Stay or go? South Africans weigh in on US refugee offer
JOHANNESBURG - Government says it has no intention of blocking so-called Afrikaner refugees from relocating to the United States.
However, it has labelled former President Donald Trump's resettlement plan as politically motivated, calling it a thinly veiled attempt to undermine South Africa's Constitutional Democracy.
The proposed resettlement of Afrikaner families to the US under refugee status has stirred strong emotions among South Africans.
On the South African Morning, we asked viewers: If you were offered the chance, would you move to the US as a refugee?
While some cite safety and economic prospects as reasons to leave, others view the move as politically driven and unpatriotic, with many insisting that staying and rebuilding South Africa is the braver path.
'The exploration act must be implemented as soon as possible, Afrikaners want to be loved by everyone so, if offered the choice, I would not go to US, Trump is a dictator in these days,' said Wandile Ngbeba.
'You couldn't pay me to go to Trumpistan,' said BokFanNo1. 'Regardless of our challenges, South Africa is my home — and a home I love.'
Eugene Valentine encouraged South Africans to stay strong and build.
'It's the weak who run from problems. I doubt they'll find what they're looking for in the US — and Trump changes his mind quicker than a Springbok sidestep, he said.
Others, like Sinovuyo Hobho, see opportunity: 'I'd take the chance to make dollars, work hard, and come back wealthy. The dollar is strong — that's the reality.'
Tersia Foxcroft noted the complexity: 'Remember, those applying for refugee status had to prove they were victims of brutal attacks. It's not as simple as packing up and leaving.'
Rodney Mahori added: 'Let those who want to go, go. But it's a gamble — Donald Trump has shown he can be cold-hearted.'
Some expressed scepticism about American intentions.
Johnson Lu Josaine said: 'Trump's plan isn't about helping people. He wants to benefit from skilled South Africans while his country faces sanctions and import issues.'
And then there's concern over national identity.
Emile May argued: 'If you leave and live in America, don't come back and call yourself a Springbok when things get tough. Make your choice and live with it.'
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