Afrikaners who emigrated to the US under Trump are not refugees, say experts
Scores of Afrikaners who emigrated from South Africa to the United States are being falsely referred to as 'refugees' or 'asylum seekers,' a claim migration experts and human rights organisations say is inaccurate and misleading.
Trump said he would prioritise immigration status to white South African farmers, citing alleged persecution and even going as far as referencing a so-called 'white genocide.' The claim, widely circulated in far-right circles, was based on unverified reports that white farmers were being systematically targeted for violent attacks because of their race.
However, multiple investigations by international watchdogs, the United Nations, and the South African Human Rights Commission have found no evidence of a racial genocide or campaign against white South Africans.'There is no civil war in South Africa, and there is no state-sanctioned violence targeting white communities,' said Dr. Lindiwe Maseko, a political analyst at the University of the Witwatersrand.
'Crime is a national crisis, but it affects all races. The idea that white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, qualify as refugees under international law is false.'According to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, a refugee is defined as someone fleeing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, generally under circumstances of war or extreme oppression.
Experts say the economic difficulties, rising crime, and land reform debates in South Africa do not meet this threshold.'There is no credible basis for Afrikaners to claim refugee or asylum status in the U.S.,' said Professor Eric Goldstein, a migration law specialist. 'Leaving for economic or safety reasons is emigration, not flight from persecution.'
The labelling of these migrants as refugees also undermines the legitimacy of actual asylum seekers escaping war, dictatorship, and systemic oppression in countries like Syria, Sudan, or Afghanistan.'
Using the term 'refugee' in this context not only distorts reality but insults the experiences of those fleeing real humanitarian crises,' Goldstein added.
While every individual has the right to seek a better life abroad, experts agree that Afrikaners leaving South Africa under Trump's policy were not escaping persecution, but rather pursuing personal and economic opportunities, and should not be classified as refugees.
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The South African
16 minutes ago
- The South African
Why the world should wipe its a** with Trump's 'Human Rights' report
Last week, 12 August, the Trump Administration's State Department released a report, updated from 2024, that assesses the 'Human Rights Practices' of nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide. As you may have guessed, South Africa was among those fingered by the US in that report for supposed 'human rights violations and concerns'. In the executive summary, the report basically alleged that 'the human rights situation in South Africa significantly worsened during the year, including reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings, arrest and detention, and the repression of racial minorities.' The report also accused the South African government of not taking 'credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.' Under Section 1, titled LIFE: Extrajudicial Killings , the report alleges 'the (SA) government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings.' This section included reports of SA police involved in shoot-outs and killings of criminal suspects. For some reason, this section also references what has become loosely known as the 'pig farm' murders – as if that heinous crime is somehow the South African government's fault. Section 2, titled LIBERTY: Freedom of the Press , proceeds to lecture SA about the constitutional right to freedom of expression, independent press, and other media. In Section 3, SECURITY OF THE PERSON , SA is accused (of course), of 'Acts of Antisemitism and Antisemitic Incitement.' (This is because most of us – like most of the world – condemn Israel's unrelenting holocaust in Gaza.) Can you see it yet…? The United States of America, the biggest mass-murdering terrorist organisation in the world, part of the imperial, neocolonial, genocidal axis of evil that is US/NATO/Israel…is accusing our little S'Africa…of 'human rights violations' ? Is this a joke? Is that supposed to be funny? Boy, talk about the pot calling the kettle…the k-word. Yeah, sure, the ANC have proven themselves, over 30 years, to be hopelessly, completely corrupt and incompetent on a level that literally…boggles the mind. But their 'human rights violations'…pale in comparison to yours, 'Murica. This is clearly another classic case of Western geopolitical projection. Where they, the West, accuse other countries in the world of exactly what they're guilty of. You know, there's an old proverb attributed to Chaucer, and once quoted by Benjamin Franklin, that says, 'People living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.' Applied here, the people living in the glass house are the US government – Republicans AND Democrats. The stones they're throwing is their 'Human Rights' report card slapped on SA and most of the world. And the glass house…is America's long history of genocidal war crimes and human rights violations. Human Rights Watch has slammed the Trump Administration's report for mixing facts, deception and political spin. 