: White Crosses on Hillside Fuel Misleading Narrative on South Africa's Farm Killings
SUBHEADLINE: Memorial to White Farmers Omits Hundreds of Black Victims, Perpetuating False Claims of Genocide MOKOPANE, South Africa (AP) — On a barren hillside on the edge of a farm, nearly 3,000 white crosses stand as a stark reminder of the brutal reality of farm killings in South Africa. However, this poignant memorial, known as the Witkruis Monument, tells only half the story, fueling a discredited narrative that white farmers in the majority Black country are being targeted in a widespread, race-based system of persecution. The false narrative, perpetuated by some South Africans and amplified by conservative commentators in the United States and elsewhere, has been denounced by the South African government and experts who have studied farm killings. Even the caretaker of the Witkruis Monument acknowledges that the memorial, which makes no reference to the hundreds of Black South African farmers and farmworkers who have been killed, does not provide a complete picture of the situation. In reality, the killings of farmers and farmworkers, regardless of race, are a tiny percentage of South Africa's high level of crime, and they typically occur during armed robberies, according to available statistics and two studies carried out over the last 25 years. The misinformation has been spread by high-profile figures such as South African-born Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, who last month escalated the rhetoric, using the term "genocide" to describe violence against white farmers. The Witkruis Monument, which means White Cross Monument in Afrikaans, has become a symbol of the misinformation campaign. Anita de Lange, the caretaker of the monument, and her son, Hansie, tidy up the site, which has become a pilgrimage for those seeking to perpetuate the false narrative. However, de Lange acknowledges that the monument does not tell the full story of farm killings, which have claimed the lives of hundreds of Black South African farmers and farmworkers. The South African government has repeatedly stated that there is no evidence to support the claim of a genocide against white farmers. In fact, the country's police statistics show that farm killings are a small percentage of overall crime, and most victims are Black. Furthermore, two studies conducted over the last 25 years have found that the majority of farm killings are related to armed robberies, rather than race-based attacks. The false narrative has serious implications, not only for the victims of farm killings and their families but also for the country as a whole. It perpetuates a climate of fear and mistrust, which can lead to further violence and instability. Moreover, it distracts from the real issues facing South Africa, including high levels of crime and poverty, which require urgent attention and action from the government and civil society. In conclusion, the Witkruis Monument and the false narrative it perpetuates are a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of seeking out accurate and reliable information. As South Africa grapples with the complex challenges facing the country, it is essential to separate fact from fiction and to focus on addressing the real issues that affect all South Africans, regardless of race.