combat misinformation.

Demand Accountability: The DA and other political parties must be held accountable for their inconsistent condemnation of racism and right-wing extremism. Voters must demand that their elected officials take a clear and unequivocal stance against all forms of discrimination and injustice.

Promote Dialogue and Reconciliation: South Africans must engage in open and honest conversations about race, privilege, and the legacy of apartheid. This requires creating safe spaces for dialogue, promoting empathy and understanding, and challenging prejudice and stereotypes.

Strengthen International Solidarity: South Africa must work with international allies to counter the influence of right-wing lobbies and promote a more just and equitable global order. This requires building alliances with progressive movements, advocating for human rights and social justice, and challenging imperialism and neo-colonialism.

Economic Ties and International Relations

South Africa must also be strategic in its international relations. While expanding and deepening political and trade ties with Asia and Africa is crucial, the nation cannot completely disentangle itself from its existing economic relationships with Western countries. The United States is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner and a major source of development cooperation.

The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner. South Africa needs to strengthen ties with Western nations while simultaneously pursuing stronger relationships with other countries, understanding that these relationships are mainly economic in nature. By enhancing economic and political dialogue, South Africa can continue to attract foreign direct investment and support key priorities such as industrialisation, education, and skills development.

Uniting to Counter Racist Agendas

It is imperative that South Africans unite and actively utilise public platforms, including social media, to challenge racist and false narratives. By sharing accurate information, promoting constructive dialogue, and challenging misinformation, we can collectively counter the harmful agendas promoted by figures such as Trump and organisations such as AfriForum. It is incumbent upon all citizens to stand united and defend our democracy against those who seek to divide us and undermine our progress.

South Africa’s journey toward true equality and justice remains ongoing. The forces of racism and reaction persist, both domestically and internationally. However, by remaining steadfast in our commitment to truth, justice, and equality, we can overcome these challenges and build a more just and equitable future for all South Africans. The time for complacency has passed; the time for decisive action is now.

(Dube is a political economist, businessman, and social commentator on Ukhozi FM. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune, Independent Media, or IOL)

SUNDAY TRIBUNE