Normandien residents set record straight on Trump video
A small farming community in Newcastle has been inadvertently thrust into the international spotlight by US President Donald Trump.
In a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House on Wednesday, Trump played a video montage to push his claims of a so-called white genocide in South Africa.
It included Julius Malema's 'Kill the Boer' chants and a clip showing rows of white crosses along a rural road.
The US president claimed they were the graves of white farmers killed in South Africa.
However, Normandien resident Marinel Labuschagne attended a memorial event near Newcastle where the footage of the crosses was filmed.
She said they were not graves but a symbolic tribute by the community to victims of farm attacks, including both owners and workers.
It took place shortly after the murder of local couple Glen and Vida Rafferty in 2020.
"So, us, as a community, we just decided what we needed to make a stand and give a message, a very clear message," said Labuschagne.
"A lot of people were involved, and they planted those crosses to represent the farm kills and to show the people the impact by driving through those crosses. That represents the farmers who do not.
"So, that is what the white crosses were."
Local ward councillor Bebsie Cronje said the day served as a remembrance of all the farm murders that had taken place, with residents from all over Newcastle attending.
"I'm not sure if it was exactly the specific number of crosses that was put out, but to the people of Newcastle, because Normandien is a very small area, close to Newcastle, it was a very big shock," said Cronje.
"It wasn't the first time that we've had farm murders in Newcastle.”
READ MORE: Ramaphosa: Trump 'may doubt' genocide claims after meeting
Nevertheless, Labuschagne believes Trump’s focus on farm killings is shining a light on what she calls a painful reality.
She said the renewed interest in the footage has brought back painful memories.
"We don't want to accept it. That's the problem. That's why everybody is so against it. So, now you don't have a choice. It's in your face. Donald Trump is talking about it, and we don't like to talk about it," Labuschagne said.
"That's what's happening now. It's like they are [chopping off the tree] and you don't have a choice by seeing the apples falling."
In his response to Trump on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said criminality affects all South Africans, with most victims being black.
Agriculture Minister Steenhuisen also commented that rural safety was a big problem in the country, adding that farm attacks impact both black and white farmers.
Ramaphosa urged partnerships with the US, particularly in technology, to fight crime in South Africa.
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