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The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Amerikaners refutes claims of ‘struggling' SA 'refugees' in US
'It's not unusual for that to happen in any situation, especially in a proof of concept,' states Amerikaners. The first group of Afrikaners from South Africa to arrive for resettlement listen to remarks from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar (both out of frame), after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, on May 12, 2025. President Donald Trump on Monday defended the decision to resettle a group of white Afrikaners in the United States as refugees, saying they were fleeing a 'terrible situation' in South Africa. Trump's remarks to reporters at the White House came just hours before an initial group of around 50 Afrikaners was set to arrive at an airport outside Washington. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) A viral social media video claiming that South African Afrikaner families are struggling without necessities in American hotels has been dismissed as 'hearsay' by the organisation assisting the refugee programme, amid growing controversy over the authenticity of the claims. The dispute centres around a TikTok video posted by a South African-born woman living in the United States, who alleged that Afrikaner refugee families were living in dire conditions without food, money, or cellphones in hotel accommodations. @afriforum here is a chance to put monthly contributions to good use. Help your Amerikaners phela. Help #Refugees fleeing from #genocide in South Africa before they start begging on the streets…… They aren't welcome here in South Africa. — Thomas (@thisandtgat_) June 11, 2025 'Struggling refugees' viral claims challenged 'They were of the understanding that they were going to be arriving here to assistance. People thought they were going to be arriving at a house, a job, and medical insurance. It isn't that way at all,' the woman with the TikTok username, @catpmt, claimed in the now-deleted video. However, Sam Busa, founder of Amerikaners, an organisation that assists South Africans seeking refugee status in the United States, strongly disputed these allegations. Busa characterised the claims as sensationalised content designed to undermine the refugee process. She explained that administrative issues for pilot groups are always expected. According to Busa, the problems faced by the resettled Afrikaner group were resolved. ALSO READ: Trump-Musk breakup: Will 49 'refugees' return to South Africa? Video removed after backlash The TikTok user, identified by the handle @catpmt, subsequently removed the controversial video from her page. In an explanation to her followers, she acknowledged the unintended consequences of her post. 'Thank you for visiting my page. The video you have come to see has been taken down due to constant flagging by the platform for bullying. It has also caused enough damage by fanning the flames of a fire that I did not realise existed. 'My hope is to use this page to show the difficulties and challenges a person faces when moving country, but in fun and educational way. The correct people have now stepped in to make sure all parties get what they need,' she wrote. ALSO READ: Afrikaner 'refugees' continue to arrive in US on commercial flights – reports Amerikaners organisation defends refugee process Busa reiterated that temporary hotel accommodation is standard practice in refugee programmes and rejected suggestions that the US government would abandon refugees without resources. Speaking to The Citizen, Busa said those sharing the alleged struggle have always 'been very negative about the refugee programme from the word go'. Busa expressed frustration with the attention the story had received, describing it as being based on multiple levels of hearsay rather than verified facts. 'I think it's been blown up into something that need not be,' she said. 'It's all hearsay anyway. Nobody has the original source. So nobody even knows exactly what was said on a Facebook group.' Despite defending the refugees against claims of hardship, Busa acknowledged that her organisation has no direct contact with the families who travelled to the United States. 'We are not involved with the US government whatsoever, and we do not help to provide anything. We're not even connected. I don't even know who the people were that were having trouble. They won't even give their names because they don't want the media to make a big mountain out of a molehill,' she said. ALSO READ: Afrikaner 'refugees' spot a ruse 'Proof of concept' administrative challenges Busa explained that the families in question were part of a pilot programme designed to test the refugee resettlement process, making some initial challenges inevitable and expected. 'That was a pilot group, that was not the [total number of] refugees. That was the proof of concept,' she said. 'So what happened was they brought them into the country, they allocated everybody a caseworker, and it's perfectly normal that a caseworker might not have called for two days or whatever, and then there's a stumbling block somewhere. It's not unusual for that to happen in any situation, especially in a proof of concept.' The organisation's founder detailed the extensive administrative process refugees must complete upon arrival, including applying for social security numbers, obtaining employment authorisation documents, accessing medical coverage, and receiving assistance with housing and job placement. Busa added that since hundreds of thousands of people, including herself, will be migrating to the US, the refugee programmes need to ensure that 'the system works on the other side'. ALSO READ: Trump administration slams church for refusing to resettle white South Africans in America Volunteer-run information network Amerikaners operates as an informal volunteer network rather than a registered non-profit organisation, according to Busa. The group emerged after the US executive order was issued and gained popularity among South Africans seeking information about the refugee programme. 'We're just literally a bunch of people that care about our fellow South Africans, and we're just helping out where we can. We, all of us — ourselves, want to go. So obviously we're all in the same boat together,' she said. The organisation focuses exclusively on providing information and guidance rather than financial assistance, helping potential refugees understand the legal aspects, paperwork requirements, and timeline of the refugee process. 'We don't touch any money because we don't want that target on our backs. We don't touch any funding initiatives or anything like that,' Busa emphasised. NOW READ: Start of new 'Great Trek'? Afrikaners arrive in US
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Afrikaner refugees in the US: Settled or struggling after one month?
