South Africans Weigh In On Trump's Executive Order Allowing Afrikaners To Relocate To The U.S.

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

The South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States received a flood of applications from South Africans eager to relocate to the US.
This wave of interest followed President Donald Trump's Executive Order granting Afrikaners refugee status.
Many South Africans expressed concern that the executive order might lead to a significant exodus of skilled professionals from the country.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, brings years of experience covering local and international politics, including stints with Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News in South Africa.

More than 10,000 Afrikaners have expressed a desire to relocate to the U.S. Images: pixdeluxe and Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — The South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States (SACCUS) announced that it has received over 10,000 applications from South Africans who are keen to move to the United States. This surge in interest was sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's Executive Order, which granted Afrikaners refugee status. The decision has sent ripples through the nation, sparking debates about its potential impact on the South African economy and workforce.

Understanding the Scale: How Many Afrikaners Are Opting for Relocation?

SABC News aired an interview with SACCUS CEO Neil Diamonds on February 8, where he revealed that within just 18 hours of the executive order being signed, over 10,000 South Africans reached out to inquire about the process of relocating to the United States as refugees. Diamonds emphasized that the concern is deeply rooted in the agricultural sector, which could significantly affect food security and bi-national trade, particularly for agricultural goods. He warned that the repercussions could be severe for the country, potentially destabilizing key industries.

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The Executive Order, which affirmed Trump's decision to cut aid to South Africa, also highlighted that Afrikaners were now permitted to relocate as refugees. It cited the government's Expropriation Act as a discriminatory policy against Afrikaners. Furthermore, the order accused the South African government of adopting aggressive stances against the U.S.'s foreign policy, stirring up a heated debate on both sides of the Atlantic.

Farm laborers have inquired about moving to the U.S. Image: PixdeluxeSource: Getty Images

Breaking Down Trump's Executive Order: What You Need to Know

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola expressed dismay over the Executive Order and strongly condemned the allegations it made against the government, calling them baseless and misleading.
The Economic Freedom Fighters urged the government to revoke the citizenship of those who applied as refugees under the Executive Order, labeling them as traitors to the nation.
Afriforum hosted a media briefing after the Executive Order was signed, asserting that Afrikaners have no intention of leaving the country and are committed to their homeland.

Voices from the Ground: What Are South Africans Saying?

Social media platforms have become a battleground for opinions, with many South Africans expressing their concerns about the potential consequences of an Afrikaner exodus. Here’s what some are saying:

Sovereign Ado commented:

"Food security for the whole of Southern Africa is not a farmer's fault. The blame lies squarely on South African politicians who are responsible for this unfolding disaster."

Bronx X chimed in:

"This is just the beginning. Many more skilled professionals will leave, taking their money, skills, and tax revenue with them. It's a recipe for disaster."

Dale Anderson shared his thoughts:

"It's heartbreaking to see how many black South Africans want us to leave. In times like these, we should unite, but it seems like true colors are emerging."

Lindie Langa weighed in:

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"Afriforum leaders should face charges of high treason for their actions. Their rhetoric is divisive and dangerous."

Cyril Ramaphosa's Response: Engaging Trump's Administration

In a related development, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his intention to engage with Trump's administration formally, steering clear of public feuds and mud-slinging. Ramaphosa made this statement during the Presidential Golf Challenge, following the delivery of the State of the Nation Address. He stressed that South Africa is a sovereign nation that will not be bullied into submission. Additionally, he clarified that he would not engage in a mud-slinging contest with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who accused him of deploying the army to the DRC to protect his mineral interests.