If you admire the work the Solidarity Movement do and want to contribute or are searching for opportunities for collaboration in some way, but don’t know how, this article is for you. We know that no community, institution or country can function on its own. Your contribution may feel small to you, but it can make a big difference to us and South Africa as a country.
Why is international support important?
The international community’s support for Afrikaners in South Africa is about more than just protecting a single group; it is about promoting minority rights, preserving cultural diversity and contributing to the stability and progress of South Africa as a whole. By supporting the Solidarity Movement, the international community supports a broader vision of a world where diversity is respected and cherished.
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Preservation of cultural diversity
Afrikaners have a unique cultural identity that has developed over more than three centuries. Their language, Afrikaans, and their cultural practices, including traditions, music and literature, form an important part of South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry. The international community, which values the preservation of cultural diversity, can play a role in supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting this culture together with all other cultures.
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Human rights and minority protection
Like any minority group in a multicultural society, Afrikaners are at risk of discrimination and marginalisation. In the present-day South Africa, where policies such as affirmative action and land reform are controversial issues, there are instances where Afrikaners feel that their rights are threatened. International support can help ensure that the rights of Afrikaners are protected as a minority group, and that they have equal access to economic opportunities and basic services.
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Education and economic development
Education is one of the pillars of any society’s progress. Afrikaners, like all other communities, strive to have access to quality mother tongue education. Institutions such as Sol-Tech and Akademia offer training and education in Afrikaans, contributing to the empowerment of the Afrikaner youth. International support can help these institutions to expand their capacity and to make quality education available to more people, ultimately promoting the economic development of the entire community.
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Protection against economic marginalisation
In the current South African context, there is an ongoing debate about affirmative action and land reform, which are intended to correct historical injustices. Although these policies are well-intentioned, they harm South Africa as a whole and create opportunities for corruption. International support can help ensure that merit, and not skin colour, becomes the basis of economic growth.
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Peace and stability in South Africa
The stability of any country depends on the harmony and cooperation that exist between its different population groups. By supporting Afrikaners in their efforts to build a sustainable and just future for themselves, the international community can contribute to the greater goal of peace and stability in South Africa. This includes support for dialogue and cooperation between the different cultural and ethnic groups in the country.
Here is how you can support the Solidarity Movement:
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Donations
Any contribution helps us to expand our projects and to build a better, prosperous South Africa. To support our cause, you can make a donation towards any institution or project of your choice through the Afrikaner Foundation (Afrikaner.org.za), or through the Solidarity Movement’s website (solidaritymovement.co.za/donations/).
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Recognition
Giving recognition to our initiatives may seem to be a small gesture to you, but to us recognition brings credibility and respect in the local and national political circles where we are trying to establish collaboration. Official international recognition will strengthen the stance the Solidarity Movement takes in South Africa.
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Spread awareness
Unfortunately, a large part of the world is still ignorant about state failure in South Africa, and easily believes the lies and appearances the government tries to put forward. By spreading awareness of the real situation in South Africa, you are not only helping our institutions, but you are also helping all the people of South Africa that suffer due to the poor governance in the country.
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Apply political pressure
By applying political pressure on South Africa’s government, you confirm that their actions are not approved by all international institutions, and it forces them to reconsider the impact of their choices.
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Friendship and co-operation
The Solidarity Movement is open to new opportunities to learn from and engage with our international friends. Our friendship bonds help to contribute our knowledge to the world and also to learn from other institutions.
For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Jaco Kleynhans (Head of International Liaison): jacok@solidariteit.co.za
Ernst Roets (Head of Policy and Executive Director of The Afrikaner Foundation): ernst@solidariteit.co.za
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