AfriForum Prepares for Hawks' Treason Investigation Amid US Diplomatic Activities

AfriForum, a prominent civil rights organization in South Africa, is currently facing scrutiny as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, launches an investigation into four charges of treason against the group. Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, addressed these developments from the United States where he is part of a delegation that includes members from Solidarity and the Solidarity Movement.

The delegation’s primary goal during their US visit is to engage with politicians and various stakeholders to advocate for the interests of Afrikaners and the broader South African community. This trip coincides with challenging times for AfriForum, as the organization contends with severe allegations back home.

Breaking News: The South African government is targeting its opponents by entertaining false charges of high treason against those who fight for property rights and expose the human rights abuses against Afrikaners.

As @AfriForum's CEO, I have no sleepless nights over the Hawks’… pic.twitter.com/PxU6PWsslk

— Kallie Kriel (@kalliekriel) March 3, 2025

Kriel, speaking about the charges, stated unequivocally that there are no legal bases for the allegations of treason. He expressed his belief that these charges will only serve to reinforce AfriForum’s position by exposing what he describes as the misuse of power by certain ANC leaders. According to Kriel, these leaders continue to target specific groups within the population while allegedly ignoring corruption within their ranks, as revealed by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

The CEO also highlighted concerns over policies like the Expropriation Act and the Basic Education Amendment Act (Bela), which he argues represent reckless governance threatening the country’s future. Kriel suggested that a potential court case might provide AfriForum an opportunity to publicly demonstrate the alleged disloyalty of certain ANC figures towards the ordinary citizens of South Africa.

As the investigation by the Hawks unfolds, AfriForum has not yet received any official notification regarding the investigation procedures. In the meantime, the delegation's discussions in the US are set to continue this week, aiming to garner international support and possibly influence diplomatic channels in favor of their cause.

This scenario unfolds against a backdrop of intense political and social debates within South Africa, highlighting the ongoing tensions between governmental authority and civil rights groups. As AfriForum prepares to confront these legal challenges, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for civil liberty debates and the political landscape in South Africa.