For 49 Afrikaners, today could mark the start of a new chapter far from South Africa, as they prepare to board a chartered flight to the United States. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump extended an offer of refugee status to the group.
Their departure follows Trump’s outspoken criticism of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which he claims has led to land being seized and Afrikaners being mistreated. The South African government, however, has dismissed the relocation plan as politically driven.
Before the flight can take off, authorities say all 49 individuals will undergo thorough vetting to ensure there are no pending criminal cases against them.
“You can’t leave the country if there’s an open criminal case,” said Collen Msibi from the Department of Transport.
Whether they see this as an escape or a fresh start, the group is hoping to begin a new life in what they consider a land of opportunity. But for now, their journey remains on hold—pending a clean record check.