Former US President Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy by granting refugee status to Afrikaners—white South Africans of mainly Dutch, French, and German descent—claiming they are victims of a “genocide.” While nearly 60 Afrikaners have arrived in the US under this designation, South African officials and independent data suggest otherwise.
Who Are the Afrikaners?
Afrikaners are descendants of European settlers who arrived in South Africa in the 17th century. They speak Afrikaans, a language rooted in Dutch, and historically played a major role in South Africa’s white-minority rule during apartheid.
Today, Afrikaners make up roughly 4% of South Africa’s population—about 2.5 million people in a country of over 60 million.
Are White South Africans Being Genocided?
Trump’s claims of a genocide have been echoed by far-right groups globally. However, no major political party in South Africa—Afrikaner-affiliated or otherwise—supports the assertion that genocide is taking place.
South African crime data does not track victims by race. However, during Q4 2024, 6,953 murders were recorded nationwide. Only 12 occurred on farms, and just one of those victims was a farmer.
In a legal ruling, a South African judge dismissed genocide claims as “clearly imagined.”
Trump and Musk Fuel the Narrative
Trump, citing “brutal killings” and “land confiscation,” suggested he may skip the 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa rebutted, calling the claims “completely false.”
Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, also criticized what he called “racist ownership laws” preventing his satellite firm Starlink from operating in the country. However, South Africa’s telecom regulator said Musk’s firm never applied for a license, which requires 30% ownership by previously disadvantaged groups.
“Shoot the Boer”: Hate Speech or Protest?
Controversial EFF leader Julius Malema often sings “Shoot the Boer” at rallies. Afrikaner groups argue it’s hate speech, while South Africa’s courts ruled it a protected form of political protest rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle. The Supreme Court of Appeal deemed the lyrics figurative, not a call to violence.
Is There a Mass Exodus of Afrikaners?
Despite the media attention, mass migration hasn’t materialized. While 70,000 Afrikaners reportedly expressed interest in Trump’s asylum offer, that’s only about 2.8% of their total population in South Africa.
In fact, Afrikaner political party Freedom Front Plus reaffirmed its commitment to South Africa, stating: “We are bound to Africa and will build a future for ourselves and our children here.”
Conclusion
The claims of white genocide in South Africa appear to be politically motivated and unsupported by factual data. While farm attacks and concerns about land reform exist, there is no credible evidence of a state-sponsored campaign of extermination.
The broader story is one of complex racial, economic, and historical tensions—not genocide. As South Africa continues to confront its past and reshape its future, global observers should be careful not to amplify disinformation or ideological narratives.
Want to understand more about South Africa’s land reform policies or the EFF’s political rhetoric? Explore our latest in-depth coverage.
