Jaco Kleynhans@JacoKleynhans
Since February last year we’ve welcomed the Trump administration’s recognition of the very real challenges facing Afrikaners in South Africa. Farm attacks, race-based policies such as BEE and expropriation without compensation, violent crime, and the erosion of minority rights are serious issues that deserve international attention. This is the first time in many years that a major power like the United States has officially acknowledged Afrikaners as a distinct people under pressure. We regard this as an important diplomatic step forward.
That said, my position, and that of Solidarity, remains clear and consistent: mass refugee resettlement is not the solution for all Afrikaners. Our focus is not on leaving South Africa, but on building a secure and sustainable future here. We believe Afrikaners should stay, organise, and fight for cultural autonomy, language rights, quality education in our own language, the protection of our heritage, economic opportunities, and physical safety. We are committed to contributing positively to South Africa while securing the minority protections we are entitled to.
I fully respect the right of any individual Afrikaner who has suffered severe trauma, violent crime, or targeted persecution to apply for refugee status in the United States if they qualify and choose to do so. Thousands of people have expressed interest, and we have provided factual information and context where requested. However, this remains a personal decision. Solidarity does not encourage or promote a collective exodus.
I have also been frank about the practical realities of the programme. Refugee status is temporary, strictly regulated, and not the same as easy permanent residency or fast-track citizenship. It is subject to changing US policy and should be approached with clear eyes. We continue to engage the United States on multiple fronts including AGOA, trade relations, farm murders, and anti-minority policies, because we believe international pressure can help bring about positive change in South Africa.
In short, while we appreciate the humanitarian opening created by the US refugee programme, my message to Afrikaners remains: We are collectively not going anywhere. Our home is South Africa. Our future must be secured here through self-help, community building, civil rights advocacy, and constructive engagement. This has been Solidarity’s consistent position from the beginning.
