SA has taken no diplomatic action against AfriForum's misinformation campaign in US: DIRCO

CAPE TOWN - Deputy International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Alvin Botes, says South Africa has taken no diplomatic action against AfriForum for spreading misinformation about the country in the United States (US).

But Botes says the country is in constant engagement with the US administration through its embassy, adding that ambassador Ebrahim Rasool is also meeting with members of congress to heal any divisions between the country and its second biggest trade partner.

On Wednesday, Botes responded to questions in the National Assembly as part of the peace and security cluster of ministers.

He was asked about the South African government's diplomatic efforts to correct misinformation peddled by organisations like AfriForum.

While the country hasn’t taken any action against AfriForum, Botes says they did issue a statement condemning the misinformation.

“No action has been taken against AfriForum and Solidarity. You will recall, chairperson, that in a media statement dated 8th February, we mentioned that we are concerned, but what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda.”

He added that South African diplomats are in touch with the US Embassy in Pretoria and the US State Department in Washington.

“Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as we are speaking is engaged with members of the US Congress encapsulating both republicans and democrats.”

Botes says their only dilemma is that the new administration’s State Department Bureau for African Affairs is not properly capacitated, citing junior officials without the necessary authority.

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