The department argues that there is no valid basis for such a designation.  

The controversy comes as the first group of white Afrikaners granted refugee status by the Trump administration is set to arrive in the US today, after departing OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg yesterday.  

DIRCO Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stressed that while every citizen has the right to leave the country, their departure should not be framed under false pretences. He firmly rejected claims that the group faces persecution in SA based on race or language.  

“If there were refugees, SA would be the only country in the world where so-called persecuted persons are judges, ministers,” Phiri stated.

“So really, the designation that these individuals are being persecuted on the grounds of race and language is completely unfounded.”  

Phiri reiterated that SA’s Constitution grants individuals the freedom to emigrate by any legal means but emphasised that the government does not accept claims of persecution as justification for refugee status.  

“We have not stood in their way. But what we categorically are clear about is that these are not refugees,” he said.  

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--