Cape Town – Solidarity has filed a defamation lawsuit against Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, with President Cyril Ramaphosa listed as the second respondent.
The case arises from Ntshavheni’s claims that Solidarity and AfriForum were spreading disinformation and facing law enforcement investigations following their visit to the United States.
Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann argued that the organisation acted in the national interest by working to safeguard South Africa’s access to the US trade pact, AGOA, and blamed the ANC for creating a diplomatic crisis with Washington.
“It follows after the minister, during a media conference, said Cabinet was taking note with concern of ongoing disinformation campaigns by Solidarity and AfriForum,” Hermann said.
“She also alleged that law enforcement agencies were investigating breaches of the law. This was after Solidarity’s US visit, which followed President Donald Trump’s executive order on South Africa.”
The court case between Solidarity and the Minister in the Presidency is all about fighting for the truth. Solidarity wants to stand firmly on the side of the truth in this court case.
The diplomatic crisis between South Africa and the USA can be laid squarely and solely at the… https://t.co/fJ2ycDYIrC— Dirk Hermann (@SolidariDirk) September 7, 2025
Hermann insisted that Solidarity’s mission was focused on protecting jobs:
“The ANC’s ideological narrow-mindedness plunged South Africa into a crisis. This had nothing to do with Solidarity. Our primary focus during the US tour was preserving AGOA. It is our members and ordinary South Africans who stand to lose their jobs. We intervened on their behalf.”
Solidarity is asking the court to declare Ntshavheni’s remarks defamatory and to order her to pay damages.
“The court case is about a fight for the truth,” Hermann said.
“Accusing institutions such as Solidarity and AfriForum of misinformation and even treason is false and defamatory. We can no longer allow senior government figures to get away with making false statements without consequences. They are trying to shift the blame for the diplomatic crisis with the US onto us.
“They create a false narrative, repeat it until it sounds true, and then hide behind it to deny responsibility. The diplomatic fallout lies squarely with the ANC, not Solidarity.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
