US Grants Refugee Status to South African Afrikaners Amid Controversial “Genocide” Claims
The US has granted refugee status to members of South Africa’s Afrikaner community, with President Donald Trump claiming they face “genocide” in their homeland. Nearly 60 Afrikaners have already arrived in America under this controversial program.
Who Are the Afrikaners?
The Afrikaners are a unique cultural group descended primarily from 17th century Western European settlers – Dutch (34.8%), German (33.7%), and French (13.2%). Their language, Afrikaans, remains closely related to Dutch.
Historically known as Boers (meaning “farmers”), this community established apartheid in 1948, implementing extreme racial segregation policies that lasted until 1994. Today, they represent about 4% of South Africa’s 60 million population.
The Genocide Controversy
While Trump alleges genocide, no major South African political party – including white community representatives – supports this claim. A South African judge recently dismissed genocide allegations as “clearly imagined.”
Crime statistics show that of 6,953 murders between October-December 2024, only 12 occurred in farm attacks – with just one confirmed as a white farmer.
Political Reactions
President Cyril Ramaphosa called the genocide claims “completely false,” suggesting applicants were leaving because they “don’t want to embrace changes” in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk criticized South Africa’s “racist ownership laws,” though regulators note his Starlink service never formally applied for operating licenses.
The “Shoot the Boer” Controversy
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party’s anthem “Shoot the Boer” has drawn international attention. While courts ruled the song protected political speech, critics argue it incites violence against white farmers.
Do Most Afrikaners Want to Leave?
Despite Trump’s offer, only about 70,000 of 2.5 million Afrikaners expressed interest. Many organizations actively encourage staying, with one lobby group publishing “Ten historical reasons to stay in South Africa.”
The US Embassy clarified its program covers all racial minorities fearing persecution, not exclusively Afrikaners.
Source: BBC News