A chartered plane carrying the first group of 49 Afrikaner ‘refugees’ left OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night, bound for the United States, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This flight comes at a time of heightened political tension in South Africa, sparked by widespread concerns over land expropriation laws and racial discrimination allegations made by international figures, including US President Donald Trump.
The group is expected to touch down in the US on Monday (today), where they will be welcomed by Washington officials.
Their departure highlights the ongoing debate around the South African Government’s land reform policies, which have faced severe criticism from overseas.
Trump recently denounced the South African Government’s Expropriation Act, claiming that land is being confiscated from Afrikaners and that they are being subjected to unfair treatment.
This has become a contentious issue, with the former president drawing parallels between the nation’s efforts to rectify historical injustices stemming from apartheid and what he describes as anti-white discrimination.
In stark contrast, South African officials have described the granting of refugee status to Afrikaners as a politically motivated ploy aimed at undermining the nation’s reputation.
Tensions have only escalated as the Trump administration has also expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s diplomatic relationships, particularly its ties with Iran and its condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including a genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice.
This year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a contentious measure that empowers the government to take private property without compensation. Legal experts argue that such uncompensated seizures will be rigorously reviewed in court and are likely to be uncommon.
However, anxieties have permeated the Afrikaner community, with leaders warning that white farmers may be disproportionately affected by these changes.
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Picture: Screenshot of video / Newzroom Afrika
