411
‘It’s Culture, Not Race’: Kleinfontein Residents Hit Back at Critics
The residents of Kleinfontein, an Afrikaner-only settlement near Pretoria, have pushed back against claims that their community promotes apartheid-like ideals. They insist that their way of life is rooted in preserving culture, not race.
This response comes after the MK Party, led by Mzwanele Manyi, conducted an oversight visit to the gated community, raising concerns that Kleinfontein is disguising racial separation under the constitutional right to cultural self-determination.
The MK Party questioned whether the community was exploiting Section 235 of the Constitution, which provides for the right of communities with a common cultural and language heritage to self-determination.
Despite the political tension, the Kleinfontein community welcomed the visit. “We may have different views, but we appreciate the engagement,” said a community representative.
[WATCH] Kleinfontein spokesperson Dannie De Beer says contrary to the belief that Kleinfontein is an apartheid enclave, the area is, in fact, about culture and not race.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/s41z6TJtiH
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 21, 2025
‘It’s about culture, not apartheid’
Kleinfontein spokesperson Dannie De Beer firmly rejected suggestions that the settlement was built on apartheid-era principles.
“Apartheid and Kleinfontein cannot be mentioned in the same sentence,” De Beer said. “Apartheid is long dead and will never return. Kleinfontein is about culture, not race.”
He added that people often confuse cultural preservation with racism: “How can supporting your culture automatically make you a racist?”
A statue of Hendrik Verwoerd at the shops and offices just inside the main gate of Kleinfontein.Picture: Etienne Creux
Also Read: Siv Ngesi and Josh Rubin Explore Orania: Inside South Africa’s Afrikaner Enclave
Trump’s citizenship offer
In March, former US President Donald Trump made headlines after offering a fast-tracked citizenship process to white South African farmers. He claimed the South African government was treating them unfairly and seizing their land—an assertion that has been widely disputed.
While De Beer acknowledged Trump’s recognition of Afrikaners’ struggles, he dismissed the idea that Kleinfontein residents would emigrate.
“Trump recognising Afrikaners and discrimination against us is welcomed, but will Kleinfonteiners move to America en masse? I don’t think so,” he said.
Trump had encouraged white South African farmers “seeking safety” to apply for US citizenship, saying the situation in South Africa was worsening for long-time landowners.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Sourced:The Citizen
Picture: Kleinfontein Facebook page
