President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed strong disapproval of the recent relocation of white South Africans to the US, labeling their decision as cowardly and questioning their commitment to national issues. His remarks follow the group being granted refugee status by former President Trump amidst claims of discrimination in South Africa.
Ramaphosa Labels Emigrating White South Africans as “Cowards” Amid US Resettlement Controversy
Ramaphosa Labels Emigrating White South Africans as “Cowards” Amid US Resettlement Controversy
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized 59 white Afrikaners relocating to the US, calling them cowards for abandoning their homeland.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vehemently criticized a group of 59 white Afrikaners who recently emigrated to the United States, labeling their move as "cowardly." This group arrived in the US on Monday after being granted refugee status by former President Donald Trump, who suggested they were fleeing racial discrimination.
Ramaphosa contended that this group's departure demonstrates a lack of commitment to facing the challenges of their homeland, stating, "When you run away you are a coward, and that's a real cowardly act." He emphasized that all South Africans, regardless of race, should work together to address the issues rooted in the apartheid legacy, remarking, “If you look at all national groups in our country, black and white, they've stayed in this country because it's our country."
In the recent past, claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa, echoed by Trump and South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk, have stirred controversy. Critics argue that these assertions are exaggerated and have largely been debunked. Ramaphosa pointed out that while the government has entertained plans to expropriate land from white farmers, no actual seizures have occurred under the new legislation he signed, which allows for land takeover without compensation.
The Afrikaners received a warm welcome in the US, with US Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau offering encouragement, suggesting they had long lived in fear in South Africa. Conversely, Ramaphosa rejected this narrative during his engagement with the Africa CEO Forum, informing Trump that the US’s view of the situation was flawed.
As tensions escalate, Ramaphosa’s remarks have sparked backlash on social media, where some users feel his comments undermine the genuine fears of white South Africans. The South African leader stated he plans to address these issues directly in future discussions with US officials, while Trump has threatened to boycott the upcoming G20 summit unless his concerns are adequately addressed.