'The State Department's new human rights report is in many places an exercise of whitewashing and deception,' said Sarah Yager, Washington director at HRW. 'Entire categories of abuses have been erased, while serious rights violations by allied governments have been papered over.' HRW also claimed that 'by undermining the credibility of the report, the administration puts human rights defenders at risk, weakens protections for asylum seekers, and undercuts the global fight against authoritarianism.' So…how about we give the US (and their NATO allies and Zionist puppetmasters) a little 'Human Rights' report card of our own? Now, if I wanted to be nastily petty…I could start alll the way back in 1945 when the US became the first and only country in history to drop – not one, but two – nuclear bombs on another nation. When the US nuked the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, exactly 80 years ago this month. I could then move on to Korea and Vietnam…the Cold War (and all that came with it) and every coup, assassination, forced regime change, and proxy war in South America and Africa since the '60s. Instead, let's start more recently…from just a few decades ago. Let's start with 11 September 2001, when the US government – or, at least, rogue, deep state elements within the US government, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and, of course, Israel's Mossad – attacked the US and killed nearly 3 000 civilians in a false-flag terrorist attack on the WTC in New York. Why? To justify what was coming next; the so-called Global War on Terror (GWOT) in the Middle East and North Africa. Eight countries attacked and destroyed in just over two decades – including recent illegal airstrikes on Iran's non-existent 'nuclear programme'. All for stolen resources…and all at the behest of Israel. As we speak, Donald Trump is claiming credit for brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to end a war – that the US started, or at least provoked. (Ever heard of a lady named Victoria Nuland? Look her up. Specifically, in relation to her role in the Maidan coup, and how it ultimately led to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.) By now, it's no secret that within weeks of Russia's SMO into Ukraine in late February 2022, a peace deal was on the table between Putin and Zelensky called the Istanbul process, brokered in Türkiye. However, lest we forget, after the Istanbul meeting and deal, the US/NATO sent their mass-murdering, warmongering minion – the guy with the bad hairdresser – ex-British PM Boris 'Bojo' Johnson to Kiev. Where he coerced Zelensky to betray the peace deal with Putin, and choose war instead of peace. To date, according to several military analysts, Ukraine lost almost 2 million troops in that conflict. (That figure has just been confirmed in documents leaked by the Ukraine military in the past few days.) And US/NATO…is deeply complicit. Sadly, even if Trump does somehow miraculously arbitrate peace between Russia and Ukraine…you can be sure that another American-led war is in the pipeline – with Iran, China, or some other long-time US-targeted country. In fact, as I write this, news has just broken that the US has deployed spyplanes, warships, a submarine and 4000 troops to Venezuela- the most oil-rich country on earth. (Don't worry, this time it's definitely not about the oil. The US military are only there to combat…'deadly drug cartels'. Oh, and…to bring some good ol' fashioned 'Murican style democracy to the Venezuelans, of course.) Since 7 October 2023 to date, Israel's maniacal IDF has slaughtered more than 60 000 Palestinians in Gaza – more than 18 000 of them children – and injured or maimed more than 150 000. Reportedly, more than 500 000 Gazans now face starvation from a man-made famine. Last week, on 10 August, the IDF murdered another five journalists, bringing the number of journos and media members killed since the outbreak of Israel's holocaust to nearly 270. According to Brown University's Costs of War project, that's more than all the journos killed in every war over the past 150 years – combined. Yet, Israel's gross genocidal war crimes and human rights violations are not only overwhelmingly supported by pro-Zionist neocons in Trump's cabinet – and the democratic party – they're openly cheered by them. While most of the caring world now appears to be turning on Israel, the US continues to fund, arm and generally support the Zionist regime and its blatant, brazen, ethnic-cleansing holocaust in Gaza. Since Trump came to power, the US has clamped down on varsity and campus student protests that criticize Israel's mass murder in Gaza, or show any solidarity with the Palestinians being slaughtered. To date, at least 6000 students have had their visas revoked, at least 300 of them for 'pro-Palestinian activism on campus.' Many of them face deportation. This, after Trump promised Congress he was restoring free speech, and after JD Vance lectured Europe in Munich about their 'free speech violations.' In a recent development, zealous