South Africa Responds to US Refugee Offer for White Afrikaners

South Africa's foreign ministry has condemned the United States' plans to welcome white Afrikaners as refugees, labeling it a politically charged move. While the U.S. asserts that it prioritizes those facing racial discrimination, Pretoria emphasizes the economic privileges of this group and questions the underlying motivations.

South Africa has publicly criticized the United States after reports suggest that Washington could begin accepting white Afrikaners as refugees as soon as next week. A document obtained by CBS, a U.S. news partner, indicates that this resettlement plan is a priority for President Donald Trump's administration, although the White House has yet to confirm any dates.

In a statement issued on Friday, South Africa's foreign ministry referred to the proposed refugee influx as "politically motivated," arguing it aims to undermine the country's constitutional democracy. In February, President Trump labeled Afrikaners as victims of "racial discrimination" through an executive order, paving the way for their potential resettlement in the U.S.

Although South African authorities have expressed that they will not interfere with the resettlement process, they are seeking assurances that those selected for resettlement have undergone thorough vetting and do not have pending criminal charges. The ministry's statement asserted that claims of targeted discrimination against the white minority in South Africa were unfounded, and that crime statistics reveal no evidence of racial targeting in violent crimes directed at farmers.

Some organizations advocating for white farmers’ rights contend they are being systematically targeted based on their race. A representative from the U.S. State Department indicated that they are interviewing interested individuals and prioritizing those "who are victims of unjust racial discrimination." No specific timeline for starting the resettlements has been confirmed.

Additionally, the Trump administration has accused South Africa of seizing land from white farmers without compensation, which the South African government has repeatedly denied. Elon Musk, who grew up in apartheid-era South Africa and is a notable adviser to the Trump administration, has condemned Pretoria’s actions, claiming they contribute to a "genocide" against white farmers.

Documents indicate an event is scheduled for Monday at Dulles Airport in Virginia to welcome the first group of 54 Afrikaners. This decision comes as the Trump administration has suspended nearly all migrant asylum claims. South Africa has previously characterized Trump’s order allowing white Afrikaners to resettle in the U.S. as "ironic," considering it opens the door for a privileged group while denying asylum to those in greater need from regions around the world.