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Trump’s Refugee Offer to Afrikaners Sparks Mixed Reactions in South Africa
US President Donald Trump’s recent offer to accept white Afrikaners as refugees has been met with ridicule and disbelief on the streets of Johannesburg, where South Africans of all races dismissed the proposal as “ridiculous” and “uninformed.”
On Friday, Trump announced the suspension of US aid to South Africa, claiming—without providing evidence—that the government in Pretoria was seizing white-owned land and persecuting Afrikaners, the descendants of European settlers.
The claim echoes far-right conspiracy theories about a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa, an idea that has previously been amplified by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump’s most influential allies.
‘Trump Doesn’t Know Anything About This’
For many in Johannesburg’s student district, Trump’s remarks were viewed as detached from reality.
“Trump doesn’t know anything about this. I feel like Elon Musk is behind him, pushing this narrative,” said Lulusuku Mahlangu, an electrical engineering student.
Mahlangu believes the controversy stems from power and influence rather than genuine concern for South Africans.
“It’s greed,” he said. “When you have too much power, you think you can control everyone.”
Many South Africans found it absurd that white citizens could be positioned as victims in a country where they still hold significant economic advantages. While apartheid officially ended in 1994, white landowners still control about two-thirds of the country’s farmland, and on average, they earn three times more than Black South Africans.
“I find it funny because I live here, and I don’t see that sort of persecution in any way,” said telecommunications specialist Lwandle Yende, 34.
‘It’s Ridiculous and Weird’
Trump’s criticism largely revolves around a new South African law that allows land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions deemed to be in the public interest. However, legal experts have stressed that the legislation does not grant the government sweeping new powers.
Trump’s remarks, particularly his suggestion that Afrikaners be granted refugee status in the US, caught many by surprise—including right-wing white lobby groups.
For some, the proposal carried racial undertones.
“It’s uninformed and borderline lame,” said Reabetswe Mosue, 22.
Yende also dismissed the idea as fearmongering, rejecting the notion that white South Africans were under siege.
“There is no such thing as apartheid 2.0,” he said.
South Africans React to Trump’s Policies
Trump’s executive order suspending US funding to South Africa has raised concerns, particularly regarding its impact on the country’s HIV programmes, which have long benefited from American financial support.
For many, Trump’s return to power signals renewed tensions between the US and African nations.
“America has betrayed us by bringing him back,” said Pastor Israel Ntshangase, 56. “He messed up with Africa before, and he is doing it again. His policies will haunt him.”
Meanwhile, the South African government dismissed Trump’s proposal as ironic, given the US’s own controversial deportation policies.
“Who wants to leave this beautiful country?” Yende remarked as he adjusted his designer sunglasses, adding that even his white friends found the idea laughable.
However, some Afrikaners are reportedly considering the move. The South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States has reported a surge in inquiries, estimating that around 50,000 people may explore relocation.
For tax and insurance specialist Matthew Butler, 62, the reality of life in the US may not be as promising as some expect.
“America is not cheap,” he warned. “Are you going to have work? How are you going to make a living?”
University of the Witwatersrand lecturer Hannah Maja expressed little concern over potential emigration, saying sarcastically, “Let them do whatever they want to do to get the fresh air they need.”
Film student Clayton Ndlovu, however, took a different view, arguing that Afrikaners remain an integral part of South Africa’s society and economy.
“We do need those Afrikaans people. As much as we don’t always get along, we actually do need them,” he said. “Trump is just trying to scare people.”
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