AfriForum seeks G20 countries' intervention on South Africa's property rights and farm murders

Lobby group AfriForum has called on G20 countries to use the upcoming summit in Johannesburg and subsequent diplomatic engagements with South Africa to urge the government to respect property rights and take stronger action to address farm murders.

The organisation stated that it had written to the embassies of G20 member states, outlining concerns about what it described as the erosion of property rights and the rise in violent attacks on farmers, and had also presented what it called practical solutions to both issues.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel stated that the lack of progress in addressing these matters had already impacted the G20 summit, pointing out that the United States had decided to boycott the gathering due to such concerns.

“G20 countries can play a constructive role in stabilising both local and international relations by pledging their support for efforts to protect property rights and combat farm murders,” Kriel said.

He argued that it was in the G20’s own interest to ensure that property rights in South Africa were safeguarded, warning that uncertainty in this area could deter foreign investment.

“The disregard for property rights in places like Zimbabwe and Venezuela has caused great suffering for ordinary people, leading to hyperinflation, unemployment and growing poverty,” Kriel added.

AfriForum has been a vocal critic of the Expropriation Act, which allows for the taking of property without compensation under certain conditions. Kriel said the organisation’s campaign against the policy was motivated by what it saw as the potentially “catastrophic consequences” for all South Africans.

Among the measures AfriForum is proposing are:

• That President Cyril Ramaphosa unconditionally condemn the “Kill the Boer” chant, which the group views as incitement to ethnic violence.

• That government acknowledge the “excessive torture and violence” accompanying some farm murders.

• That farm murders be declared a priority crime.

• That police be directed to formally collaborate with lawful farm and neighbourhood watch structures.

On property rights, AfriForum has called for amendments to the Expropriation Act, including the scrapping of Section 12(3), which allows for expropriation without compensation.

AfriForum said it is set to launch a report regarding what it termed the violation of minorities’ human rights in South Africa.

Last week, IOL reported that Argentina’s President Javier Milei will not attend the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, aligning with a boycott of the key meeting backed by United States President Donald Trump.

According to reports in Argentine media, Milei will instead send Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno to represent the country, along with G20 negotiator Federico Pinedo.

The decision marks a show of solidarity with Trump, who announced that the United States would not participate in the G20 summit in South Africa, citing alleged human-rights abuses against Afrikaner farmers in the country.

Argentina’s government has not issued an official statement on the withdrawal, but presidential aides quoted in local outlets said the move was “in line with Washington’s position.”

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.