South Africa's Race Discourse: Ramaphosa Debunks 'White Genocide' Claims

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa refutes claims of white persecution in South Africa, allegations propagated by figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He emphasizes unity and dismisses these assertions as false. These claims have led to tensions, particularly with the Afrikaner community, fueling international discourse.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday dismissed allegations that the country is persecuting its white citizens as a 'completely false narrative.' These claims have recently been propagated by figures such as US President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, along with some white minority groups in South Africa.

Musk, who frequently accuses South Africa's Black-led government of anti-white sentiment, recently claimed that some South African political figures promote 'white genocide.' In his weekly address, Ramaphosa urged unity and challenged the portrayal of South Africa as a nation targeting specific races or cultures for persecution.

While Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French settlers, have felt targeted, there is no evidence of widespread racial targeting, say experts. The claims, previously used in political rhetoric, have intensified since Trump's executive order cutting funding to South Africa and discussing refugee status for Afrikaners in the US.

(With inputs from agencies.)