The South African government has expressed strong disapproval over reports that the United States is preparing to accept white Afrikaners as refugees, possibly as early as next week.
A leaked US government document described the resettlement plan as a priority for President Donald Trump’s administration. Although no official date has been confirmed, speculation has mounted following Trump’s executive order in February, which identified Afrikaners as victims of racial discrimination and opened a pathway for them to resettle in the US.
In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry released a statement calling the move politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the country’s constitutional democracy. The statement also denied claims that white South Africans face systematic persecution, arguing that crime statistics do not support allegations of racially targeted attacks against white farmers.
Nevertheless, the government said it would not prevent individuals from emigrating, provided they have been properly vetted and do not face any criminal charges.
Some advocacy groups representing white farmers argue that they are targeted because of their race, while US officials say they are prioritising resettlement for Afrikaners facing racial injustice. However, no start date has been officially confirmed.
Tensions between the two countries have been rising, especially after US accusations that South Africa has expropriated land from white farmers without compensation — a claim South African officials continue to reject.
According to leaked documents, a public welcome event is planned for Monday at Dulles Airport in Virginia, where the first group of refugees may arrive.
The situation has sparked debate both within South Africa and internationally, as questions emerge over the motivations behind the US policy and its potential impact on diplomatic relations.