Ramaphosa meets Afrikaner self-determination group

The Boere-Afrikaner Volksraad encountered no negativity from acting President Cyril Ramaphosa when they met to discuss Afrikaner self-determination, the council said on Friday.

"The almost two-hour long meeting at the Union Buildings took place with an open heart and good spirit," it said.

Ramaphosa met the delegation on Thursday afternoon for a briefing on the group's aim of self-determination for the "Boere-Afrikaner".

The organisation said Ramaphosa's delegation asked many questions on the actual form of an Afrikaner people's republic, and these were answered.

Ramaphosa in turn made some proposals, which would be discussed at the Boere-Afrikaner Volksraad (Boere-Afrikaner People's Council).

Boere-Afrikaner Volksraad chairman Andries Breytenbach told Sapa the Constitution allowed for self-determination for particular groups, but this had to be passed through Parliament. To do this, they would need the support of Parliament.

Ramaphosa said he would discuss the matter with African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe, Breytenbach said.

The ANC, which Ramaphosa is deputy president of, has the majority in Parliament.

In the meantime, the council would approach other Afrikaner groups interested in self-determination to make the process more inclusive, and so that government had to deal only with one forum.