South African authorities have initiated a high treason investigation targeting Afrikaner advocacy groups AfriForum and Solidarity. The probe stems from allegations that these organizations disseminated false information to the U.S. government regarding South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows for the expropriation of agricultural land without compensation under specific conditions.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), confirmed that four separate dockets are under examination. He stated that the cases involve individuals who may have crossed international borders to communicate information perceived as constituting high treason. Lebeya emphasized that high treason encompasses unlawful actions aimed at overthrowing the government or endangering the nation’s security, both domestically and abroad.
The controversy intensified when AfriForum and Solidarity actively campaigned in the United States, portraying the Expropriation Act as a threat to Afrikaner property rights. Their efforts included meetings with U.S. officials and media engagements, arguing that the law could lead to the persecution of Afrikaners. These actions coincided with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to cut financial assistance to South Africa, citing concerns over the land reform legislation and allegations of genocide against Afrikaners.
In response to these developments, MK, a political party associated with former President Jacob Zuma, filed a treason complaint against AfriForum. MK accused the group of spreading misinformation to influence Trump’s decision, alleging that such actions amounted to plotting against the South African government. AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, dismissed the treason accusation as absurd, asserting that it is the responsibility of civil society to highlight legislation that threatens citizens’ welfare and the country’s well-being.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will determine whether the complaints contain elements of treason, based on evidence presented by the police. The investigation underscores the complexities surrounding South Africa’s land reform policies and the international dimensions of domestic political disputes. It also highlights the tensions between government actions, civil society advocacy, and foreign perceptions, reflecting the nation’s ongoing struggle to address historical injustices while maintaining national sovereignty and security.
