The initial batch of Afrikaner refugees – nicknamed “Amerikaners” – who travelled to the US last May are celebrating their first anniversary in their adopted country.
Fifty-nine South Africans secretly boarded a private plane departing OR Tambo, announcing their arrival to the public once they had touched down in America.
They were met by a US Homeland Security delegation, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
‘AMERIKANERS’ CELEBRATE THEIR 1ST ANNIVERSARY IN THE US
On 12 May 2025, 59 predominantly Afrikaner refugees arrived in the US. The group, as well as others who have followed, were selected to resettle in the US because they have been “racially persecuted” in South Africa.
This came after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order geared at assisting white South Africans he believes are facing a “genocide”.
The refugees were given housing and basic necessities and settled in various states. They had to wait for their Social Security numbers to find employment, typically in entry-level jobs.
One refugee who has been accused of “exploiting” the programme was Errol Langton, who left his IT business in South Africa along with his eight family members. His most recent position was as a supervisor at a local car wash.
Errol told YouTuber Chris Wyatt of his year-long experience: “It’s been absolutely amazing. Work has been good. People here are friendly. It’s the best thing that could’ve happened to us”
Sadly, whilst in the US, Errol’s wife was diagnosed with cancer, which has since spread. He has since set up a GoFundMe page to help cover their medical bills.
Another refugee, Charl Kleinhaus, spoke to the BBC about leaving his granite mining business and five-bedroom house to start his life again in the US.
He added: “The opportunities available are not based on your skin colour. I wish I could’ve come here 20 years ago”.
When asked what he missed about South Africa, he responded: “I miss some of the food…like Spur and biltong that is cheap. I can watch YouTube documentaries, or I can go to Texas to see the Big Five if I want to. So I am good”.
Charl, who works as a farmer’s aid, added: “I want to say thank you to President Trump and thank you to Americans.
“We wanted to find somewhere safe with equal rights….Now I am sleeping and don’t even lock my door. I sometimes leave my key in my car; I won’t do that in South Africa.
The group are now eligible to apply for permanent residency in the US.
HOW MANY REFUGEES HAVE LEFT SOUTH AFRICA?
According to Chris Wyatt, close to 7 000 South Africans have taken up refugee status in the US since last May.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the Trump administration is planning to significantly increase its intake of white South African refugees.
Last year, the White House announced a 7 500 cap on refugees for its next fiscal year (October 2025 – September 2026).
Images via Canva
The news agency claimed that officials are reportedly planning to increase the intake to 10,000 to “allow more South Africans of Afrikaner ethnicity to obtain refugee status”.
