South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly criticized the US refugee program for resettling Afrikaners, describing it as "Apartheid 2.0." Lamola made these remarks at the African Diaspora Forum in Washington, as per footage posted by South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. He argued that the program unfairly favors white South Africans of Afrikaner descent while excluding other racial groups.
The US program, established by President Donald Trump through an executive order in February 2025, allows for the resettlement of Afrikaners, citing allegations of state-sponsored racial discrimination and violence against them in South Africa. However, Lamola and his government have rejected these claims, asserting that the Expropriation Act aims to address historical land inequalities, not target any specific group. The program was expanded in May 2026 to admit up to 17,500 Afrikaners annually.
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest party, has welcomed Lamola's condemnation of the US program. The party urged Lamola to oppose race-based policies both internationally and domestically, advocating for economic justice and equal opportunities without racial categorization. This stance highlights the complex interplay between South Africa's internal politics and its international relations.
Afrikaners, a predominantly white and Afrikaans-speaking ethnic group, have historical ties to the apartheid regime that ended in 1994. The US refugee program has been controversial, with over 13,000 South Africans resettled in the US since its inception. Applicants must demonstrate past persecution or a credible fear of future persecution and undergo thorough security screening.
The program's implementation has not been without challenges. Dozens of applicants have reportedly received rejection notices without detailed explanations, and some cases have been linked to criminal records or public-safety concerns. These developments have sparked debates about the fairness and transparency of the US refugee program for Afrikaners.
AfriForum, an organization that lobbied for the US program, has stated that it does not have information about the claimed emergency situation that led to the program's expansion. The group's primary goal remains creating conditions that allow Afrikaners to remain in South Africa, highlighting the complexities of addressing historical grievances and contemporary challenges.
The controversy surrounding the US refugee program for Afrikaners reflects deeper tensions between South Africa and the US over issues of race, discrimination, and international cooperation. As both countries navigate these sensitive topics, the diplomatic relationship between them continues to evolve, with significant implications for global politics and humanitarian policies.
Key points
- South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola condemns the US refugee program for Afrikaners as "Apartheid 2.0," citing racial bias.
- The US program has resettled over 13,000 South Africans, primarily of Afrikaner descent, since its inception.
- The program's legitimacy is disputed, with South Africa rejecting US allegations of state-sponsored racial discrimination against Afrikaners.
