In a recent meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy with his claims of “white genocide” in South Africa. However, white South Africans living in the coastal town of Noordhoek have come forward to dismiss these claims, labeling them as uninformed, exaggerated, and dangerous. Trump presented a video montage and news articles to support his accusations that white farmers are being systematically murdered and forced off their land. He also accused the South African government of enacting racist policies and enabling land seizures.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly rejected Trump’s allegations, describing them as a distortion of the facts and a misrepresentation of the country’s complex reality. Ramaphosa emphasized that crime in South Africa affects all races and that no government policy targets white citizens. Residents of Noordhoek, a predominantly white town in the Cape Peninsula, shared Ramaphosa’s sentiments in interviews with China Central Television (CCTV). They expressed disbelief and frustration over Trump’s statements, with one resident calling Trump “crazy” for showing pictures of random white people not even from South Africa.

Another resident acknowledged the presence of crime in the country but denied it was racially motivated. “I think there are definitely certain areas within South Africa that are more dangerous, but overall, I really don’t think we [white people] are the target at all,” they said. Many in the community emphasized that crime affects all South Africans, regardless of race or background. “There’s crime amongst all the people,” said another local. “Of course, in poorer areas where there’s less money, there’s more crime. But that’s true for both Black and white people.”

The Noordhoek interviews present a stark contrast to the narrative promoted by Trump and some right-wing commentators in the United States. While farm attacks are a serious issue in South Africa, data from the government and independent analysts show that they are part of broader patterns of violent crime that do not discriminate based on race. For residents of Noordhoek, the image painted by Trump is not only inaccurate but potentially harmful to the country’s ongoing efforts toward social cohesion and reconciliation.

“The life here is great. Maybe not super safe, but in Noordhoek, it’s very safe,” said one resident. “We’ve got our issues, like every country, but this talk of genocide? That’s just not reality.” As Trump’s remarks continue to stir international debate, many South Africans – both Black and white – are urging for a more nuanced and truthful conversation about the country’s challenges, free of political sensationalism. They hope to promote a more accurate understanding of the complex issues facing South Africa and to foster greater unity and cooperation among its diverse population.