NATIONAL NEWS - The United States’ latest statement on its refugee admissions policy for South Africans has sparked confusion and concern, as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to show signs of strain.
The Witness reports that, according to a memo released yesterday by the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa, South African nationals — particularly those from ‘disfavored minorities’ facing ‘unjust racial discrimination’ — may now be eligible for refugee resettlement consideration in the United States.
The announcement follows the arrival of 49 Afrikaners who recently left South Africa for the US claiming persecution.
The embassy’s memo appears to give partial credence to such claims, stating that individuals of Afrikaner ethnicity or other minority groups must demonstrate a credible past experience of persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution to qualify for resettlement.
To be eligible for US resettlement consideration, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Must be of South African nationality;
- Must be of Afrikaner ethnicity or be a member of a racial minority in South Africa;
- Must be able to articulate a past experience of persecution or fear of future persecution.
The language in the memo has triggered a wave of questions and speculation.
The shift in refugee eligibility may be linked to recent legislative changes in South Africa, such as the passing of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 and the long-standing Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, both of which have been criticised by some minority groups as racially discriminatory.
The ambiguity surrounding the definition of ‘disfavored minorities’ and the subjective nature of qualifying persecution claims has led to uncertainty about how the US will interpret and implement this policy.
‘Crime affects everyone, not only certain groups’
Meanwhile, SA News reports that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has firmly denied allegations of persecution against white South Africans, especially white farmers.
This is after the group of Afrikaners left South Africa after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration, following claims that they were ‘victims of unjust racial discrimination’.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria yesterday on South Africa’s G20 Presidency, Lamola said the South African government refutes the claim that white South Africans are persecuted and qualify as refugees.
“We have stated… that, in line with the international definition, they do not qualify for that status, according to us, and there is no persecution of Afrikaners in South Africa.”
Lamola said that crime in South Africa affects all citizens regardless of race, and there is no systematic targeting of Afrikaners.
“Crime in South Africa affects everyone, irrespective of race and gender. There is a more pronounced crime that we are dealing with, which the president has declared a pandemic, [and that] is… gender-based violence, which is a societal challenge that we have to respond to.
“But there’s no danger at all that backs that there is persecution of white South Africans or Afrikaners (sic).”
The minister said police statistics do not support claims of racial persecution, and that crime is a national challenge affecting all South Africans.
“In fact, more farm dwellers are also affected by crime, and white farmers do get affected by crime, just like any other South African who gets affected by crime. So this is not factual… and [it is] without basis.”
Read original story on witness.co.za
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