Transcript: Trump takes aim at South Africa

South Africa is facing fresh international scrutiny after former US President Donald Trump repeated false claims of a 'white genocide' in the country. The allegations came during a tense meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, adding strain to diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, the South African government has rolled out new measures to tackle violent crime and corruption across the nation.

The dispute flared when Trump met Ramaphosa and accused South Africa of persecuting white farmers. He later boycotted the G20 meeting in Johannesburg and threatened to exclude the country from next year’s summit in Miami. These claims, which experts and activists dismiss as baseless, have been rejected by figures like Lawson Naidoo, a civil society leader, who stated there is no evidence of racial genocide.

Trump has previously offered asylum to white Afrikaners, though few have accepted. His remarks contrast sharply with South Africa’s ongoing efforts to address crime, which affects all racial groups—particularly poorer communities. The government’s latest plans include boosting police patrols, forming specialist anti-crime units, and introducing stricter sentencing. Additional steps involve expanding youth employment schemes, investing in community policing, and cracking down on organised crime and corruption. Politically, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has entered a power-sharing deal for the first time since apartheid ended. The Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes the Democratic Alliance, has brought a measure of stability and improved economic forecasts. Foreign policy expert Elizabeth Sidiropoulos noted that while the country still grapples with racism, it has shown resilience in moments of national pressure.

The government’s crime-fighting measures aim to strengthen security and social support nationwide. With the GNU providing a more stable political environment, analysts suggest the country is working toward progress despite lingering divisions. The false genocide claims, however, continue to overshadow diplomatic relations with the US.