As Christians, our integrity as witnesses depends on how well we manage truth in a society of biased news and digital distortion. Particularly when discussing issues of life and death, such as violence, race, and justice, this is extremely important.
The current situation of social turmoil and rural violence in South Africa has lately been referred to as genocide. As people of faith, we must be careful not to twist words for political or emotional gain, even if the pain of victims is undeniable and the necessity for justice is urgent. The use of language has power, and when used improperly, it can not only lose its meaning but also mislead, hurt, and undermine our moral testimony.
We need to be careful about what we say, especially as Christians and as members of a historically prophetic and worldwide denomination like the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
Today, few words convey as much moral force as “genocide. ” It conjures up a shared recollection of horrors beyond comprehension: the Holocaust, Rwanda, Armenia. As a result, it should only be employed if the evidence satisfies the threshold: the purposeful and systematic eradication of a community based on ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality.
The Reality of South Africa
South Africa, a nation still dealing with the wounds of apartheid, is struggling with significant issues: widespread inequality, political instability, social upheaval, and alarmingly high rates of violent crime, especially in rural regions. In reference to farm murders or crimes committed with racial motivation, some voices, frequently from outside, have referred to these circumstances as “genocide.”
But this assertion is not supported by the facts. The violence, while extremely disturbing and sometimes racially motivated, does not satisfy the legal or moral definition of genocide, according to numerous independent human rights groups, academics, and South Africa’s own crime statistics. The killings are not sanctioned by the government, and they do not constitute a deliberate strategy to eradicate a particular race or ethnic group. Violent behaviour is prevalent among many demographics, not just one particular one.
The misuse of the term genocide runs the risk of making the world less aware of real genocides, which weakens the credibility of our moral testimony.
The President Ramaphosa’s Response
On May 21, 2025, during a well-publicized Oval Office encounter, U. S. President Donald Trump faced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with videos and reports claiming a “white genocide” in South Africa. President Ramaphosa strongly denied these allegations, saying:
“Violence in South Africa affects all communities, and such chants do not reflect official government policy.”
He stressed that the South African government is dedicated to public safety and non-racialism, noting that crime in the nation affects everyone, primarily Black people, and there is no particular targeting of White people.
The Significance of This to the Church
Political statements that are false or exaggerated are also a spiritual problem. Our Christian witness loses credibility if we exaggerate or distort facts, even if our intentions are good. “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No. ‘ Anything more comes from the evil one,” as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:37. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul also reminds us that the message of the cross is already seen as foolishness by the unbelieving world, and that we shouldn’t contribute to the confusion by being careless with our words.
Truth must be the cornerstone of our calling as bearers of the Gospel, even if it complicates the narrative we would rather tell.
An Urgent Appeal to the AME Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is uniquely positioned to address these issues. We are a transnational organization that understands the profound scars of racial injustice and the redemptive potential of faith, justice, and community change. We have a presence in the United States and South Africa.
I urge the Social Action Committee of the AME Church at the Connectional level to start and fund initiatives in South Africa that foster honest debate, racial reconciliation, and social justice. This may include:
• Organizing truth and reconciliation discussions in South African communities to alleviate racial strife and foster reconciliation.
• Working together with local justice ministries to promote fair policing, economic justice, and violence prevention.
• Establishing collaborative projects globally within AME communities that share tales, tactics, and prayers for racial reconciliation and solidarity.
• Informing the AME Church community worldwide about the realities on the ground in South Africa—debunking myths while remaining mindful of suffering.
This is our chance to be salt and light in a world that is in desperate need of both truth and love, as well as to refute falsehood.
In conclusion
Let’s stay grounded in reality. Let us be honest, but let us also speak out loud. Let’s be really compassionate but use common sense. And may the African Methodist Episcopal Church fulfil its historical purpose of serving as a voice for justice, a refuge for the afflicted, and a catalyst for reconciliation in South Africa and the rest of the world.
Let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No” be “No”; everything else comes from the evil one. – Matthew 5:37 (NRSV)
Issued in my Personal Capacity
Rev Dr Dimpho Gaobepe (PhD)
Senior Pastor Moses Reid Memorial
West Conference
19th Episcopal District, South Africa
