By Bahle Gama
Following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on February 7, 2025, more than 10,000 white South Africans, primarily Afrikaners, have reportedly expressed interest in relocating to the United States.
The order freezes U.S. foreign aid to South Africa and prioritizes the resettlement of Afrikaners in America under refugee status.
Trump’s directive has ignited widespread debate both domestically and internationally, raising concerns about its potential economic, political, and social ramifications.
In South Africa, political analysts warn that the move could strain diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington, while also impacting South Africa’s economy due to the suspension of critical foreign aid.
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Human rights organisations have criticized the executive order, questioning the justification for granting refugee status based on ethnicity and highlighting the potential for racial discrimination.
“This policy sets a dangerous precedent by selectively prioritizing resettlement based on race, undermining the principles of equality and fairness in international refugee protocols,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International.
The White House cited South Africa’s recently enacted Expropriation Without Compensation Act, arguing that it discriminates against the white minority population by allowing the state to seize land without compensation.
The administration further accused the South African government of fostering policies that undermine equal opportunities and contribute to racially targeted violence against landowners.
According to the order, the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security will take steps to admit and resettle Afrikaners under the United States Refugee Admissions Program.
The directive aims to provide humanitarian relief to those allegedly facing systemic discrimination.
Speaking to SABC News, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA Neil Diamond, warned of a potential mass exodus of skilled agricultural professionals.
He said that within just 18 hours of the executive order’s announcement, over 10,000 inquiries had been received from South Africans seeking information on refugee status and relocation to the US.
He emphasised that the departure of experienced farmers could have severe consequences for South Africa’s food security, agricultural value chain, and economic stability.
Additionally, Diamond noted that the Chamber supports approximately 11,000 temporary South African agricultural workers under the US H-2A visa program, many of whom may also seek permanent relocation along with their families.
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Diamond urged both governments to engage in urgent diplomatic discussions to address the underlying causes of this executive order and explore solutions that do not compromise economic stability.
“At this stage, we do not have a clear understanding of what led the US president to take this action.
However, we have always maintained that policy decisions should be based on facts rather than misinformation,” he said.
The South African Trade Union Solidarity Movement also acknowledged that some Afrikaners might consider emigration but rejected mass resettlement as a viable solution.
Solidarity chairperson Flip Buys emphasised that Afrikaners are deeply rooted in South Africa’s history and culture and should focus on building a future within the country rather than seeking asylum abroad.
“The repatriation of Afrikaners as refugees is not a solution. We want to build a future in South Africa,” he said.
The South African government has strongly condemned the executive order, describing it as misleading and based on misinformation.
Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) criticised the decision as factually inaccurate, arguing that it misrepresents South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
The S.A government also pointed out the inconsistency in the US granting refugee status to a relatively privileged group while denying asylum to vulnerable populations from other parts of the world.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office reiterated that South Africa remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, further maintaining that the Expropriation Bill does not amount to land confiscation but instead provides a legal framework for fair and lawful land redistribution.
Officials called for constructive dialogue between the two nations, emphasizing diplomacy over unilateral actions.
The S.A Sunday Times reported that President Ramaphosa will send envoys to Washington to persuade Trump to reconsider.
Business leaders are also expected to meet their US counterparts — especially those with links to Musk, who has emerged as one of the most powerful people in Washington.
Well-placed officials indicated that a meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow to devise a strategy before the high-powered government delegation leaves for Washington.
“It has also been established that the DA, which is part of the government of national unity, will send its own delegation to engage US decision-makers on the diplomatic standoff that has serious implications for the South African economy,” reported Sunday Times.