AfriForum: A Controversial Voice in South African Civil Rights
posted 27th February 2025
AfriForum: A Controversial Voice in South African Civil Rights
AfriForum, a South African non-governmental organisation (NGO), remains one of the most contentious civil rights groups in the country. Established in 2006, it primarily represents the interests of Afrikaners, a subgroup of South Africa's white population. While its leadership insists that the organisation is a civil rights initiative, critics have described AfriForum as an Afrikaner nationalist group aligned with alt-right and white nationalist ideologies.
AfriForum was founded in 2006 as an offshoot of the trade union Solidarity. The organisation emerged with the stated goal of encouraging Afrikaners to re-engage with public and civil society. It has since grown into a formidable lobbying force, boasting nearly 300,000 contributing members as of 2022.
Its leader, Kallie Kriel, has drawn controversy over statements regarding apartheid, at one point asserting that apartheid was not a crime against humanity. However, a court ruling later clarified that Kriel did not justify apartheid and had acknowledged its fundamental injustice. Kriel, along with several members of AfriForum’s leadership, has historical ties to the Conservative Party and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), reinforcing perceptions of the organisation as rooted in Afrikaner nationalism.
AfriForum is involved in a broad range of campaigns covering crime, land reform, education, and minority rights. Among its most high-profile initiatives are its efforts against farm attacks, its opposition to expropriation without compensation, and its campaigns for the protection of Afrikaans language rights.
One of AfriForum’s most vocal criticisms has been directed at the ruling African National Congress (ANC) regarding violent crimes, particularly farm attacks. The organisation has accused the ANC of ignoring the issue and has lodged complaints against the police minister for failing to protect farmers adequately. AfriForum has also published a controversial book, Kill the Boer, which details its stance on the issue.
Additionally, AfriForum has set up a private prosecution unit, led by former state prosecutor Gerrie Nel, to pursue cases it believes have been neglected by South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
AfriForum has been a staunch opponent of proposed constitutional amendments that would allow the government to expropriate land without compensation. In 2018, it controversially published a list of farms allegedly targeted for expropriation, drawing criticism but later receiving corroboration from the South African Institute for Race Relations.
Despite its strong opposition to land redistribution policies, AfriForum has assisted black landowners facing land disputes, arguing that corruption and inefficiency, rather than racial policies, are the primary obstacles to land reform.
AfriForum has consistently fought to preserve Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and universities. The group has opposed efforts to rename Pretoria to Tshwane and has resisted changes to street names in the capital, claiming that such actions erase Afrikaner heritage. It has also been an advocate for maintaining religious practices in schools.
AfriForum’s activities have sparked accusations of racism, with critics arguing that the organisation promotes white victimhood while ignoring broader societal injustices. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has described AfriForum as "white supremacists in a 'suit and tie'," a characterisation that the organisation strongly rejects.
The group has also engaged in legal battles over hate speech. In 2011, AfriForum successfully sued Julius Malema for singing "Dubul' ibhunu" ("Shoot the Boer"), which the court deemed hate speech. In contrast, AfriForum itself has faced criticism for downplaying apartheid’s historical significance.
AfriForum has extended its influence beyond South Africa, lobbying internationally to raise awareness about farm attacks and minority rights. It has undertaken tours in Australia and the United States, meeting with figures such as John Bolton and Senator Ted Cruz’s staff. The group also engaged with Australian politicians and media outlets, claiming responsibility for increasing awareness about violence against white farmers.
AfriForum remains one of South Africa’s most polarising organisations. While it frames itself as a civil rights group protecting Afrikaner heritage and promoting minority rights, critics argue that its activities reinforce racial divisions. Whether seen as a necessary advocate for Afrikaners or a controversial nationalist movement, AfriForum continues to play an influential role in South African politics and society.
