Donald Trump to give AfriForum $1 million to study crimes against white South Africans

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to award AfriForum almost $1 million (approximately R16.5 million) in US government funding to investigate alleged discrimination and violence against Afrikaners and other minority communities in South Africa.

The proposed $986 500 grant is expected to fund research documenting incidents of violence and what the US government describes as hateful rhetoric directed at minority groups.

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Still being finalised

According to an investigation by US publication ProPublica, AfriForum is the intended recipient of the funding, which is being administered through the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

However, the funding has not yet been formally awarded.

AfriForum confirmed that the allocation was still being finalised.

“Our understanding is that the allocation has not yet been finalised. Should the allocation indeed be awarded to AfriForum, we will make a public announcement in this regard,” the organisation told ProPublica.

How did AfriForum become involved?

The proposed grant has a history involving another South African organisation.

ProPublica previously reported that the Trump administration had considered awarding the funding to Lex Libertas, an organisation established by former AfriForum executive Ernst Roets.

The original funding proposal attracted scrutiny, including questions about the selection process and the circumstances surrounding the proposed award.

The US State Department subsequently opened a public application process for the funding.

AfriForum has now emerged as the expected beneficiary of the nearly $1 million allocation.

The organisation has campaigned internationally on issues including farm murders, racial legislation and the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa.

Trump administration’s claims about South Africa

The proposed funding comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Pretoria and Washington.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of white South Africans, particularly farmers, and has alleged that Afrikaners face persecution.

His administration has also promoted claims of a so-called white genocide in South Africa.

The South African government has strongly rejected these allegations.

Although farm attacks and murders remain a serious problem, claims that white farmers are being systematically targeted in a racial genocide have not been substantiated by available evidence.

In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order cutting US assistance to South Africa while introducing a refugee pathway for Afrikaners who claimed to face racial discrimination.

The proposed AfriForum funding adds another dimension to Washington’s involvement in South African domestic affairs.

AfriForum’s relationship with Washington

AfriForum has increasingly engaged with American political figures and officials over its concerns about South Africa.

The organisation has held meetings in Washington and sought to raise international awareness about farm attacks and policies it believes discriminate against Afrikaners.

The proposed grant could provide significant financial support for its research activities while further strengthening its relationship with the Trump administration.

However, the reported funding has also attracted criticism from former US officials, particularly amid wider cuts to international human rights programmes.

The controversy raises questions about the Trump administration’s approach to South Africa and the role of foreign funding in domestic political debates.

For now, AfriForum’s potential $986 500 grant remains subject to finalisation.