By Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Catherine Schenck
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle white South Africans as refugees facing persecution is met with skepticism, as even conservative white advocacy groups aim to address issues of Black majority rule in their own country.
Trump recently signed an executive order cutting U.S. aid to South Africa, in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s land expropriation act aimed at rectifying historical land inequalities stemming from white supremacy.
The order included provisions to resettle “Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination” as refugees in the U.S. Afrikaners are predominantly white descendants of early Dutch and French settlers, many of whom own farm land in the country.
Despite Trump’s offer, some South Africans are hesitant to leave. Neville van der Merwe, a 78-year-old resident near Cape Town, questioned the necessity of emigration, stating that there hasn’t been significant land seizures and people are carrying on with their lives.
The land reform policy seeks to address racial disparities in land ownership, where the white minority still holds a significant portion of privately owned land. Ramaphosa has defended the policy, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution.
While some appreciate Trump’s gesture, organizations like AfriForum and Solidarity Movement, representing a significant number of Afrikaner families, have declined the offer, expressing their commitment to South Africa.
Orania, an Afrikaner-only community, also rejected the proposal, affirming their love and dedication to their homeland.
South Africa’s post-apartheid land policies have not involved forced seizure of white-owned land, although the issue remains contentious.
Despite varying opinions, Trump’s offer has sparked debate and humor among South Africans, with some questioning the criteria for being considered an Afrikaner and others joking about Elon Musk’s potential involvement.
In a piece published on X, author Pieter du Toit pondered, “How many bakkies (pick-up trucks) are there in the U.S.?”, in reference to South African-born billionaire and Trump aide Elon Musk. This information was reported by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Catherine Schenck. Further contributions were made by Nqobile Dludla in Johannesburg and Shafiek Tassiem in Cape Town. The editing of the piece was handled by Tim Cocks and Giles Elgood.
