ANC condemns US refugee status for Afrikaners, calls claims baseless

The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a strong statement condemning the United States government’s recent decision to grant refugee status to 49 individuals self-identifying as Afrikaners. 

The party categorically rejects the notion that Afrikaner refugees are fleeing South Africa, emphasising that such claims are baseless and serve to undermine the country’s democracy.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC National Spokesperson, the party declared that there are no Afrikaner refugees in South Africa.

“No section of our society is hounded, persecuted, or subject to ethnic victimisation. These claims are a fabrication and a cowardly political construct designed to delegitimise our democracy and insult the sacrifices made by generations who fought for freedom.”

The ANC’s stance comes amid ongoing debates surrounding US immigration policies and the rise of misinformation campaigns. 

The party said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a foundational document in South Africa’s struggle for democracy, which affirms that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.” 

The ANC reaffirmed that this principle is enshrined in the Constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity, and non-racialism.

Bhengu-Motsiri further criticised what she describes as attempts by certain foreign actors to exploit refugee protections to shield right-wing, anti-transformation elements. 

“The instigators of this falsehood seek not safety, but impunity from transformation. They flee not from persecution, but from justice, equality, and accountability for historic privilege,” Bhengu-Motsiri stated.

US Policy and Misinformation Campaigns

The US government’s decision to recognise certain individuals as refugees has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it misrepresents the realities faced by South Africans.

Some US lawmakers have proposed sanctions against ANC leaders, alleging they are undermining democratic processes. 

Adding to the complexity, reports suggest that influential figures, including Elon Musk—who has been a significant financial backer of former President Donald Trump—have played a role in spreading misinformation about South Africa. 

Musk, who recently failed to have Starlink satellite services operational in South Africa, has reportedly amplified narratives suggesting widespread violence and genocide, which are not supported by credible data. 

A Call for Unity and Truth

The ANC called on all South Africans and the international community to stand united in defending the truth, constitutionalism, and national sovereignty.

“Ours is not a broken or failing state,” the party asserted, “but a people’s democracy progressing against the tides of distortion and divisive narratives.”

ANC emphasised the importance of safeguarding its democratic institutions and resisting efforts to distort its history or undermine its sovereignty. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of equality and justice, standing firm against any attempts to divide the nation along racial or political lines.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co,za

IOL Politics