Earlier this week, 49 Afrikaners touched down in the US, welcomed at the Dulles Airport in Virginia following their flight from Johannesburg.

Briefing the media on Thursday on the outcomes of recent Cabinet meetings, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the decision by US authorities does not align with the definitions and requirements set out under international refugee law.

“These individuals do not meet the criteria of refugees as defined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol,” Ntshavheni stated.

“Cabinet reiterates that allegations of discrimination in SA are without merit and fall short of the persecution threshold required under both domestic and international law.”

The SA government also rejected claims that its citizens are being subjected to racial persecution, including on farms. Referring to official data, Ntshavheni said crime statistics from the SA Police Service do not support allegations of widespread violent crime or genocide targeted at farmers or any racial group.

“Cabinet rejects this narrative by the US government,” she said firmly, adding that the country remains committed to constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Despite the firm rebuke, Ntshavheni signalled Pretoria’s willingness to resolve the issue through diplomatic dialogue. “SA remains open to constructive engagement with the US to share a better and common understanding of these matters,” she added.

--ChannelAfrica--