49 Afrikaners Set To Leave South Africa for the United States of America

Rachel HarperMay 11, 2025

24 1 minute read

First Group of Afrikaners Accepting Trump’s US Refugee Offer to Depart South Africa

OR Tambo International Airport, 11 May 2025 – The first group of Afrikaners who have taken up former US President Donald Trump’s offer to resettle in the United States as refugees are set to leave South Africa today. The 49 individuals, citing concerns over “white genocide” and land expropriations, are expected to arrive in the US on 12 May.

49 Afrikaners have been relocated to the United States. Image: Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Flight Details and Government Response

The group was processed at OR Tambo International Airport and will travel on a privately chartered flight. According to eNCA, they will be welcomed by members of Trump’s administration upon arrival.

Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that this was the only Afrikaner group that had applied for relocation through the department. The application, submitted on 5 May, was approved after meeting requirements, including flight route details, passenger numbers, and vetting procedures. However, Msibi noted he could not confirm whether criminal background checks had been completed.

The flight, originating from Texas, will relocate the group to Virginia. The South African government stated it respected their freedom of movement.

Mixed Reactions from South Africans

Afrikaners are making their way to the US. Image: Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Online reactions were divided. Some, like Kane, remarked, “I hope we won’t hear any complaints about the ANC and black people anymore.” Others, like Sandile, referenced alleged discontent among Americans: “Most US citizens aren’t happy about this. I’ve seen many TikTok videos—they’re opposed.”

Fiona Clayton suggested, “We need a Netflix reality show tracking their journey,” while Maryam questioned, “Has anyone ever seen a government assist people fleeing persecution by that same government?”

DIRCO Criticizes Relocation Process

In a related development, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) condemned the relocation as politically motivated. DIRCO revealed it had engaged with Trump’s administration to clarify the Afrikaners’ refugee classification.

Source: Briefly News