A second group of South African Afrikaners has reportedly landed in the United States as part of a refugee relocation initiative.
US political commentator claims a second batch of Afrikaners arrived in US
The claim was made by retired US Army Colonel Chris Wyatt, a commentator on African political affairs, via his YouTube and X platforms.
Colonel Wyatt, who describes his platform All About Africa as a source for geopolitical analysis on the continent, stated that the latest group follows the initial batch of 49 Afrikaners who relocated in early May 2025.
These individuals were flown on a private charter from South Africa and welcomed in Washington, D.C., under a refugee program introduced by the Trump administration.
The first group’s departure had already sparked widespread controversy in both South Africa and the US.
The program is rooted in claims that white Afrikaners, particularly farmers, are facing racial discrimination and violence in South Africa—a point often linked to the country’s land reform policy, which allows for the expropriation of land without compensation in certain cases.
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has consistently pushed back against these claims.
DIRCO spokesperson Crispin Phiri reaffirmed that leaving South Africa for political or personal reasons does not strip citizens of their nationality.
“Section 21(2) of the Constitution grants South Africans the right to leave the Republic,” he said.
South Africa’s government has labelled allegations of systemic discrimination as unfounded. In a media release earlier this month, DIRCO noted:
“Police statistics do not support claims that white farmers are being singled out in farm-related crimes. South Africa remains committed to protecting all citizens equally under the law.”
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Despite this, the issue gained renewed international attention during a high-profile meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Trump used video footage of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema chanting “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” as a basis to defend the refugee initiative. President Ramaphosa distanced the government from the chant, stating clearly:
“That is not a government position.”
South African businessman Johann Rupert, present at the meeting, rejected the notion of an “Afrikaner genocide.” Instead, he highlighted the country’s broad crime problem and called for practical solutions such as improved police infrastructure and technology.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, also in attendance, said farm safety is a concern but stressed that violence in South Africa affects people of all races. He stated:
“We have a real safety problem in South Africa, and I don’t think anyone wants to candy-coat that.”
The refugee relocation policy has attracted mixed reactions. Critics argue it inflames racial tensions, while supporters, including lobby groups like AfriForum, claim it offers protection for a vulnerable community.
However, Afriforum declined to confirm whether it provided the footage used by Trump.
We contacted DIRCO for confirmation regarding the alleged second group of Afrikaner arrivals, but no response was received by the time of publication.
