Prominent white South African organisations, including the Afrikaner and AfriForum solidarity movements, have rejected US President Donald Trump’s recent resettlement offer of illegal South African migrants back to the nation.
“We remain committed to the land and law of South Africa,” they stated, affirming their dedication to staying in the country.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order suspending US financial assistance to South Africa over concerns about land expropriation policies and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
“We don’t want to move elsewhere, and we are not going to ask our children now to move to another country. We have the interests of future generations at heart and want to ensure our culture is passed down; that cannot be done abroad,” Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, said during a media briefing in Pretoria.
Also read: Bangladesh launches 'Operation Devil Hunt' to quell national violence
Flip Buys, chairman of the Solidarity Movement, echoed this sentiment, emphasising their commitment to the country despite disagreements with the African National Congress (ANC).
Meanwhile, the South African government criticised the executive order, calling it misleading and based on misinformation.
Afrikaners, descendants of European settlers primarily from the Netherlands, arrived in present-day South Africa in the 17th century.
Following the transition to a multiracial democracy in 1994, ending decades of apartheid, white farmers continued to hold the majority of agricultural land.
To address historical disparities, the South African government has sought to redistribute 30% of farmland to black farmers by 2030.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed legislation allowing land expropriation without compensation under conditions deemed just and equitable.
While the legislation has sparked criticism for potential economic repercussions and international backlash, the government remains resolute in its position.
Follow us