Zionist (and scummiest Cuban since Scarface), US Secretary of State, psycho Marco Rubio just announced that the US is halting medical-humanitarian visas for people from Gaza. The decision will prevent wounded Palestinians from coming to the US for treatment. Rubio announced the decision immediately after popular right-wing pro-Zionist influencer, Lara Loomer (who, for some bizarre reason, seems to have Trump's ear), posted a video of Gazans arriving at US airports and called them 'a threat to the country.' On 15 March, the Trump administration invoked the ancient Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and deported over 250 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Despite a court order and temporary restraining order by the Columbia District Court to halt the deportation, the migrants – alleged to be 'gang members' – were taken into custody and sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca. This move by the Trump Administration was met with fierce criticism from the public and legal community as it bypassed due judicial process and violated human rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of the migrants, arguing that the Act was being abused, since the migrants were not given the opportunity to challenge their removal. At least two of Trump's deported 'gangsters' have turned out to be innocents who are not gang members and have no criminal record. Among them is Venezuelan soccer star, Jerce Reyes Barrios, who was bundled and deported with gangbangers after his tattoo was misinterpreted as a sign of gang affiliation. The other innocent wrongly identified as a gang member and deported was 31-year-old Venezuelan makeup artist known only as Andry. I believe it was the late great Bo Diddley (covered by Eric Clapton) who once sang: 'Before you accuse me…take a look at yourself.' So I have a little reminder for Trump and his cabinet – for what it's worth… Y'all hardcore Christians, right..? Well, then…you might want to revisit a passage from that wise and weighty 'sacred' sermon on the mount: 'Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye…and ignore the log in your own eye?' – Matthew 7:3 If that doesn't work for you, try this one: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.' – Matthew 7:1 Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16 minutes ago
- IOL News
The People Shall Govern is Vital for the National Dialogue to Succeed
President Cyril Ramaphosa in discussion with (from Left( John Kani, Barbara Masekela, Lindiwe Mazibuko and Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the National Convention held at Unisa, Pretoria on August 15. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers Dr. Reneva Fourie Die oupas, die oumas, is saam in die struggle Die hondjies, die katjies, is saam in die struggle As the citizen-centric nature of the National Dialogue is being challenged, the above words, first championed by Reverend Allan Boesak in the mid-1980s, serve as a poignant reminder of what a people-led process should entail. They call us back to a time when South Africans understood that genuine change comes from the ground up. The anti-apartheid movement was broad and representative, cutting across sectors. It was predominantly black because of demographics and the nature of oppression, yet it carried a non-racial character that bound people together in pursuit of freedom. If the National Dialogue is to matter, it must incorporate this spirit. By design, the National Dialogue is not a once-off event. The National Convention, held at UNISA on 15 and 16 August 2025, was intended to start a chain of conversations that will reach every part of the country. It sought to agree on key themes, establish a steering structure, and create an open space for public participation that extends far beyond a gathering in Tshwane. The Convention was intended to be the starting point of a living process in which people shape decisions that affect their lives. Yet the process faced resistance before it even took off. Some of the most respected voices from South Africa's liberation history, such as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Steve Biko Foundation, and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, chose not to attend the first gathering. They raised concerns about the quality of preparations, the influence of government over the process, and inadequate clarity regarding funding and governance. These concerns must not be dismissed. They are not excuses to abandon the Dialogue, but calls to improve it. If we heed these critiques and adapt accordingly, the process can still fulfil its promise. Already, the Presidency has reworked the interim technical team, included more social partners, and formed an Eminent Persons Group to help guide the work. This is a positive step, but it is not enough. The process must move from something that feels state-led to something that is truly people-led, with government as only one of many partners. