In a striking rebuke of white South Africans seeking refuge abroad, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his disapproval over their applications for U.S. refugee status. In remarks made on Tuesday, Ramaphosa labeled these individuals as "cowardly" for choosing to leave South Africa instead of contributing to the nation’s progress and addressing its ongoing challenges.
During a media conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he stated, “They are running away,” emphasizing the perceived obligation of South Africans to participate in the transformation of their country. The discussion surrounding these Afrikaners, who have shown interest in a U.S. program aimed at facilitating their relocation, has sparked significant debate within South Africa, particularly in post-apartheid societal dynamics.
According to reports, more than 8,000 Afrikaners have applied for this refugee program. This initiative runs contrary to recent U.S. policies that limit refugee entries, particularly from various other regions. Ramaphosa firmly disagrees with U.S. assertions that categorize Afrikaners as refugees, arguing that they do not meet the defining criteria. His remarks underline a significant contention between South Africa and the influence of foreign immigration policies regarding its historical racial context.
