Afrikaners in Pietermaritzburg Reject Trump’s Offer to Relocate to the U.S.

Afrikaners living in impoverished areas of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, have dismissed an invitation by U.S. President Donald Trump to migrate to America, saying South Africa remains their home despite economic hardships.

Many residents argue that the offer—extended to Afrikaners facing alleged racial discrimination—is impractical due to the financial costs associated with visas, flights, and resettlement. Others believe the move would not necessarily improve their lives.

Residents of Oribi village, a community affected by poverty, drug abuse, and crime, expressed skepticism about the offer. Many survive on government grants, work as car guards, or take on odd jobs in nearby affluent suburbs.

Some parents lamented the lack of accessible education for their children, as nearby no-fee schools are located in black townships and rural areas.

Kim Larsson, a resident of Scottsville Extension, was adamant about staying.

“I love South Africa and will never trade it for anything. If you can’t make it work in your own country, how will you make it work elsewhere?” she said.

While some refused to comment on the order, dismissing it as political, others expressed anger at Trump’s approach.

Crystle Boucher, 37, criticized Trump for halting USAID programs that previously supported healthcare services in her community.

“He took medication away from people with HIV/AIDS, which is not right,” she said.

Although she struggles to find employment as a single mother of three, Boucher remains hesitant about relocating.

“Even if he says he will pay for everything, I don’t know if I or my children will be safe. What if it doesn’t work out?”

Jani Lang argued that Trump was creating unnecessary divisions and should rather focus on opportunities for all South Africans.

“He is creating a problem where there is no problem,” Lang said.

She defended transformation policies, stating that initiatives like Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) are necessary to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Despite acknowledging the crime and racial tensions in Oribi, she remained attached to her homeland.

“I may get nothing out of my land, but I still love it because this is my country and where I grew up.”

Rudi Kritzinger also dismissed the offer, saying, “There would be nothing exciting about leaving my country.”

Hugo van Niekerk, leader of the Afrikaner Pango squatter camp in Munsieville, Gauteng, viewed the prospect of migration as an opportunity but highlighted financial constraints.

“It is a great opportunity to change my life, but how do I get there? I don’t have money for a visa, a flight, or to settle there,” he said.

While Trump’s executive order may have sparked debate, many Afrikaners in struggling communities remain firm in their decision to stay in South Africa, despite the challenges they face.

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Trump’s Refugee Offer to Afrikaners Sparks Mixed Reactions in South Africa