Thousands of white South Africans living overseas are reportedly planning to move back to their home country, even as claims from Donald Trump that the white minority faces persecution in South Africa continue to circulate.
Some expatriates who previously left the country for safety or economic opportunities now say conditions abroad have changed, prompting them to reconsider life overseas and return to South Africa.
One of those considering the move is Andrew Veitch, who emigrated in 2003 after experiencing crime in South Africa when he was held up at gunpoint in his car, as reported by News24.
However, Veitch now believes living in the United States carries its own dangers. He said incidents such as mass shootings in public spaces have made him rethink staying abroad.
‘People are being shot in broad daylight. American citizens are being shot and killed,’ Veitch said, adding that he no longer wants to live in an environment where he feels unsafe.
Veitch is among many South Africans planning to relocate back home despite statements from the Trump administration suggesting that white citizens are being persecuted by South Africa’s Black-led government.
Authorities in Pretoria have rejected those claims, saying there is no evidence that white South Africans face systemic discrimination or persecution.
Large numbers of white South Africans emigrated after the end of apartheid in 1994, with many citing crime or employment concerns as reasons for leaving the country.
However, recent figures suggest a growing number are returning.
Government data shows that nearly 15,000 white South Africans moved back to the country in 2022, while thousands more are now exploring the possibility of returning.
The trend has also been reflected in interest in citizenship matters.
About 12,000 people living abroad have checked their citizenship status through a government online portal launched in November after a 1995 law that previously stripped citizenship from some emigrants was overturned.
Leon Schreiber said around 1,000 individuals have already reclaimed their citizenship through the process, and he expects that figure to increase as more people apply.
Schreiber, who himself previously lived abroad before returning to South Africa in 2019, said there appears to be growing optimism among South Africans living overseas.
Recruitment agencies that assist expatriates with relocation have also reported a surge in enquiries from people considering returning to the country.
Reuters spoke to several South Africans who have already come back or intend to do so soon, including individuals from Europe and the United States.
Many cited similar reasons for the move, including wanting to be closer to family, lower living costs and political uncertainty in other countries.
Online communities have also formed around the idea of returning home.
One Facebook group called ‘Return to South Africa’ has attracted around 25,000 members, many of whom are discussing plans to relocate back to the country.
The trend comes as the Trump administration continues expanding a refugee programme aimed at white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners.
Since the programme began in May 2025, roughly 3,500 South Africans have entered the United States under refugee status linked to the policy.
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