Steenhuisen's performance at US-South Africa meeting draws criticism
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen's comments during the meeting between the South African government delegation and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday have been criticised for not adequately dispelling the notion of white genocide in South Africa.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers
Questions have been raised about the performance of Agriculture Minister and leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, during the South African government delegation's high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump, where he was perceived to have faltered on critical topics—most notably, the contentious issue of land expropriation.
IOL reported that political analyst Dr Imaan Buccus had described Steenhuisen’s comments as “weak”.
Buccus said Steenhuisen could have spoken more succinctly especially about the issues of crime and land expropriation.
"We need to dispel this notion that white people are victims. White people are not victims, South Africans are victims. Of all races.”
Observers noted that the South African delegation appeared unprepared, lacking necessary talking points when the dialogue turned toward sensitive domestic policies.
The meeting took a dramatic turn when Trump launched a vehement critique of South Africa’s land policies, arguing that the targeting of white Afrikaner farmers led to the exodus of thousands fearing for their lives.
“You are taking people’s land away, and those people, in many cases, are being executed,” Trump asserted.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the nation’s position, reaffirming that the South African Constitution protects land ownership while seeking to rectify historical injustices.
Also asked by Ramaphosa to address the issue, Steenhuisen said: “We have a real safety problem in South Africa. I do not think anyone wants to candy-coat that,” he said.
“It requires more policing resources and a new strategy. Certainly, the majority of South Africa's commercial and smallholder farmers really do want to stay in South Africa and make it work,” Steenhuisen said.
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi expressed disappointment at Steenhuisen’s failure to address land expropriation directly, arguing that the topic deserves clarity and nuance, particularly in light of recent goodwill gestures from white farmers donating land.
Professor Theo Neethling, head of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, praised Ramaphosa's steady handling of the discussion, noting his composed demeanour and confident response to the allegations directed at the South African government.
“The message was clear, much needs to be done in South Africa. The government is not doing well, especially on crime. It’s a national issue that affects everyone,” Neethling added.