South African Court Rejects 'White Genocide' Claims in Landmark Ruling

A South African court has deemed claims of a "white genocide" as "not real," disregarding contributions from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, while blocking a significant donation to the white supremacist group Boerelegioen.

In a significant legal decision, a South African court has rejected claims of a supposed "white genocide" occurring in the country, declaring them "imagined" and "not real." This ruling is particularly notable as it contradicts statements made by prominent figures such as former US President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who have both highlighted the safety concerns of white South African farmers.

The case centered around a $2.1 million donation intended for a white supremacist organization known as Boerelegioen, proposed by Grantland Michael Bray. His wish to bequeath the funds was dismissed by the court, which labeled the request as vague and contrary to public policy, directly opposing messages of racial hatred.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Bray had developed an obsession with the idea of imminent genocide against white individuals in South Africa, a delusion exacerbated by his racism and extensive exposure to extreme online content. After his death in March 2022, his siblings challenged his decision, asserting that he had become paranoid regarding a fabricated genocide narrative.

The Boerelegioen organization, which claims to serve as a civil defense group for white citizens purportedly facing violence and theft, received scrutiny as the court noted that the bequest was unclear regarding which faction of Boerelegioen it was intended for. Judge Rosheni Allie scrutinized Bray's motivations, stating that the organization’s aims to claim a "white genocide" is unfounded and spurred on by fears rather than facts.

While Trump has historically aligned with those asserting systematic targeting of the white Afrikaner minority in South Africa, local crime statistics suggest a different narrative. Recent data shows that while violence in the country is a serious concern, the actual number of white farmers killed in farm attacks is significantly low compared to overall crime rates, challenging the rhetoric surrounding the issue.

The ruling also underscores the need for statements related to race and violence in South Africa to be based on factual, statistical evidence rather than conjecture and fear. With rising tensions in the socio-political landscape, the court's decision serves as an important reminder of the dangers of perpetuating divisive narratives.