(3 Minutes Read)
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to reduce financial aid to South Africa, claiming that the government is engaging in unjust racial discrimination against white Afrikaners and providing them with the option of seeking asylum in the United States.
The order criticised a law recently signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which permits land expropriation without compensation in certain cases. Over thirty years since the end of apartheid, South Africa continues to face significant inequality, with land and wealth predominantly held by the 7% white population, about half of whom are native Afrikaans speakers, while black individuals represent 81%. Some white South Africans argue they face discrimination, often referencing the country’s affirmative action policies. Trump’s executive order, issued on Friday, highlighted numerous government measures that it claims undermine equal opportunities in employment, education, and business, as well as promoting violence against racially marginalised landowners.
The order also pointed out South Africa’s critical stance toward the U.S. and its allies, specifically accusing Israel of genocide in international courts while strengthening ties with Iran for various agreements. Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire involved in efforts to reduce U.S. government size, has criticised South Africa on his platform X for what he describes as “openly racist policies.” In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry stated that misinformation appears to be at play, noting that the executive order grants refugee status in the U.S. to a relatively privileged group in South Africa, while vulnerable individuals from other regions face deportation and asylum denials.
Conservative Afrikaner groups expressed concern about potential cuts to U.S. aid to South Africa and the possibility of being excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which permits tariff-free exports for South African products, including those from farmers. Kallie Kriel, CEO of Afriforum, a group advocating for Afrikaner civil rights, attributed blame to President Ramaphosa and senior ANC leaders, calling the situation a crisis. Kriel also thanked President Trump for recognising the discrimination faced by Afrikaners due to racial laws and threats to property rights, asserting their identity as indigenous people in the country.
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During apartheid, South Africa was governed by white Afrikaner leaders who violently oppressed the black majority, forcing them into segregated areas. Afrikaners are primarily descended from Dutch settlers who arrived in 1652 and French Huguenot refugees.
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