By Nellie Peyton
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding what he perceives as the mistreatment of South Africa’s white minority have sparked controversy and discussions on social media. Some white South Africans have responded with satire, poking fun at their own privilege.
Trump criticized South Africa’s treatment of certain groups, particularly in relation to a new bill signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at addressing racial inequalities in land ownership. Following his comments, Trump cut aid to South Africa and offered refugee resettlement in the United States to Afrikaners, the descendants of early European settlers, claiming they were victims of unjust racial discrimination.
In a light-hearted TikTok video, comedian Bouwer Bosch mockingly chants “USA, USA, USA!” as he jokingly discusses moving to the United States for refugee status due to being white. He humorously mentions returning to his South African beach house for summer activities like golf tournaments and attending AfrikaBurn, a local event similar to the Burning Man festival.
Similarly, an Instagram video titled “A day in the life of an oppressed white South African” features a woman facetiously complaining about the sun being the most oppressive aspect of the country, while being served an iced coffee by her husband in bed.
Notably, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to Trump, has echoed the president’s criticisms of South Africa, claiming the country has racially biased ownership laws. His social media post last week further fueled the ongoing debate.
In another humorous video, South African Indian comedian Sed Pillay portrays a white Afrikaner farmer seeking asylum in the U.S., comically requesting to bring his Black farm workers with him. This satirical take sheds light on the complicated dynamics surrounding race and privilege in South Africa.
Responding to Trump’s actions, South Africa’s Foreign Ministry denounced the executive order, highlighting its inaccuracies and failure to acknowledge the nation’s history of colonialism and apartheid. Despite significant progress since the end of apartheid rule, white South Africans continue to predominantly own farmland, prompting ongoing discussions about land reform policies and racial disparities.
The Democratic Alliance party, a key coalition partner in Ramaphosa’s government, has voiced opposition to the recent land bill and initiated a court challenge against it. However, the party clarified that the act does not permit arbitrary seizure of land and emphasizes the importance of fair compensation in the process.
(Reporting by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Joe Bavier and Frances Kerry)