In a viral video making the rounds on social media, a South African-born woman living in the US claimed that a family of Afrikaner 'refugees' are going without food, money, and cellphones in a hotel. "They were of the understanding that they were going to be arriving here to assistance. People thought they were going to be arriving at a house, a job, and medical insurance. It isn't that way at all," the woman claimed. However, the founder of Amerikaners (an organisation that assists South Africans who want to accept the refugee offer), Sam Busa, dismissed the claims that the 'refugees' may be in dire straits, with some allegedly living in hotels. "We expected there would be some administrative issues for the pilot group, which is exactly why the pilot study was conducted - to iron out the everyday problems. As far as we know, the issues have been resolved and the group is settling well and excited about their new lives," she said. Busa went on to say that it is not unusual for people to be housed in hotels in a refugee programme. "The US government would never deliberately abandon people with no resources. Those posting videos are just clickbaiting people by trying to dramatise a situation in a thinly veiled attempt to discredit the refugee process."
Daily Maverick
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Health Funders Association launches latest legal challenge to NHI Act, calling legislation ‘unworkable'
The Health Funders Association is the sixth organisation to launch a legal challenge to the NHI Act, describing it as 'unaffordable, unworkable and unconstitutional'. The Health Funders Association (HFA), a nonprofit representing 20 medical schemes and three administrators in South Africa's private healthcare funding sector, has become the latest organisation to launch a legal challenge to the National Health Insurance Act. On Thursday, 5 June the HFA announced the challenge, which has been lodged in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria. The organisation has said that while it supports the 'goal of universal health coverage', it considers the NHI Act to be 'unaffordable, unworkable and unconstitutional'. 'Litigation is not our preferred route but it is, under these circumstances, the responsible one to protect our economy and the future of healthcare in our country,' said NFA chief executive Thoneshan Naidoo. Unconstitutional and invalid In its legal challenge, the HFA argues that the NHI Act is procedurally and substantively flawed and will cause irreparable harm to the health system economy. It also seeks to show that: Section 33 of the NHI Act, which limits the role of medical schemes to providing complementary cover, infringes on section 27 of the Constitution regarding the right to access healthcare; The Act is not a 'reasonable measure' under section 27(2) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the government must take progressive, reasonable steps to realise access to care; and The Act unconstitutionally delegates legislative authority to the minister of health. Naidoo said that the relief sought by the HFA in the high court was for 'certain sections of the NHI Act be declared unconstitutional and invalid. Alternatively, the Act, in its entirety, to be declared unconstitutional and invalid.' There are already five legal challenges to the Act playing out in South Africa's courts, led by the South African Medical Association, the Board of Healthcare Funders, the Hospital Association of South Africa, the South African Private Practitioners Forum and the trade union Solidarity. 'With our knowledge, skills and experience of the funding industry… we bring an understanding of what the flaws are [in the NHI Act], what path we're on and alternative solutions. We don't view ourselves in opposition, but as part of completing the solution,' Naidoo told Daily Maverick. He noted that the HFA had engaged with the NHI through public participation processes before it was signed into law, in an attempt to work collaboratively with stakeholders. 'We are a part of Busa [Business Unity South Africa]… and while we go ahead with this legal challenge, we are hoping that through Busa… and that ongoing engagement with the president, it can lead to some amicable solution,' Naidoo said. Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department would study the HFA's application once it had received it and 'respond accordingly through the legal channels'. Independent study Part of the reason the HFA's legal challenge was launched more than a year after the NHI Act was signed into law was to allow time to research the potential impact of the legislation, said Naidoo. The organisation commissioned an independent economic analysis by consultancy firm Genesis Analytics. 'The Genesis analysis assesses various potential efficiency savings under NHI compared to the current system. For modelling purposes, savings are assumed to be as high as 45% of private sector cost levels. The report demonstrates that even under the most optimistic assumptions, it is not possible to raise the funds required for NHI,' the HFA said. 