Cowards Won’t Solve South Africa’s Problems” – Ramaphosa Slams White Citizens Resettling in US

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sparked controversy by labeling 59 white South Africans who relocated to the United States as “cowards”. The group, primarily composed of Afrikaners, was granted refugee status by US President Donald Trump, who claimed they faced racial discrimination and threats of violence in South Africa.

According to Ramaphosa, these individuals are running away from the country’s problems instead of staying to solve them. “As South Africans, we are resilient. We don’t run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. When you run away, you are a coward, and that’s a real cowardly act,” he emphasized during an address at an agricultural exhibition in the Free State province.

The president’s remarks were made in response to the group’s resettlement in the US, which was facilitated by Trump’s administration. Ramaphosa expressed disappointment, stating that those who left are unhappy with efforts to address the country’s apartheid-era inequities. He confidently predicted that the group would return to South Africa soon, saying, “I can bet you that they will be back soon because there is no country like South Africa”.

Background and Controversy

The decision to grant refugee status to the Afrikaners has been met with criticism, with many questioning the legitimacy of their claims. Ramaphosa maintained that the group doesn’t fit the bill for refugees, adding that the US assessment of the situation is “not true”. He highlighted South Africa’s unique history, saying, “We’re the only country on the continent where the colonizers came to stay and we have never driven them out of our country”.

The controversy surrounding land ownership in South Africa has been a contentious issue, with the government seeking to address racial disparities in land ownership. In January, Ramaphosa signed a law allowing the government to seize privately owned land without compensation in certain circumstances. However, no land has been seized under this law yet.

Reactions and Implications

Ramaphosa’s “coward” remark has sparked backlash online, with some social media users condemning it as an insult to aggrieved white South Africans. The incident has also strained relations between South Africa and the US, with Trump reportedly threatening to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa unless the “situation is taken care of”.

As tensions rise, one thing is clear: the debate surrounding land reform and racial disparities in South Africa will continue to be a contentious issue. Will Ramaphosa’s stance on the matter help to alleviate tensions, or will it further polarize the nation? Only time will tell.

Source: Africa Publicity