Q&A with AfriForum's deputy CEO Ernst Roets

AfriForum has claimed credit for Donald Trump's bellicose tweet about SA. Chris Barron asked the group's deputy CEO Ernst Roets…

26 August 2018 - 00:00 By CHRIS BARRON

Why have you been spreading fake news in the US? 
We haven't.
What farm seizures is Trump tweeting about?
I'm not sure, he didn't tell me.
So you don't know where that comes from?
We know there's a list of 192 farms that's been targeted for expropriation.
Have you verified it?
We're 100% sure it is being circulated within the department.
US TV host Tucker Carlson says Ramaphosa has been seizing land from people who are the wrong colour. Does that come from you?
We've never used those words.
Does it come from your lobbying?
Do you think Carlson has only one source about SA and that's me?
Just coincidental that this stuff is coming out after your visit?
I believe our trip played a role...
Are you happy with Trump's tweet?
We welcome it. We think it's great news.
You think it's an accurate reflection of what's going on?
Do you think the South African government is not planning to take land from white farmers?
He's saying it is happening now.
You seem to be hellbent on one little small detail of a much bigger picture... that has been stated and repeated by the state president, by the ANC etcetera, of what they intend to do. The small details have taken over the bigger picture.
Such as that expropriation has not been approved...
It has been approved as ANC policy.
...that it can't be approved without a two-thirds majority in parliament?
We told them parliament has taken a decision that the constitution has to be reviewed to empower the state to expropriate.
But it hasn't, has it?
It has taken a decision that there must be a public consultation process...
To decide if the constitution should be amended?
The president has said repeatedly they are going to expropriate without compensation.
Did you tell them that if parliament approves it can be challenged in the Constitutional Court?
Yes. That we will take it to the Constitutional Court. But at the end of the day this is not about whether it will be done according to the constitution...
Surely it's absolutely about that?
No, it's not. Apartheid was done according to the law. Apartheid was legal.
Did you tell them we're a constitutional democracy?
We have serious doubts if you look at some of the judgments of the Constitutional Court.
Such as that then-president Jacob Zuma violated the constitution?
It also said section 30, which protects the rights of cultural communities, applies to all communities except Afrikaners.
Are you concerned that Trump's tweet may lead to sanctions?
We are, yes.
Which will hurt farmers?
Yes, but don't blame the messenger...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.