3 000 white crosses
A South African group, Afrikaners for South Africa, has criticized a plan by Lex Libertas to display 3,000 white crosses in Washington D.C. to protest farm murders. Critics argue the display misrepresents the nature of violent crime in South Africa and risks exacerbating racial tensions.
Why it matters
It illustrates the internationalization of domestic political grievances and the debate over how crime statistics are framed for global audiences.
For illustrative purposes only: Picture: Michel Bega
Afrikaners for South Africa (Afsa) has slammed lobby group Lex Libertas’ planned display of 3 000 white crosses in the United States (US), warning it exploits farm victims’ suffering to push a narrow political agenda, misleads Americans about South Africa, and risks deepening racial divisions.
Lex Libertas plans to plant 3 000 white crosses on Washington’s National Mall to raise awareness of farm murders in South Africa, sparking controversy and debate over minority victimisation under the ANC government.
The display, visible from the US Capitol, forms part of a conference the organisation will host with American political figures in Washington.
Lex Libertas founder Dr Ernst Roets said the organisation decided to take its campaign abroad after years of unsuccessful attempts to engage the South African government.
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