African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized South Africa’s strength in diversity, dismissing claims of persecution against white farmers that recently led a group of 49 white South Africans to seek refugee status in the United States.

Speaking at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley during a provincial executive committee induction, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of unity and non-racialism in building a democratic South Africa. His comments come after the Trump administration granted asylum to the group, citing allegations of land seizures and violence against white farmers—a claim both former U.S. President Donald Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk have labeled as “genocide,”.

Ramaphosa firmly rejected the notion that any South African should feel compelled to flee the country.

“The beauty of South Africa is its diversity,” he said. “None of us should ever have to run away to another country for fictional reasons that we are being persecuted. We are united in diversity, and none of us should ever feel that they have lost courage.”

He reiterated the ANC’s commitment to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), which seeks to build a non-racial, non-sexist society free from the remnants of apartheid’s patriarchal structures.

The debate over land reform in South Africa has drawn international attention. Critics argue that the government’s land redistribution policies unfairly target white farmers, though officials maintain that the process is “legal” and aimed at redressing historical injustices.

Ramaphosa outlined key goals for the NDR, including:

“We will tackle our problems as we move toward a national democratic society,” he declared, urging South Africans to remain resilient and work together to address the nation’s challenges.

As the ANC continues to push for unity and , the controversy over emigration and land reform remains a contentious issue—both domestically and abroad. Ramaphosa’s speech signals a firm stance against divisive narratives while reaffirming the party’s vision for an inclusive South Africa.

One honestly need to ask the question if transformation is valid with over 140 race based laws in the country…