Dirco denies claims of racial persecution as Afrikaners move to the US under Donald Trump’s programme
Several Afrikaners have previously marched in Pretoria, supporting President Donald Trump and calling for recognition like Israel.
Image: X (Twitter)
The 45 Afrikaners emigrating to the US are not fleeing racial or linguistic persecution, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said on Monday, insisting that their departure was voluntary and unsupported by evidence of targeted discrimination.
“We refute that these individuals are persecuted on the grounds of race or language,” International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said.
Phiri was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a briefing by Lamola on South Africa’s G20 Presidency on Monday.
In accordance with President Donald Trump's refugee programme, some Afrikaners have accepted an offer and are currently travelling to the US.
On a chartered aeroplane, the group left OR Tambo International Airport and is anticipated to reach the United States on Monday.
In response to the Trump administration's concerns about South Africa's Expropriation Act, which some see as a threat to the rights, property, and personal safety of the nation's white minority, especially Afrikaners, their relocation has reportedly been made possible on humanitarian grounds.
In addition to reflecting the larger global response to minority safeguards under evolving legal frameworks, this action highlights the geopolitical and human rights aspects of South Africa's land reform programmes.
Phiri stated that the idea that there was Afrikaner persecution was founded on baseless evidence.
“The idea that a particular race is being targeted on crime is also not founded on any evidence,” he added.
Supporting this position, recent national crime statistics presented by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for October to December 2024 indicate a 9.8% decline in the national murder rate.
This revealed a notable decline in several major crime categories across all provinces, including murder and rape, signalling progress in the government’s efforts to combat violent crime and enhance public safety.
During his address, Minister Mchunu reported a total of 6,953 murder cases nationwide—among them, 12 were identified as farm-related killings.
These included victims from various backgrounds: 12 farm dwellers, four farm workers, one security officer, and one farmer.
He emphasised that the majority of these crimes were isolated incidents, with one particular farm murder attributed to a single perpetrator.
This was met by criticism from AfriForum who had provided details of eight farm murders that took place between October and December 2024.
The Afrikaners are expected to arrive on Monday afternoon.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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