South Africans dispute genocide claims against White Farmers -

By Daisy Okiring

As 59 white South Africans arrived in the U.S. this week under refugee status, citing fears of land seizures and racial persecution, a far different scene unfolded back home. More than 86,000 farmers—most of them white—gathered at the NAMPO Harvest Day in Bothaville, South Africa, to discuss technology, partnerships, and growth in a sector that generated nearly $14 billion in 2024.

While former U.S. President Donald Trump cited “genocide” and racially driven land confiscations to justify the refugee intake—claims echoed by Elon Musk and other conservative voices—South African leaders and agricultural experts say those narratives misrepresent reality.

“There is no genocide in South Africa,” said Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber and co-author of The Uncomfortable Truth About South Africa’s Agriculture. “The sector is growing. What we’re seeing are isolated incidents of rural crime—not racial cleansing.”

These comments come amid the contentious backdrop of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, passed last year to address land inequality stemming from the apartheid era. The law allows the government to seize unused or abandoned land without compensation in certain circumstances—a measure President Cyril Ramaphosa insists is aimed at long-overdue reform, not racial vengeance.

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According to Action for Southern Africa, whites—who make up just 7.3% of South Africa’s population—own 72% of farms and agricultural holdings. By contrast, Black Africans, representing 81.4% of the population, own only 4% of the land. The Expropriation Act is designed to help close this glaring gap.

Trump’s Executive Order

Yet Trump’s executive order on February 7 accused South Africa of enacting “race-based discrimination” and “government-sponsored land seizures,” sparking global concern—and criticism from those within South Africa.

“We’re disturbed that the U.S. is alleging genocide,” said Sihlobo. “It’s not happening.”

Indeed, crime statistics compiled by The New York Times reveal a complex reality: 225 people were killed on South African farms between 2020 and 2024—101 of them Black farmworkers, and 53 white farmers. Experts say these deaths reflect the broader crime crisis plaguing South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates globally.

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Theo Boshoff, CEO of AgBiz, said farm attacks are more about geographic isolation than race.

“There’s no evidence of racial targeting,” Boshoff said. “White and Black farmers alike are at risk because of where they live—not who they are.”

Farmer Nico Harris agreed, telling the Daily Maverick that crime—not political persecution—is the main concern.

“There are racially discriminating laws, but not land grabs or genocide,” Harris said. “Some see emigration as opportunity, not escape from terror.”

Despite the controversy, South Africa’s agricultural sector is thriving. From $2 billion in exports in 2000 to $14 billion in 2024, the country’s farming industry shows no signs of collapse.

“We are self-sufficient,” said Sihlobo. “Those numbers don’t lie. There’s no genocide in South Africa.”

Still, organizations like Afriforum, a group supporting white Afrikaners, argue farm murders should be classified as priority crimes—similar to gender-based violence. Yet even they stop short of supporting the genocide claim.

Ramaphosa appeal

President Ramaphosa has urged international leaders to engage in informed dialogue, noting that land reforms aim to correct historic injustices without undermining property rights. On social media, he said, “Our laws balance public need and private property protections.”

Critics say international voices like Elon Musk, a native of South Africa, are inflaming the issue for ideological reasons.

“Elon Musk benefited from apartheid,” said Fadial Adams, a South African parliamentarian. “He has no moral authority to speak for our people.”

South Africa’s post-apartheid identity continues to evolve, and with it, the struggle to reconcile its dark past with a more equitable future. As agriculture flourishes, many inside the country say the real work is in reducing crime, unifying communities, and preserving the truth amid rising political noise.