'For NHI to fund a level of care equivalent to what medical scheme members currently receive, as government has indicated is the intention, the Genesis model shows that personal income tax would need to increase by 2.2 times (a 115% increase in tax) from the current average rate of 21% to an average of 46% of income.' The Genensis model considered a scenario of pooling existing healthcare expenditure in the private and public sectors to support NHI. Its finding was that to enable this, personal income tax would need to increase by 1.5 times its current rate (a 47% increase in tax), from its average of 21% to 31%, according to the HFA. The report stated that medical scheme members would face a 43% reduction in the level of healthcare services relative to what they currently receive. When breaking down who would be affected by the potential decline in services under the NHI, Naidoo said the Genesis analysis showed that more than 68% of medical scheme members were black, Indian or coloured, with up to 83% earning less than R37,500 per month. 'There's often a misconception that medical schemes are for the wealthy and the elite. But if 83% are earning less than R40,000, it means this is actually your economic engine of South Africa. This is your workforce,' Naidoo said. Another finding of the study was that an additional 282,000 healthcare professionals would be needed to achieve the same level of care and access under the NHI than is currently experienced through medical schemes. 'Every year, we only get about 3,600 new medical graduates. Qualifications take between nine to 13 years… so the targets are decades away,' Naidoo said. Pursuing meaningful reform Naidoo said the HFA was not seeking to preserve the status quo, since it believed meaningful reform was essential to improve affordability, quality and access in healthcare. 'We remain committed to working with government and stakeholders to design a more inclusive, financially viable and constitutionally sound [system],' he said. 'Almost all successful [universal healthcare coverage] models, whether it's in high-income, middle-income or even low-income countries, involve strong public-private sector collaboration… Rather than sidelining the private sector, these systems leverage its capacity, innovation and infrastructure to expand access, improve efficiency and enhance quality of care.' The HFA has proposed a 'hybrid funding model' that involves the NHI fund and medical schemes operating 'in tandem'. It argues that this system would preserve individuals' 'freedom to choose supplementary private cover'. 'Public resources are focused on those most in need, while regulated competition supports innovation, efficiency and cost control,' it said. 'The proposed model offers a common benefit package with built-in cross-subsidisation to ensure equitable access for vulnerable populations. Grounded in a strong primary healthcare foundation, the model reflects international best practice and is especially relevant for middle-income countries like South Africa.' Other organisations have proposed alternative models to the NHI fund, including the Universal Healthcare Access Coalition, made up of the South African Medical Association, the Progressive Health Forum and the South African Private Practitioners Forum. Naidoo noted that a 'common thread' in many of these healthcare reform proposals was the emphasis placed on 'multifund, multipayer systems' rather than a single-fund monopoly. DM
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's battle against illicit trade: Urgent actions required to mitigate economic losses
Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) has asked the government to make illicit trade a deterrent. Image: David Ritchie / Independent Newspapers The government has been requested to prioritise illicit trade and make it a deterrent as South Africa continues to grapple with the pervasive effects of illegal activities across sectors. These include alcohol, foodstuffs, agrichemicals, pharmaceuticals, counterfeiting, mining, and wildlife trafficking. This was revealed in the South Africa Illicit Economy 2.0 Report, launched by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) in conjunction with Business Unity South Africa (Busa). TRACIT is an independent, business-led initiative that works to mitigate the economic and social impacts of illicit trade by reinforcing enforcement mechanisms and mobilising private sector collaboration across sectors most affected by illicit activity. The report recommended that the government strengthen criminal penalties and appoint an Interagency Anti-Illicit Trade Coordinator in conjunction with the private sector, such as Business Against Crime South Africa, Busa, and affected stakeholders. Illicit activities have been undermining businesses, depleting tax revenues, undermining international trade, and exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The South African Revenue Service estimated that illicit trade costs the country's economy R100 billion annually. In terms of lost tax revenues, Business Leadership South Africa estimated that South Africa loses around R250 million a day. TRACIT director of programmes, Estaban Giudici, said the South African government must prioritise efforts to combat illicit trade and the underlying conditions that facilitate it. 'Left unaddressed, illicit trade and its associated criminal activities will continue to rob the government of essential tax revenue and deter investments in the country,' said Giudici. