The MK Party has filed a treason case against AfriForum on Monday 10, February. The lobby group is facing increasing criticism for allegedly spreading misinformation about land and race policies, which has led to US President Donald Trump stopping aid to South Africa.
AfriForum’s direct appeal to a foreign government, leading to economic retaliation against South Africa, is consistent with numerous legal precedents.
The courts have clarified the definition of treason through various cases, establishing principles that still apply today. AfriForum’s interactions with the Trump administration in the US align with this definition.
Additionally, the courts have ruled that collaborating with foreign actors to weaken the state constitutes treason, even if such plans are not fully realised. Therefore, AfriForum cannot be absolved.
The MK Party has accused AfriForum of a long-standing history of resisting South Africa’s democratic transformation, alleging that the organization prioritizes the economic interests of the privileged European settler elite while disregarding the struggles of the oppressed majority. According to the party, AfriForum’s recent lobbying of the U.S. government to impose economic sanctions on South Africa is a calculated move to undermine the state through external pressure.
Past legal rulings have made it clear that engaging foreign forces to act against one’s own country falls within the realm of treason. Unlike those who fought against apartheid tyranny, AfriForum does not seek justice or democracy, it seeks to reverse the gains of our liberation by weaponizing foreign influence against the people of South Africa,” said the MK Party.
The MK Party is calling on all progressive groups to stand together against foreign interference and protect South Africa’s national sovereignty.
They urge the government to take quick diplomatic and legal action to stop the economic threats caused by these opposing forces.
