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Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Afrikaners Arrive in US, Stoking Tension With Pretoria
JOHANNESBURG—A plane carrying the first group of white Afrikaners to be resettled in the United States as refugees per an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump touched down in Washington on May 12. South African officials confirmed to The Epoch Times that a private jet chartered by the U.S. government carrying 49 Afrikaners left O.R. Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg late on Sunday. Some of the asylum seekers said they felt they had no choice but to leave South Africa, citing high unemployment and crime rates and an environment they said makes white people feel as if they don't belong. On Feb. 7, Trump The U.S. president wrote that his government would promote the resettlement of 'Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored, race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation' in South Africa. Pretoria has implemented affirmative action and black economic empowerment policies that favor black citizens for employment but has denied seizing land belonging to white residents. Related Stories 3/11/2025 2/24/2025 It argues that certain laws are necessary to create a more equal society following decades of white minority apartheid rule. South Africans of all races are enduring some of the highest rates of violent crime in the world, with a spotlight often shone on the brutal murders of white farmers. Sam Busa, a South African businessperson who has established the 'Amerikaners' agency to support those she calls 'disenfranchised South Africans seeking a new future in the U.S.,' told The Epoch Times: 'I am relieved that these Afrikaners are going to build new lives in a safe country that values freedom. The South African government is using racist laws to oppress minorities. I thank President Trump and his entire administration for their care and concern, and for their courage because they are facing great criticism for providing assistance to South African minorities.' Alvin Botes, South Africa's deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, said his government would not block any citizen from leaving the country, even though it disagrees with their reasons for emigrating. 'As people who lived through apartheid, we know what racism looks and feels like,' he told The Epoch Times. 'Although we disagree fundamentally with the allegations leveled against us, we won't stand in the way of anyone who exercises their democratic right to legally emigrate.' Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, told The Epoch Times: 'What's happening here is very disturbing. The United States is undermining and violating South Africa's sovereignty.' In a The statement followed news that the Trump administration had approved the applications of dozens of Afrikaners for relocation to the United States as refugees. Trump's executive order also referred to 'hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.' In a His adviser South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, has condemned what he calls the push for 'genocide of white people' in the country. The DIRCO statement said South Africa Police Services 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 said. Ernst Roets, of Afrikaner rights organization Afriforum, told The Epoch Times: 'It is not as if Mr. Trump is throwing America's doors open to a million Afrikaners. From what I have heard, the United States government is being very selective in terms of who it is accepting as refugees from South Africa.' Shortly before she boarded the jet bound for the U.S. capital, Kirsten van Deventer, 48, told reporters: 'I have to feed my children. I can't find a job. I have applied for jobs, but the companies reject me as soon as they find out I am white. I have no choice but to leave, even though I am afraid, because I don't know much about America.' Meisie van Tonder said she and her family aren't happy in South Africa. 'The government makes us feel as if white people do not belong,' she said. On Friday, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told journalists that Sunday evening's flight will be the first in a 'much larger-scale relocation effort.' He said the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa 'fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created.' 'This is persecution based on a protected characteristic—in this case, race. This is race-based persecution,' he said. DIRCO said allegations that the South African government is discriminating against Afrikaners are 'unfounded.' Part of its statement read: '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; 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.' Botes said he had spoken with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Friday about the 'Afrikaner issue.' 'It was a very respectful, cordial discussion,' he said. 'We agreed to speak more in the near future because we are at a point of disagreement here.'