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ According to the report, the persistence and growth of illicit trade in South Africa are fuelled by systemic enablers that undermine enforcement and foster an environment conducive to illegal activities. Organised crime, corruption, and structural weaknesses remain key drivers, with the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic compounding the challenges. TRACIT director-general, Jeffery Hardy, said: 'The Covid-19 pandemic provided ample opportunities for illicit traders to adjust and expand their operations during a time when government-imposed lockdowns, bans, and other restrictions disrupted legal markets and created shortages. 'For South Africa to restart and grow its economy, it must formulate policies and implement programs that deter and preclude illicit traders from consolidating roots in the post-pandemic economy.' The report stated that illicit traders in South Africa exploit vulnerabilities throughout supply chain networks to facilitate illegal commerce. These supply chains vary significantly, from maritime shipping routes and free trade zones to postal and courier services, as well as online marketplaces. South Africa's weak performance in the e-commerce protection frameworks indicator of the TRACIT 2025 Illicit Trade Index underscores significant gaps in consumer protection and platform accountability. Key deficiencies include inadequate regulations establishing platform liability for third-party illicit sales, insufficient transparency measures such as seller verification, limited proactive risk management by online marketplaces, and weak consumer recourse mechanisms. According to the report, the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms has created fertile ground for illicit trade, particularly in emerging categories such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and pharmaceuticals. It added that existing frameworks, including the Medicines and Related Substances Act, have not sufficiently evolved to address digital commerce, resulting in critical vulnerabilities. Online and informal digital marketplaces frequently facilitate counterfeit medicines and other unregulated products, posing severe health and safety risks due to unverified quality and efficacy. The report also suggested that a strong government commitment to securing parcel delivery infrastructure is essential to prevent criminal exploitation and the trafficking of illegal goods through global postal networks. TRACIT added that enforcement agencies often lack the technical expertise and tools required to detect and respond to illicit flows, particularly in industries where goods are easy to smuggle, conceal, or duplicate. 'For example, tobacco products remain a primary concern. Their small size, durability, ease of transport, and especially high profit margins make them a favourite among smugglers. Similarly, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, substandard alcohol, and falsified consumer goods also continue to flood informal markets, driven by weak regulation, high demand, and gaps in enforcement,' reads the report. The report stated that illicit cigarettes currently account for nearly 60% of the South African market. It added that the illicit share has grown significantly, starting at 5% in 2009, peaking at 60% in 2021, and slightly declining to 58% in 2022. 'That same year, the government lost an estimated R18 billion in revenue — R15 billion in excise duties and R3 billion in VAT. Over the 20 years from 2002 to 2022, cumulative losses in excise and VAT revenue amounted to R119 billion (adjusted to 2022 prices).' Hardy added that South Africa stands at a crossroads, adding that now is the time for bold policies and strong enforcement to dismantle illicit networks. 'That's why this year we've gone a step further and proposed a structured Public-Private Partnership to support South African and regional authorities in their fight against illicit trade,' he said.
NDTV
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Suzuki Hayabusa Registers Record Sales In India
Ever since John Abraham rode the Suzuki Hayabusa in Dhoom, way back in 2004, it has become an iconic motorcycle in India. And Suzuki Motorcycle India registered record sales of the 'Busa', selling 511 units during the fiscal year. It is a massive jump of 71 per cent or 298 units sold in FY2024. Now, the Hayabusa is one of the most popular superbikes in India and is currently priced at Rs. 16.9 lakh (ex-showroom). What will also surprise you is the fact that the Suzuki Hayabusa leads the 1,000-1,600 cc motorcycle segment sales in India, with 57 per cent market share, 10 per cent more than what it had in FY2024. Earlier, the Suzuki Hayabusa was sold in India as a CBU but since 2021, it is being assembled in India at Suzuki's Gurugram plant. The motorcycle gets an in-line 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which displaces 1,340 cc and makes 187 hp at 9,700 rpm along with having peak torque output of 142 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter. The Busa has a top speed of over 300 kmph and weighs in at 266 kg. It has a seat height of 800 mm. The 'Busa is offered in three dual-tone paint scheme options- Metallic Matt Steel Green with Glass Sparkle Black, Glass Sparkle Black with Metallic Mat Titanium Silver, and Metallic Mystic Silver with Pearl Vigor Blue. The motorcycle is equipped with features like a six-axis IMU, power-mode selector, anti-lift control system, bi-directional quick shift system, engine brake control, traction control system, launch control, and more.
