South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected on May 12 the classification of white Afrikaners emigrating to the United States as refugees, stating they do not meet the internationally recognised criteria for such status.
Speaking during a high-level panel at the Africa CEO Forum held on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Ramaphosa reiterated that true refugees are compelled to flee their nations due to political, religious, or economic persecution—a definition he insists does not apply to Afrikaners.
His remarks come in the wake of a U.S. executive order by President Donald Trump authorising the resettlement of Afrikaners, labelling them as victims of “unjust racial discrimination.”
Ramaphosa emphasised South Africa’s unique post-colonial legacy, noting that it is the only African nation where colonisers chose to remain permanently. He highlighted that despite the nation’s painful history under apartheid, no group had been forcibly expelled. Rather, the Afrikaners seeking relocation to the U.S., according to him, are individuals resistant to constitutional reforms aimed at redressing past injustices. “They are not being persecuted,” Ramaphosa said. “They are leaving because they do not wish to embrace the democratic transformation unfolding in South Africa.”
In a recent phone call with President Trump, Ramaphosa personally challenged the narrative being presented by right-wing Afrikaner factions, describing them as fringe elements opposed to social equity. He also signalled interest in visiting Washington to further clarify South Africa’s stance. The tension comes as Washington slashes aid to Pretoria, citing land reform policies, foreign policy positions, and South Africa’s strengthening ties with Iran.