US resettlement of white South Africans sparks controversy

The South African government has firmly rejected claims that white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, are victims of persecution, following the departure of 49 individuals who were resettled in the United States under a new refugee program promoted by President Donald Trump.

These individuals are largely descendants of Dutch settlers. Trump had previously stated that white Afrikaners face racial discrimination in South Africa, a claim that has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.

However, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola dismissed these accusations, asserting, “They cannot provide any proof of persecution because no such persecution exists against white or Afrikaner South Africans.” He noted that allegations of targeted killings against white farmers have been disproven by data showing that the majority of murder victims are young Black men in urban settings. Yet, these claims have evolved into what some, including Trump, have called a “white genocide.”

Trump’s administration has fast-tracked refugee applications from white South Africans, citing “unjust racial discrimination.” He has personal ties to South Africa, as billionaire Elon Musk, a known Trump supporter, was born there.

Lamola welcomed the fact that some Afrikaner organizations have rejected these persecution narratives. He also noted that preparations were underway for a meeting between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Crime in South Africa affects everyone, regardless of race or gender,” Lamola added.

On Sunday, a chartered flight carrying the first 49 individuals departed from Johannesburg to the US. According to the US embassy’s guidelines, applicants must be part of a racial minority in South Africa and be able to describe past or anticipated persecution.

This development has intensified diplomatic tensions amid broader disagreements between the US and South Africa over issues such as relations with China and South Africa's role in BRICS. Moreover, South Africa has been criticized by Washington for filing a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel a key US ally of genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel denies.

Many observers expressed disbelief that white South Africans, who maintain a higher socio-economic status than the Black majority and own a significant portion of the land, could be considered refugees. Migration expert Loren Landau pointed out that there is no evidence of systematic persecution of whites, whereas actual hostility in South Africa often targets foreign nationals like Somalis, Pakistanis, and Zimbabweans.

Author and commentator Max du Preez called the resettlement “beyond absurd,” attributing the move more to US political dynamics and Trump’s opposition to diversity initiatives than to conditions in South Africa. He argued that those who left were likely influenced by financial motives or discomfort with the post-apartheid order, where white dominance has ended.

Currently, white South Africans who comprise about 7.3% of the population enjoy considerably higher living standards than the Black majority. They still control about two-thirds of farmland and earn on average three times more than their Black counterparts. The apartheid regime, which institutionalized racial inequality, was led mainly by Afrikaner governments until its end in 1994.