FW de Klerk Foundation distances itself from outgoing director’s US comments
Cape Town – The FW de Klerk Foundation has distanced itself from comments made by its outgoing executive director, Christo van der Rheede, over the United States’ approach to South Africa, saying his remarks were not authorised by the organisation. According to The Citizen, Van der Rheede voluntarily resigned on 19 August and is expected to leave the foundation on... Read more → The post FW de Klerk Foundation distances itself from outgoing director’s US comments appeared first on African Insider.
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Cape Town – The FW de Klerk Foundation has distanced itself from comments made by its outgoing executive director, Christo van der Rheede, over the United States’ approach to South Africa, saying his remarks were not authorised by the organisation.
According to The Citizen, Van der Rheede voluntarily resigned on 19 August and is expected to leave the foundation on 31 December. The board said it had accepted his resignation and that his departure was agreed upon by both parties.
The foundation said Van der Rheede had made statements about US policy since announcing his resignation that did not represent its position.
“The board further dissociates itself from any statement made on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation from the date Van der Rheede advised the board of his intention to resign,” it said.
The move follows comments by Van der Rheede criticising Washington’s position on South African land reform, racial redress and Afrikaner concerns.
Ethno-nationalist approach
Speaking to eNCA, he described the US administration’s approach as “ethno-nationalistic” and warned that punitive measures against South Africans over land reform and racial redress could deepen divisions.
“I think it’s very important to understand the ethno-nationalist approach by the Washington administration. This is seriously problematic,” Van der Rheede said.
He argued that South Africans should focus on challenges affecting the country as a whole, including corruption, crime and poor municipal service delivery.
The foundation has since established a committee to oversee executive decisions during the transition. Polity reported that Van der Rheede remains on the committee during his notice period, but decisions and public statements previously falling solely under the executive director will now require involvement from other committee members.
The development comes amid worsening diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the US, including Washington’s recently announced visa restrictions against certain South Africans.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
The post FW de Klerk Foundation distances itself from outgoing director’s US comments appeared first on African Insider.
