The White House cited South Africa\u2019s recently enacted Expropriation Act, arguing that it discriminates against the white minority population by allowing the state to seize land without compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The administration further accused the South African government of fostering policies that undermine equal opportunities and contribute to racially targeted violence against landowners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the order, the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security will take steps to admit and resettle Afrikaners under the United States Refugee Admissions Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The directive aims to provide humanitarian relief to those allegedly facing systemic discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to SABC News, Neil Diamond, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA, warned of a potential mass exodus of skilled agricultural professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that within just 18 hours of the executive order\u2019s announcement, over 10,000 inquiries had been received from South Africans seeking information on refugee status and relocation to the US<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasised that the departure of experienced farmers could have severe consequences for South Africa\u2019s food security, agricultural value chain, and economic stability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Diamond noted that the Chamber supports approximately 11,000 temporary South African agricultural workers under the US H-2A visa program, many of whom may also seek permanent relocation along with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diamond urged both governments to engage in urgent diplomatic discussions to address the underlying causes of this executive order and explore solutions that do not compromise economic stability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt this stage, we do not have a clear understanding of what led the US president to take this action,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHowever, we have always maintained that policy decisions should be based on facts rather than misinformation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The South African Trade Union Solidarity Movement acknowledged<\/strong><\/a> that some Afrikaners might consider emigration but rejected mass resettlement as a viable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solidarity chairperson Flip Buys emphasised that Afrikaners are deeply rooted in South Africa\u2019s history and culture and should focus on building a future within the country rather than seeking asylum abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The repatriation of Afrikaners as refugees is not a solution. We want to build a future in South Africa,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Fr-ojiDWwAACmzJ.jpg\")
<\/a>Resettlement is not an option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n