White South Africans Divided Over US Refugee Status Offer
By Khanyisile Ngcobo | BBC News, Johannesburg
South Africa’s white community remains divided after a controversial US offer to grant refugee status to Afrikaners, with prominent voices like social media influencer Ulrich Janse van Vuuren rejecting the opportunity while others embrace it.
Proud South African Rejects “Opportunists” Label
Janse van Vuuren, a 38-year-old Afrikaner with over one million social media followers, told the BBC: “Promoting South Africa is something I am passionate about – I have no intention of taking up [US President Donald Trump’s] offer because South Africa is my home.”
Video credit to: Ahmed Kaballo
The influencer, known for showcasing South Africa’s landscapes, dismissed claims of white persecution as “widely discredited,” noting the country’s high crime rates affect all racial groups.
Controversial US Refugee Program
The debate intensified when 59 Afrikaners arrived in the US under Trump’s executive order, which claims white South Africans face “government-sponsored race-based discrimination.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called their departure a “cowardly act,” stating: “They are leaving because they don’t want to embrace the changes taking place in our country.”
Land Reform Sparks Tensions
The controversy stems partly from South Africa’s land reform policies, including a recent law allowing land expropriation without compensation. While white South Africans constitute 7% of the population, they own half the farmland.
Janse van Vuuren acknowledged some farmers face genuine threats but cautioned against portraying all Afrikaners as victims: “They’ve enjoyed more than their share of South Africa’s resources and privileges.”
Divergent Perspectives Within Community
While many like Janse van Vuuren remain committed to South Africa, others like Ilse Steenkamp (pseudonym) see the US offer as salvation. The 47-year-old former farmer claims her land was invaded and destroyed: “This was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Sam Busà, founder of the Amerikaners platform assisting applicants, argued: “When someone strips away your hope for the future… that is very dramatic.”
Experts Question Refugee Claims
Dr. Piet Croucamp, a political studies professor, dismissed the refugee claims: “South Africa does not persecute people.” He noted that prominent Afrikaner groups like AfriForum have reaffirmed their commitment to remain in the country.
As the debate continues, Janse van Vuuren’s stance reflects many white South Africans’ determination: “While some may choose to leave as refugees, the majority of us are here to stay, working together to build a better future.”
Source: BBC News