Amerikaners Group Enlisted in US Hunt for Afrikaner Refugees

The United States has turned to a little-known South African group called Amerikaners to help identify white Afrikaners for resettlement under a controversial refugee program initiated by former President Donald Trump.

A Controversial Offer From Washington

Back in February, Trump signed an executive order that opened the door for “Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination” to apply for refugee status in America. The decision quickly sparked fierce debate, as it singled out one of the country’s most historically privileged groups for protection.

This week, the US Embassy in Pretoria confirmed that the Amerikaners group has been given official status as a Department of State referral partner. The group will now be responsible for collecting applications and passing along cases they believe meet refugee criteria.

Who Are the Amerikaners?

The organisation is led by 60-year-old Sam Busa, a South African woman of British descent. Busa formed Amerikaners shortly after Trump’s announcement, going as far as to draft a memorandum addressed to the White House, formally accepting the offer on behalf of members.

On its website, the group describes itself as “Christian, conservative, and English-speaking.” Rather than portraying themselves as victims, their pitch is framed around serving the US, insisting they are not seeking charity but a chance to “contribute to America.”

South Africa Pushes Back

The South African government has strongly opposed the initiative, dismissing claims of racial persecution. Officials argue that Afrikaners, while a minority, remain the country’s most economically secure group and do not meet the legal definition of refugees.

For Pretoria, the idea that tens of thousands of white South Africans might be given fast-tracked refugee status is not only politically fraught but also undermines broader narratives around reconciliation and transformation.

The Numbers So Far

While Washington has floated figures as high as 30,000 potential arrivals in the next year, the reality on the ground looks very different. As of early August, fewer than 100 Afrikaners have been resettled through the program. The State Department has remained cautious, noting that it does not comment on “specific implementing partners” but is “grateful for the many South Africans who have expressed support.”

Public Reaction and Identity Politics

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions in South Africa. On social media, some Afrikaners have welcomed the news, calling it a long-overdue recognition of their struggles in a changing society. Others, however, view the move as tone-deaf, arguing that it ignores the very real challenges faced by Black South Africans, who remain disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

For many observers, the program highlights deeper questions about race, privilege, and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. Why is one group being singled out for international protection, while millions of others facing socio-economic hardship at home are overlooked?

A Debate Far From Over

With only a handful of resettlements processed and political tensions simmering, the future of the Afrikaner refugee program remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the involvement of Amerikaners has added a new layer to an already contentious story, one that continues to blur the lines between humanitarian aid, political ideology, and cultural identity.

Source:Business Tech 

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