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Political noise has not been far away. The Democratic Alliance withdrew during coalition tensions, feeding a narrative of division. However, political point-scoring should not overshadow the deeper civic purpose of the Dialogue. This Dialogue must be bigger than party interests. For the Dialogue to place people at the centre of governance, we need several clear steps. First, we must ensure that ordinary people are the authors of the Dialogue, not merely the audience. The National Convention must be treated as a participatory planning meeting where communities proposed, debated, and prioritized their ideas. Forthcoming district and sector meetings must be scheduled publicly, facilitation methods must be clearly defined, and criteria for incorporating community input must be transparently outlined. Second, inclusion must be real. We need every official Dialogue space to be accessible in all eleven official languages, with facilities for people with disabilities, schedules that respect shift workers, mechanisms to overcome gender-based and geographical inhibitors of participation, and deliberate efforts to include the unemployed and marginalised. If attending is inaccessible, participation will be limited to the already privileged. That would betray the central idea of a people's process. Third, to be people-centered, a comprehensive communication strategy is required. Mainstream, government, and alternative media, as well as digital platforms, must be utilised to convey a coherent message. Fourth, the Dialogue must yield visible results and manage expectations to address frustrations on the ground. Instead of complaining about our challenges, participants should use this as an opportunity to build social cohesion and national unity that mobilizes all of society towards collectively addressing them. The Dialogue should focus on a few urgent, realistic reforms that can be enacted within months, with public tracking of deadlines, responsible actors, and budget details. Transparency regarding funding is crucial; people need clear answers about expenditure, sources of funds, and accountability to build credibility. Fifth, we should revive the spirit of volunteerism. South Africa's strongest civic traditions were not built on paid consultants but on unpaid organizers who believed that nation-building required personal sacrifice. Let trade unions convene worker assemblies. Let student organizations hold school-based and campus dialogues. Let faith groups open their doors to discussions. Let NGOs bring research and advocacy expertise. Let businesses offer meeting spaces and logistical support. Let traditional leaders anchor the Dialogue in local culture and history. When people build the process themselves, they will own the results.
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton slams SAHRC stance, implies 'Kill The Boer' ruling was worse
Gayton McKenzie has admonished a statement by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in which they labelled his old tweets, containing the racial slur of the K-word, as 'hate speech'. This comes after the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture claimed that he would not apologise to the public over his controversial comments. In a statement issued by the Patriotic Alliance, Gayton McKenzie strongly opposed the SAHRC's statement, labelling his old tweets as 'hate speech'. The minister and political party leader accused the organisation of supporting a 'political campaign against me, led by cowardly, anonymous accounts' and 'playing to the gallery and trying me in the court of public opinion. Gayton McKenziehas denied his K-word tweets constitute hate speech. Images via X He shared: 'The SAHRC in this way made itself the prosecutor, the judge, the jury, the sentencer and the executioner – all in a single day's work. What they did not do was make themselves the investigator, because they have investigated nothing, questioned nothing, and cross-examined nothing. 'They have merely taken at face value what social media and rival politicians told them I did. Without even attempting to speak to me, they were already convinced enough of my evident 'hate speech' to go public about it'. Gayton implied that SAHRC had questionable standards. He continued: 'This is the same organisation that, in 2019, declared that the words 'Kill the Boer' do not constitute hate speech. However, they were quick to find hate speech in my tweets'. Gayton denied that his tweets displayed intent to harm, incite harm, or promote hatred, as stipulated by the Equity Act. He then elaborated on a few of his tweets, which he claimed did not constitute racism. In the statement issued last week, the SAHRC revealed that it had formally opened an investigation into Gayton McKenzie's old tweets after receiving several complaints from political parties and the public. It found that the minister had violated the Equity Act and had sent a letter of allegations informing of such. The commission pledged to navigate the way forward, which includes instituting proceedings at the Equality Court. It stated: 'The commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right ot freedom of expression is not absolute. Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. 'Given his position, Minister McKenzie's conduct is expected to confirm ethical standards that is becoming of a minister and member of parliament. 'The commission calls on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution, including human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
