Civil society organisation Defend our Democracy on Thursday rejected efforts to “advance right-wing and populist politics” that seek to undermine South Africa’s democratic principles, exacerbate racial tensions and problematise emigration.

The organisation said persistent disinformation regarding an alleged Afrikaner genocide undermined South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

Defend our Democracy said the global shifts toward nationalist and right-wing politics needed to be countered by the values of mutual respect, underpinned by human dignity.

The organisation noted the boycott of next month's G20 Summit in Johannesburg by US President Donald Trump, stemming from his recent assertions shared on his Truth Social media platform, alleging that "Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated".

“This is a continuation of a persistent campaign to not only undermine our sovereignty but also seeks to spread disinformation and sow racial division within South Africa's public discourse and amongst its people,” it said.

Defend our Democracy highlighted that these utterances were nothing new, and have no factual evidentiary basis.  

“We remain committed to advancing the cause of a just and equitable future in which our melting pot of diversity finds equitable expression, which is strengthened by our constitutional democracy that seeks to protect the rights and liberties of all,” Defend our Democracy stated.

It urged all South Africans to condemn disinformation and to continue advancing the ideals of Ubuntu and democracy.