Latest news with #MissionSouthAfrica
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South African Paper Slams Trump for Ambushing Country's Prez
One of South Africa's most esteemed newspapers bashed President Donald Trump on Wednesday for blindsiding the country's leader during the duo's Oval Office meeting. 'U.S. president Donald Trump blindsided his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa during their meeting in the White House's Oval Office by playing a montage of video clips of EFF leader Julius Malema singing about killing white people,' The Sunday Times noted. The EFF, or Economic Freedom Fighters, are a South African self-proclaimed 'radical and militant movement.' According to The Times, 'Ramaphosa had just told Trump that he would allow, in their private meeting, his delegation... to explain to him that there was no white genocide in the country.' But instead of giving them a moment to speak their piece, he randomly 'jumped in' and directed that a 'video clip be played.' Then, the lights dimmed and a collation of the Malema videos were played. Trump has been pushing the 'false white genocide narrative,' according to The Times, which is the unsubstantiated idea that 'thousands' of white Afrikaner farmers are desperate to seek asylum in the United States due to fears of 'white genocide.' The most recent South African official data shows that the country had 19,696 murders from April 2024 to December 2024. Only seven of those murdered were farmers. Before meeting with Ramaphosa, Trump promised him that he would allow his delegation the chance to disprove his claims. The delegation included his minister of agriculture and Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen, billionaire Johann Rupert and golfer Ernie Else, all of whom are white. But they weren't given the opportunity to speak their minds. Instead, the South African group was completely caught off guard. 'It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his good friends like those who are here,' Ramaphosa insisted. 'But when we have talks between us around a quiet table it will take President Trump to listen to them, I'm not going to be repeating what I've been saying. I would say if there was Afrikaner farmer genocide I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of agriculture, he would not be with me." He continued: 'So it would take him, President Trump, listening to their stories, to their perspectives, that is the answer to your question.' Despite Trump's mass immigration crackdown, which has largely defined the first few months of his presidency, he began granting white Afrikaners entry to the country last month. 'Mission South Africa' is the administration's program aimed at assisting white South Africans in relocating to the U.S., even as the president rejects individuals from war-torn countries. Trump has largely followed the lead of Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa and has since become a U.S. citizen, on the matter. The Tesla CEO and fellow billionaire has been a close adviser to the president since his inauguration, and has long voiced concerns over his home country's treatment of white farmers.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
WATCH: SA ‘refugees' leave for US
The first group stood in line to check in at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night. The first group of South Africans granted refugee status by US President Donald Trump's administration will leave Johannesburg tonight for a new life in America. Trump launched 'Mission South Africa' in March, promising certain South Africans a quicker route to US citizenship because the government was seizing their land. He described their situation in SA as 'horrible'. Claims the SA government have denied. Trump said that 'any farmer' who was 'seeking to flee South Africa for reasons of safety' might apply to become a US citizen. The first group to take up Trump's offer stood in line to check in at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night. Their flight was reportedly set to depart at 8pm. A strong police presence was in the departure area, as trolleys filled with massive wrapped bags snaked through the aisles. At least 45 Afrikaners are reportedly part of the group that are leaving. They refused to speak to the media. WATCH: SA Afrikaners leaving OR Tambo Afrikaners at OR Tambo airport set to leave for U.S. under Trump resettlement order The first group of Afrikaners is at OR Tambo International Airport, preparing to depart for the U.S. under President Donald Trump's executive order. Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi… — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 11, 2025 At least 49 Afrikaners are leaving South Africa as refugees for the United States. — eNCA (@eNCA) May 11, 2025 ALSO READ: WATCH: AfriForum 'not having sleepless nights' over allegations of high treason SA won't block departure International Relations Department (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said SA will not block white South Africans or Afrikaners who want to leave the country. 'Whilst South Africa challenges the United States' assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution. 'However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts.' Politically motivated Phiri said allegations of discrimination against Afrikaners were 'unfounded'. 'It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy, Phiri said. 'A country which has, in fact, suffered true persecution under apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system. 'In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled.' Status of people leaving The department has also sought clarity on the status of those leaving the country. 'Dirco has sought assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them; amongst others. 'The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with the United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.' Additional reporting by Faizel Patel ALSO READ: Resettlement of Afrikaners in US as refugees 'entirely politically motivated' Dirco says
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
SA criticises US receiving Afrikaners
More than 50 Afrikaners have reportedly been granted asylum in the US and will be leaving South Africa on Monday. Image: Marco Longari / AFP South Africa's ministry of International Relations and Cooperation says the resettlement of South Africans in the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy. It has been reported that officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security in the US will be welcoming from Monday the arrival of 54 white Afrikaners in Washington DC. They have been granted refugee status. US President Donald Trump suspended the US refugee settlement programme in January, on his first day in office, leaving more than 100 000 people approved for resettlement stranded, having fled war and persecution in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. However, in February, Trump signed an executive order directing his government to grant refugee status to Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French colonisers who he claimed were discriminated against. In a report in the New York Times in March, the Trump administration was establishing a program called 'Mission South Africa' to help white Afrikaners from South Africa to go to the United States. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held a cordial discussion with the United States deputy secretary of state, Christopher Landau, on Friday. In a statement issued by the department, it said the discussion follows engagements via the diplomatic channels where in the government expressed concerns with the information conveyed that the US had commenced processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the US. "We reiterate that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. The South African Police Service statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law. "It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy," said the statement. It further stated that whilst South Africa challenges the US' assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country. 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 ✕ Through the diplomatic channels, the foreign ministry has sought the status of persons that will be departing, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens; and assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them, amongst others.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Afrikaners head to US
