Pretoria: The recent decision by the United States to grant refugee status to 49 Afrikaners who claimed persecution in South Africa has been met with concern by South African authorities.
According to South African Government News Agency, this decision appears to have been heavily influenced by a campaign of misinformation and propaganda, which is not reflective of the current situation in South Africa.
The South African Government asserts that claims of systemic persecution against Afrikaners contradict the lived reality of millions of South Africans and the foundational values enshrined in the nation’s Constitution. South Africa is described as a democratic rights-based society where individuals are not persecuted based on race, ethnicity, or culture. The government challenges any assertion that a specific race or culture is being targeted, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to prevent any recurrence of persecution as experienced under apartheid rule.
The Constitution of South Africa is highlighted as the supreme law, designed to ensure inclusivity, equality, non-racialism, and non-sexism, promoting national unity and social cohesion. It aims to provide a framework for all South Africans to collaboratively advance national interests and protect the rights of every citizen, while also addressing historical imbalances through transformation initiatives and policies.
The South African Government emphasizes that transformation policies, such as broad-based black economic empowerment and affirmative action, are necessary to build an inclusive nation. These policies are not intended to punish any group but to address past inequalities and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens. The government notes that allegations of discrimination do not meet the threshold required for persecution under international refugee law.
The government also disputes claims of violent crime targeted at farmers or any race in particular, citing statistics from the South African Police Services. It further clarifies that there is no arbitrary dispossession of land or private property in the country. The decision by a small group of individuals to seek refugee status in the U.S. is not seen as representative of the broader Afrikaner community, who continue to contribute significantly to South African society.
In line with constitutional freedoms, the South African Government supports citizens’ right to leave the country but encourages those with concerns to engage with government and civil society. The government reiterates its commitment to addressing issues of discrimination and fostering dialogue within the nation to ensure no one is left behind in the country’s democratic journey.