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Thabo Mbeki Calls for National Dialogue on Afrikaner Concerns Amid AfriForum’s US Appeal
Former President Thabo Mbeki has called on the Afrikaners in South Africa to engage in national dialogue to address the issues they face, urging them to raise their concerns within the country rather than seeking international attention.
This statement follows the lobbying efforts of the group AfriForum, which traveled to the United States, claiming that the Afrikaner culture is under threat. In response, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to freeze aid to South Africa, citing concerns about the Expropriation Bill passed in January.
While addressing students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) last Friday, Mbeki emphasized the importance of Afrikaners discussing their grievances in South Africa before seeking foreign intervention. He stated, “I have heard some of the issues raised by some of our Afrikaner compatriots when they talk about alienation in society. I have said the best place to discuss those matters is in the national dialogue. Instead of people going to Washington to say ‘we are being…’, they must come to the National Dialogue and make that presentation. So that all of us as South Africans can discuss.”
Also Read: Police Ministry Investigates AfriForum’s Claims of Farm Murder Underreporting
Mbeki suggested that Afrikaners should bring their concerns to the national dialogue, where they could provide evidence of their cultural rights being threatened. He emphasized that the solution to these issues should come from within South Africa, not from external sources. “If you say my cultural right as an Afrikaner is being denied, say it in the national dialogue and produce evidence so that us as South Africans can discuss what needs to be done. The answer won’t come from Washington, it must come from here,” he added.
In addition to discussing Afrikaner issues, Mbeki also criticized former South African Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool’s comments on President Trump. Mbeki stressed that the South African government must avoid making enemies with other nations. “As a country, we must have a policy that says we are not looking for enemies. We must have a foreign policy that says we want friendly, mutually beneficial cooperation with everyone in the world,” Mbeki remarked.
Mbeki’s comments underline his belief that internal dialogue and cooperation are vital for resolving societal issues. He advocated for Afrikaners to take part in a constructive national conversation to address their concerns, while also ensuring that the country’s foreign policy remains focused on fostering positive international relations.
FAQ
1. Why did Thabo Mbeki call for a national dialogue on Afrikaner issues?
Mbeki called for a national dialogue to ensure that Afrikaners raise their concerns within South Africa rather than seeking international support, which could potentially exacerbate tensions and lead to diplomatic challenges.
2. What prompted Mbeki’s comments about the national dialogue?
Mbeki’s remarks came after AfriForum’s lobbying efforts in the United States, where they claimed that Afrikaners were being culturally threatened, which led to President Trump’s executive order freezing aid to South Africa.
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Sourced:The South African
