Solidarity Sues Minister Ntshavheni Over Defamation Claims

Trade union Solidarity has launched legal action against Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, accusing her of defamation.

The case arises from remarks made by the Minister, who alleged that Solidarity and its sister organisation, AfriForum, were running misinformation campaigns against South Africa. The controversy follows the groups’ visit to the United States after former President Donald Trump issued an executive order relating to the country.

Solidarity confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has also been named as the second respondent in the matter.

Deputy Chief Executive of Solidarity, Anton van der Bijl, explained the union’s position:
“The statement was made by the Minister in the Presidency on 27 March, when she alleged that Solidarity and AfriForum were engaged in a campaign of disinformation and misinformation. This related to the alleged use of the term ‘white genocide’, which we firmly deny ever using. The suggestion that we are running a disinformation campaign is defamatory and cannot go unchallenged. We therefore have no option but to take the matter to court.”