Since returning to the White House on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders, many of which focus on immigration and foreign policy. One directive, however, has sparked global debate—his proposal to grant refugee status to white South Africans in the United States.
Trump argues that they are victims of “government-sponsored, race-based discrimination.” But who are these white South Africans, and what is driving Trump’s controversial offer?
Who Are White South Africans?
White South Africans, mainly Afrikaners and other descendants of European settlers, make up about 7-8% of the country’s population. Their roots trace back to Dutch, German, and French settlers who arrived in the 17th century. Over time, they developed a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, with Afrikaans emerging as their primary language.
During apartheid (1948–1994), white Afrikaner leaders implemented segregationist policies that disenfranchised and displaced Black South Africans. However, since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has taken steps to address historical injustices, including land reform policies aimed at redistributing land to Black citizens.
South Africa’s Land Expropriation Law
In January 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a land expropriation bill into law. The legislation allows the government to seize land without compensation in specific cases, such as when the land is unused or deemed necessary for public projects. This replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act, which required compensation under a “willing seller, willing buyer” framework.
Supporters see the law as a necessary step to rectify historical land dispossession, while critics—especially white farmers—argue that it unfairly targets them. A 2017 land audit found that white South Africans, despite being a minority, still owned 75% of the country’s farmland, while Black South Africans, who make up 80% of the population, owned just 4%.
Why Is Trump Offering Refuge?
Trump’s executive order, signed on February 8, 2025, presents the resettlement of white South Africans as a humanitarian effort. He cites alleged persecution, land expropriation, and violent farm attacks, often referred to as “farm murders.” Some activists claim these attacks are racially motivated, though the South African government denies systematic targeting of white farmers.
The order also appears to be politically motivated. Trump has criticized South Africa’s foreign policies, particularly its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. He also announced a freeze on $440 million in U.S. aid to South Africa, much of which funds HIV/AIDS programs.
Elon Musk’s Role in the Debate
South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump ally, has been vocal in his criticism of the South African government. He has accused the country of enforcing “racist ownership laws” and blocking his Starlink satellite internet service due to affirmative action policies. Musk has also echoed claims of “anti-white policies,” though experts and the South African government dismiss these allegations as exaggerated.
South Africa’s Response
President Ramaphosa has firmly rejected Trump’s claims, stating that land reform is carried out legally and is not aimed at any racial group. “South Africa is a constitutional democracy rooted in justice and equality,” he wrote on X.
He also addressed misinformation in a conversation with Elon Musk, emphasizing that South Africa upholds the rule of law. During his State of the Nation address, Ramaphosa declared, “We are, as South Africans, a resilient people, and we will not be bullied.”
Afrikaner Groups Reject Trump’s Offer
While some white South Africans welcomed Trump’s offer, major Afrikaner organizations declined it. Groups like Solidarity and AfriForum, which represent millions of Afrikaners, insist they are committed to staying in South Africa.
“Our members want to stay here and build a future,” said Dirk Hermann, CEO of Solidarity. Kallie Kriel, head of AfriForum, added, “We don’t want to move elsewhere.” Even Orania, an Afrikaner-only enclave, rejected the offer, stating, “Afrikaners do not want to be refugees.”
While Trump’s proposal has fueled political debate, it appears that most white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, prefer to remain in their homeland rather than seek refuge in the U.S.
