Lobby group AfriForum has firmly rejected an invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Afrikaners refugee status in the United States. This follows Trump’s recent executive order, which accused the South African government of implementing discriminatory policies against Afrikaners and declared that such policies posed a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
AfriForum Responds to Trump’s Refugee Order
On 8 February 2025, AfriForum held a media briefing to address the executive order. CEO Kallie Kriel made it clear that Afrikaners have no intention of leaving South Africa, stating, “The Afrikaner folk became a people here on the southern tip of Africa. We are indigenous and we are going nowhere.”
Kriel emphasized that despite challenges under the current government, Afrikaners are committed to building a future in South Africa. He dismissed the idea that the Afrikaner identity should be abandoned, highlighting that generations of Afrikaners have worked hard to establish their place in the country.
Afrikaners Express Patriotism and Commitment to SA
In response to Trump’s offer, some Afrikaners expressed their unwavering love for South Africa. A citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his perspective with Briefly News, stating, “I grew up poor and worked hard to improve my circumstances. Everyone should have the opportunity to do the same and live a good life here.”
He acknowledged that while some Afrikaners may feel pressured to leave the country due to political and economic uncertainties, he personally believes in South Africa’s potential. “I visited Greece recently and realized that South Africa is an amazing country. We are not as far behind as we think we are. Corruption is holding us back, but we can overcome it,” he added.
The Executive Order and Its Implications
Trump’s order, issued by the White House, granted Afrikaners the ability to apply for refugee status in the U.S. The directive alleged that South Africa’s government policies, such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and land expropriation laws, unfairly target Afrikaners and violate human rights.
The order further stated that Washington would implement plans to resettle South African farmers and their families under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. This move sparked controversy, with South Africa’s government rejecting the claims as “misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.”
South African Government’s Stance
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation condemned Trump’s decision, arguing that it failed to recognize the country’s history of apartheid and land dispossession. President Cyril Ramaphosa also reportedly spoke with billionaire Elon Musk, who criticized South Africa’s policies on land ownership.
The government insists that its policies are aimed at achieving equity and social justice, rather than persecuting any specific group. The new land law, which allows expropriation without compensation under certain conditions, has been a contentious issue both locally and internationally.
Conclusion
Despite Trump’s executive order, Afrikaners—represented by AfriForum—have made it clear that they have no intention of leaving South Africa. While political and economic uncertainties remain, many Afrikaners are determined to stay and contribute to the country’s future.
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