A South African court has rejected claims of a white genocide in the country, labeling them as “clearly imagined” and “not real”.
This ruling undermines statements made by US President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk, who have expressed concerns about the treatment of white South African farmers.
The court’s decision came as it blocked a $2.1 million donation to the white supremacist group Boerelegioen. The donor, Grantland Michael Bray, had intended for the funds to be used to “further its messages of racial hatred and separation”.
However, the court deemed the request invalid, vague, and contrary to public policy.
Trump has previously referred to the “large-scale killing of farmers” in South Africa, while Musk has condemned what he calls “racist ownership laws” and the “genocide of white people”.
Despite this, local crime statistics paint a different picture, with only 12 people killed in farm attacks between October and December 2024, and the majority of victims being black farm dwellers and employees.
The court’s ruling also highlighted the issue of racism and paranoia, with Judge Rosheni Allie noting that the donor’s obsession with the idea of a white genocide was fueled by his existing racism and online content.
The case has sparked debate about the treatment of white South African farmers and the role of racism in the country.
While some have expressed concerns about the safety of white farmers, others have argued that the claims of a white genocide are exaggerated and misinformed.