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 9 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, United States President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of white South Africans or Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal police say they are intensifying efforts to identify individuals attempting to incite unrest ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in Durban this Saturday. Furthermore, the South African National Defence Force has finally explained how five alleged car thieves ended up topless and lying on the ground defenceless against several officers last weekend. Weather tomorrow: 10 May 2025 Yellow level 4 and 2 warnings were issued for sea and wind dangers, with fire threats in the Western and Eastern Cape and cold, wet, and windy conditions also forecast in parts of the country. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. First SA white Afrikaner refugees set to arrive in US next week United States (US) President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of white South Africans or Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. In March, Trump set up a programme called 'Mission South Africa' offering an expedited pathway to US citizenship for some South Africans, falsely claiming that the government was confiscating their land and calling their treatment in the country 'terrible.' White South African gathered outside the United States of America Embassy in Pretoria, 15 February 2025. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen Within weeks of announcing that Afrikaners would be eligible for refugee status, the administration deployed teams to Pretoria to screen white South Africans for consideration, according to the documents obtained by The New York Times. The teams studied more than 8,000 requests from people expressing interest in becoming refugees, and the U.S. government identified 100 Afrikaners who potentially could be approved. CONTINUE READING: First SA white Afrikaner refugees set to arrive in US next week KZN police warn those 'hellbent on creating chaos' at Soweto derby KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police say they are intensifying efforts to identify individuals attempting to incite unrest ahead of the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in Durban this Saturday. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are set to face off in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Members of the South African Police Service (Saps) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 28 October 2022. Picture: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart While the match is a sold-out affair, it has been overshadowed by issues with the ticketing system that led to an overselling of tickets. As a result, more than 10 000 fans were refunded, sparking frustration among supporters. Reports have since emerged of fans threatening to force their way into the stadium, which officially holds around 55 000 spectators. CONTINUE READING: KZN police warn those 'hellbent on creating chaos' at Soweto derby How topless car thieves met their match against SANDF officer in pyjamas and slippers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has finally explained how five alleged car thieves ended up topless and lying on the ground defenceless against several officers last weekend. According to the SANDF, the men from Mamelodi met their embarrassing fate on Sunday after allegedly stealing a vehicle near the Tek Base, a military facility in Tshwane. Picture: @ramalokot/ X They were caught using the vicinity of Tek Base as a sanctuary for their illegal operations. CONTINUE READING: How topless car thieves met their match against SANDF officer in pyjamas and slippers Online gambling and betting advertising is non-compliant with Gambling Act — minister Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has confirmed in parliament that the advertising for online gambling and betting does not comply with the National Gambling Act, but emphasised that a crack-down is coming. He was responding to a question from Makashule Gana, an MP for Rise Mzansi, whether the recent advertising and marketing campaigns of gambling and betting companies comply with the National Gambling Act and related regulations and policies. Picture: iStock Tau said in his reply that the National Gambling Board reviewed recent gambling and betting advertising campaigns to see if they comply with the National Gambling Act and National Gambling Regulations. CONTINUE READING: Online gambling and betting advertising is non-compliant with Gambling Act — minister The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains There is some good news for thousands of South African motorists across the country who are currently driving with expired licences as the Department of Transport (DoT) confirms that the driving license card printing machine has been fixed and operations have resumed. South Africa's only driver's licence card printer has been plagued by breakdowns. Thousands of motorists across the country are currently driving with expired licences. Image: File / Pretoria Rekord The machine has been out of order since January, creating a massive backlog in driver's licences. Few to no cards have been issued since the start of the year. It has led to another problem of a backlog of 747 748 outstanding cards to be printed. CONTINUE READING: The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo | Body of missing journalist found | Scotts Maphuma fiasco
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Resettlement of Afrikaners in US 'politically motivated' , Dirco says
US President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. US President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Picture: AFP The International Relations Department (Dirco) said the resettlement of white South Africans or Afrikaners in the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is 'entirely politically motivated'. US President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. 'Mission South Africa' In March, Trump set up a programme called 'Mission South Africa' offering an expedited pathway to US citizenship for white South Africans, falsely claiming that the government was confiscating their land and calling their treatment in the country 'terrible'. Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held what it called a 'cordial discussion' with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, about the departure of white South Africans to the US. 'The discussion follows engagements via the diplomatic channels, where the government expressed concerns with the information conveyed that the United States has commenced with processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the United States.' ALSO READ: First SA white Afrikaner refugees set to arrive in US next week 'Politically motivated' Phiri said Dirco reiterated that allegations of discrimination against Afrikaners were 'unfounded'. 'It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy, Phiri said. 'A country which has, in fact, suffered true persecution under apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system. 'In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled,' said Phiri. SA will not block anyone Phiri said South Africa will not block white South Africans or Afrikaners who want to leave the country. 'Whilst South Africa challenges the United States' assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution. 'However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts,' Phiri said. ALSO READ: WATCH: AfriForum 'not having sleepless nights' over allegations of high treason Status of people leaving Phiri added that through diplomatic channels, Dirco has sought the status of people that will be departing for the US, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens 'Dirco has sought assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them; amongst others. 'The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with the United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership,' Phiri said. 'Discrimination allegations unfounded' Phiri said Dirco has reiterated that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. 'The South African Police Service statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. 'Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law,' Phiri said. Phiri stated progressive judgements from South African courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, have 'demonstrated a principled commitment to protect minorities and vulnerable groups,' adding that 'this shows the extent to which South Africa is working towards a country in which every citizen is free and protected'. NOW READ: WATCH: AfriForum went to Washington to gossip about SA – Mufamadi
