President Cyril Ramaphosa has ignited controversy by labeling a group of 59 white South Africans who recently relocated to the United States as "cowards." The Afrikaners, who arrived in the U.S. on Monday under refugee status granted by former President Donald Trump, were said to be fleeing racial discrimination. Ramaphosa dismissed their move during a speech at an agricultural exhibition in the Free State province, arguing that true South Africans should confront their issues instead of running away.
He stated, "As South Africans, we are resilient. We don't run away from our problems. We must stay here and solve our problems. When you run away, you are a coward, and that's a real cowardly act." His comments were met with varying reactions online, with some social media users deeming his language an insult to those feeling marginalized in South Africa.
The relocation stems from claims made by Trump and other supporters that white farmers in South Africa are facing a "genocide," a narrative largely rejected by critics. Furthermore, the U.S. government has previously accused the South African administration of unlawfully seizing white-owned land without compensation. However, Ramaphosa's recent legislative moves to allow land expropriation for "equitable" purposes have exacerbated tensions over land redistribution issues.
According to Ramaphosa, the departing Afrikaners are doing so because they are unsatisfied with ongoing efforts to rectify injustices stemming from apartheid. He maintained that South Africa remains their home and expressed confidence they would eventually return, remarking, "I can bet you that they will be back soon because there is no country like South Africa."
Upon their arrival in the U.S., the Afrikaners were warmly welcomed by officials who acknowledged their "shadow of violence and terror" in South Africa. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau greeted them at Dulles airport, emphasizing their transition to "the land of the free."
Despite Ramaphosa's characterization of their departure, he argued that claims of persecution faced by the Afrikaners do not hold, stating they "don't fit the bill" for those entitled to refugee status under U.S. guidelines. The president asserted his commitment to addressing the situation with his American counterpart in upcoming discussions.
As tensions simmer over the emigration discourse, Ramaphosa maintains that the historical complexities of South Africa must be acknowledged and grappled with by all its citizens, regardless of their racial background.