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ekurhuleni Metro Police face disciplinary action after illegal protest
Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face disciplinary actions following their involvement in an illegal protest that disrupted major traffic routes and access to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The city of Ekurhuleni is set to kick start disciplinary actions against more than Three hundred Metro Police officers. The city initiated the disciplinary process after its police officers were engaged in what the city called illegal protest leading to them blockading several major routes in Ekurhuleni. According to reports officers were frustrated over salary adjustments, overtime compensation, and also calling for improved working conditions. The municipality's spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the affected EMPD officers face pre-dismissal processes due to severe misconduct, including the illegal blockade of the R21, N12, N17, and N3 highways. 'This unlawful action significantly disruptedtraffic flow, severely inconvenienced thousands of commuters, and hindered access to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, a designated National Key Point, impacting flight schedules and broader regional connectivity,' Dlamini explained. He further said that EMPD officers, were classified under essential services, mandated to uphold public safety and order. Dlamini continued to say the EMPD officers participation in prohibited strike action constituted gross misconduct, which undermined public trust and violated labour laws as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act. 'All implicated officers have been issued pre-dismissal notices and are suspended from duty pending the outcome of their disciplinary hearings. They are required to submit any City-issued equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and official access cards, until the conclusion of the disciplinary process'. The City is currently collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure continued policing services, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Minister of Police. Dlamini said this was the municipality's way of reiterating its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability, and ensuring that essential services personnel uphold their responsibility to public safety and order. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ekurhuleni Metro Police face disciplinary action after illegal protest
Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face disciplinary actions following their involvement in an illegal protest that disrupted major traffic routes and access to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face disciplinary actions following their involvement in an illegal protest that disrupted major traffic routes and access to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The city of Ekurhuleni is set to kick start disciplinary actions against more than Three hundred Metro Police officers. The city initiated the disciplinary process after its police officers were engaged in what the city called illegal protest leading to them blockading several major routes in Ekurhuleni. According to reports officers were frustrated over salary adjustments, overtime compensation, and also calling for improved working conditions. The municipality's spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the affected EMPD officers face pre-dismissal processes due to severe misconduct, including the illegal blockade of the R21, N12, N17, and N3 highways. 'This unlawful action significantly disruptedtraffic flow, severely inconvenienced thousands of commuters, and hindered access to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, a designated National Key Point, impacting flight schedules and broader regional connectivity,' Dlamini explained. He further said that EMPD officers, were classified under essential services, mandated to uphold public safety and order. Dlamini continued to say the EMPD officers participation in prohibited strike action constituted gross misconduct, which undermined public trust and violated labour laws as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act. 'All implicated officers have been issued pre-dismissal notices and are suspended from duty pending the outcome of their disciplinary hearings. They are required to submit any City-issued equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and official access cards, until the conclusion of the disciplinary process'. The City is currently collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure continued policing services, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Minister of Police. Dlamini said this was the municipality's way of reiterating its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability, and ensuring that essential services personnel uphold their responsibility to public safety and order. The Star
Saudi Gazette
12-03-2025
- Saudi Gazette
At least 16 dead after bus crashes on motorway in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG — At least 16 people were killed when a bus crashed on a motorway near Johannesburg's international airport in South Africa on Tuesday, the country's transport ministry has said. Ministry spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that 12 passengers died at the scene and four others died later from their injuries in hospital. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, officials said. The bus, which was transporting people from the township of Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, crashed near International Airport, they added. 'On arrival we found patients lying across the road,' said William Ntladi, an emergency management spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni municipality. Ntladi added that 11 passengers were critically injured, while another 24 suffered moderate to serious to the tragedy, Andile Mngwevu, a city councilor, said: 'We are lost for words. This is a disaster.'To see so many bodies lying around is quite saddening, and the city really feels for the families who would have expected to see their loved ones return home later today.'South African Transport Minister Barbra Creecy said she was 'extremely concerned' by the crash, which is the country's third serious bus accident in the past has asked the Road Traffic Management Corporation to meet with all bus operators soon to speak about improving passenger safety. — Euronews
Euronews
11-03-2025
- Euronews
At least 16 dead after bus crashes on motorway in South Africa
The accident happened near Johannesburg's International Airport on Tuesday. The cause remains unknown. ADVERTISEMENT At least 16 people were killed when a bus crashed on a motorway near Johannesburg's international airport in South Africa on Tuesday, the country's transport ministry has said. Ministry spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that 12 passengers died at the scene and four others died later from their injuries in hospital. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, officials said. The bus, which was transporting people from the township of Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, crashed near International Airport, they added. 'On arrival we found patients lying across the road,' said William Ntladi, an emergency management spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni municipality. Ntladi added that 11 passengers were critically injured, while another 24 suffered moderate to serious injuries. Responding to the tragedy, Andile Mngwevu, a city councillor, said: 'We are lost for words. This is a disaster. 'To see so many bodies lying around is quite saddening, and the city really feels for the families who would have expected to see their loved ones return home later today.' South African Transport Minister Barbra Creecy said she was 'extremely concerned' by the crash, which is the country's third serious bus accident in the past week. Creecy has asked the Road Traffic Management Corporation to meet with all bus operators soon to speak about improving passenger safety.
