Ramaphosa condemns white genocide claims, warns against language glorifying killing

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned claims of white genocide being promoted overseas, saying efforts to discourage investment in South Africa are neither responsible nor patriotic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned efforts to promote claims of a white genocide in South Africa overseas, saying the country’s economic recovery depends on attracting investment.

In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said South Africans should work to build a stronger economy and address the country’s high unemployment rate.

At a time when unemployment is high, and we need to grow our economy and attract investment, travelling to foreign capitals to spread the falsehood of a ‘white genocide’ and discourage investment in one’s own country is neither responsible nor patriotic.

It is also what we defend,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa said freedom of expression was guaranteed by the Constitution but came with responsibility, and warned against language that glorifies killing or encourages hostility, particularly given South Africa’s high levels of violent crime.