CAPE TOWN – A leading South African agricultural organization has condemned recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, arguing that his claims about land expropriation and farmer persecution are inflaming tensions and harming the nation’s economy.
Johann Kotzé, CEO of AgriSA, South Africa’s largest farming group, expressed concern over Trump’s statements, which have fueled political divisions within the agricultural community. Trump, who recently halted US aid to South Africa over alleged mistreatment of White farmers, has been accused of spreading misinformation regarding land seizures and violence against Afrikaners, a group primarily descended from Dutch and French settlers.
Right-wing organizations, including AfriForum, a conservative Afrikaner advocacy group, have long promoted claims of widespread land confiscation and targeted killings. However, Kotzé dismissed these allegations, stating that South African agriculture remains a thriving sector.
“The radical rhetoric following Trump’s comments only deepens divisions,” Kotzé said in a February 11 interview. “As a representative of organized agriculture in South Africa, I have not witnessed the claims being made.”
Trump’s February 7 executive order accused the South African government of treating certain groups unfairly and even proposed granting refugee status to Afrikaners. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, has amplified these claims on social media.
Kotzé described the refugee offer as perplexing, emphasizing that South African agriculture is a success story. “We have a robust export industry and a prosperous farming sector. Why would anyone leave that behind for an uncertain future in another country?” he said.
Since the abolition of apartheid in 1994, South Africa’s agricultural output has doubled, and farm exports have increased sixfold. The industry currently employs nearly one million workers, contributing significantly to the national economy.
“We should be celebrating these achievements, not getting caught up in negativity,” Kotzé added.
Despite his dismissal of Trump’s claims, Kotzé acknowledged concerns regarding South Africa’s newly signed expropriation law. The legislation, approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December, allows land to be taken without compensation under certain conditions. AgriSA is considering legal action to clarify the law’s scope, but Kotzé emphasized that “no farms have been seized without compensation, and no land grabs have occurred.”
Following Trump’s decision to withdraw aid, some Afrikaner communities, such as the separatist settlement of Orania, have called for increased autonomy. While AfriForum criticized Trump’s move as counterproductive, other groups, including the Transvaal Agricultural Union, praised his intervention.
Kotzé also rejected claims—frequently echoed by Musk—that White farmers are being specifically targeted for political violence. “Crime is a major issue across South Africa,” he said. “Farm attacks do happen, but similar violence affects communities everywhere, including the townships where many farmworkers live.”
The uncertainty surrounding US-South Africa trade relations has raised concerns that Trump’s actions could lead to further economic consequences, particularly regarding South African exports like citrus fruit and wine. AgriSA, which represents over 1,000 farming associations, is urging for stability and constructive engagement rather than fear-driven narratives.
“We need to focus on the real challenges facing our agricultural sector,” Kotzé concluded. “Misinformation only distracts from the progress we’ve made and the opportunities ahead.”