Afriforum and similar organisations pose a threat to our democracy

Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala

ORGANISATIONS like Afriforum were formed to protect and promote the narrow interests of a small section of the white population, particularly those of Dutch descent. These organisations exploit the very democratic institutions that South Africa has built in order to advance an agenda that directly opposes democracy itself.

One of the most pressing issues in post-colonial and post-apartheid South Africa is land ownership. The settler-colonial minority dispossessed the indigenous majority through violent means dating back to the 1650s. This dispossession was later legitimised through legislative instruments such as the Glen Grey Act of 1894 and the 1913 Land Act, which, along with many other discriminatory laws, entrenched the disenfranchisement of the indigenous people.

The first democratic elections in 1994 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1996 were two landmark events in the history of South Africa. For the first time since European colonisation, Africans were granted full citizenship and the right to vote in a democratic election. The Constitution guaranteed equal rights to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status, while also protecting private property. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights made South Africa’s Constitution one of the most progressive in the world.

However, nearly 30 years later, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies globally. This is evident in the 2017 Land Audit, which revealed that:

[ ] Whites own 72% of the land,

[ ] Coloureds own 15%,

[ ] Indians own 5%, and

[ ] Africans own only 4%.

These figures highlight the ongoing concentration of land ownership in the hands of a minority, despite the fact that Africans make up 81.4% of the population, while Whites account for only 7.3%, Coloureds 8.2%, and Indians 2.7%.

In the face of skewed land ownership, our democratic government has consistently pursued a pragmatic approach to land reform. The recent passing of the Land Expropriation Bill is a continuation of this pragmatic stance, aimed at addressing historical injustices while ensuring economic stability.

Afriforum has actively propagated the false narrative that a white genocide is taking place in South Africa. While it is true that farm murders occur, it is equally true that murders occur in townships and rural areas across the country. Often, African workers are brutally murdered en masse and buried in unmarked graves. Recently, four women were shot and killed while collecting refuse for recycling and their bodies thrown into a pigsty. There have been many incidents reported, and meetings convened to try to resolve these conflicts in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Interestingly, the non-African forum has not attended a single of those meetings. Crime is a national challenge and attempts to racialize it are not only dishonest but also dangerous. A review of any year’s official crime statistics exposes the fallacy of Afriforum’s claims.

In 1994, South Africa was on the brink of a racial civil war, particularly after the assassination of Chris Hani, one of the most influential leaders of the liberation movement. It was for this reason that Nelson Mandela anchored his presidency on nation-building and reconciliation.

Recently, the newly elected President of the United States of America announced that his administration would withdraw aid to South Africa, citing alleged land grabs and the mistreatment of certain groups. This decision is the direct result of Afriforum’s campaign to besmirch the country and its leadership.

As dangerous as Afriforum’s long-standing smear campaign has been, their most recent public call for foreign intervention is tantamount to treason. By urging a foreign power to punish South Africa’s government and force a policy change, Afriforum has violated the sovereignty of our country.

Since 1994, South Africa’s independent judiciary has provided a credible mechanism for resolving disputes. When citizens or organisations disagree with government decisions, they have the right to challenge them in court. In fact, Nelson Mandela himself was taken to court by Louis Luyt over his decision to establish a commission on racism in rugby. Many presidents since then have had their decisions reviewed in court, demonstrating the strength of our democracy and its ability to resolve issues without foreign interference.

The biggest challenges facing South Africa today are:

1. Structural youth unemployment,

2. Racialised poverty, and

3. Income inequality.

These three interlinked crises require urgent attention to ensure the country’s long-term stability. While international partnerships are valuable, especially with nations that once benefited from apartheid, such support must never come at the expense of our hard-won freedom and sovereignty.

Afriforum and similar organisations represent a reactionary force that seeks to undermine the principles of democracy, reconciliation, and transformation. Their actions are not just an attack on land reform but on the very foundations of our constitutional democracy. South Africa must resist any attempts to reverse the gains of 1994 and remain steadfast in its commitment to a just, equal, and prosperous society.

*Councillor Madlala is the Deputy Secretary of the ANC in the eThekwini Region and Executive Committee Member of eThekwini Municipality: Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee

He writes in his personal capacity.

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