Do Afrikaners want to take Trump up on his South African refugee offer? - Ghanamma.com

Ulrich Janse van Vuuren is passionate about showcasing South Africa. The 38-year-old shares photos of Johannesburg mornings, Pretoria's Jacaranda trees, and Cape Town beaches on social media. He has over one million followers.

“I love promoting South Africa. I won’t take up Trump’s offer,” he told the BBC. This statement came after a small group of white South Africans left for the US as refugees.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk claim that Afrikaners face persecution in South Africa. They allege a “genocide” against this group, but these claims have been widely discredited. While some farmers have faced violence, crime affects all South Africans.

“For me, South Africa is home,” Mr. Janse van Vuuren said. “I want to contribute to our nation’s story.” He wishes those who left well but calls them “opportunists.” He believes they are not fleeing persecution.

Thirty years after apartheid ended, living standards for white South Africans remain higher than for black citizens. Mr. Janse van Vuuren feels more determined to help his country amid ongoing debates about Afrikaners' status.

Most Afrikaners see themselves as fully African now and do not identify with Europe anymore. However, many are unhappy with high crime rates and government policies aimed at reducing inequality.

A new law allows the government to seize land without compensation if deemed necessary for public interest. White South Africans make up 7% of the population but own half of the farmland.

Some Afrikaners view this law as targeting them directly. Trump’s comments prompted him to offer resettlement help for “Afrikaner refugees escaping discrimination.”

Despite claims of systematic targeting against Afrikaners, local crime statistics tell a different story. Between October and December 2024, there were 6,953 murders in South Africa; only 12 were farm attacks.

On Monday, 59 Afrikaners arrived at Dulles Airport near Washington DC after being granted refugee status. Their arrival sparked outrage in South Africa as leaders sought to dispel claims of persecution against whites.

“They are leaving because they don’t want change,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa at a farmer convention in Free State province. Many agree with him, including Mr. Janse van Vuuren.

Though he has friends affected by crime in agriculture, he cautions against labeling all white farmers as victims of targeted violence or oppression.

Ilse Steenkamp is another white South African seeking refuge in the US with her family but hasn’t received feedback yet on their application. She did not want her real name used.

Ms. Steenkamp lost her farm after it was invaded just before selling it to downscale due to financial issues caused by infrastructure destruction during the invasion.

She described their situation as unbearable and said this attack was "the straw that broke the camel's back." Although eager to accept Trump's offer initially, she found leaving difficult because it meant abandoning their way of life.

When asked if granting refugee status was unfair given current US immigration policies, Ms. Steenkamp disagreed completely. She cited hatred behind attacks on farmers and believes those fleeing should be treated as refugees since their government denies these issues exist.

Sam Busà is another applicant for refugee status from South Africa who founded Amerikaners—a platform providing information about resettlement offers for white South Africans interested in moving to the US.

Although Ms. Busà is English rather than Afrikaner descent, she applied with her three sons but hasn’t been interviewed yet regarding their applications.

Initially thought to target only Afrikaners, she believes it clearly targets all white South Africans now based on recent clarifications from the US embassy regarding resettlement criteria.

Responding to criticism about being genuine refugees, Ms Busà stated that losing hope can cause emotional distress similar to warzone experiences.

Dr Piet Croucamp from North West University disagrees with this perspective and argues that people aren’t persecuted in South Africa; instead they may feel insecure due to crime experiences.

He expects few white South Africans will leave but acknowledges some opportunistic individuals might take advantage of this situation.

“This is a small group leaving,” Dr Croucamp noted while emphasizing that most Afrikaners intend to stay despite dissatisfaction with government policies.

Prominent groups like AfriForum and Solidarity Movement reaffirmed their commitment to remain in South Africa while working towards a better future for Afrikaners there.

Mr Janse van Vuuren agrees: “While some may choose to leave as refugees, most of us are here working together for a better future.”