South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has made a passionate appeal to white farmers—particularly those from the Afrikaner community—not to abandon the country amid increasing political rhetoric and controversy surrounding their safety. His comments come just days after a group of 49 white South Africans were granted refugee status and resettled in the United States under a policy endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mashatile made his remarks during an address at the National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO) Harvest Day, Southern Africa’s largest agricultural exhibition, held this week in Bothaville, Free State. The event draws thousands of commercial farmers and agribusiness leaders annually.
Addressing the gathering, Mashatile sought to reassure farmers of the government’s continued support and emphasized the vital role they play in ensuring South Africa’s food security.
“We met with farmers today, and many of them expressed their willingness to stay and work for the betterment of South Africa,” Mashatile said. “They are not looking to leave. What they need is for government to listen and respond to the challenges they face—whether it’s improving rural roads or ensuring farm security. Crime has been rampant in some farming communities, and our commitment is to work hand in hand to resolve this.”
Mashatile went on to make an emotional appeal to those considering emigration, stating: “We don’t want our farmers to leave. Especially not the Afrikaner farmers who have played a central role in building our agricultural sector. We’re not going anywhere, and we ask those who are leaving to please stay. Let’s build this beautiful country together.”
White South Africans Granted U.S. Refugee Status
Mashatile’s comments came shortly after reports confirmed that 49 white South Africans, mainly Afrikaners, were resettled in the United States this week as refugees. The move has reignited long-standing debates over race, crime, and migration in post-apartheid South Africa.
According to the U.S. State Department, the refugees qualified under existing asylum laws and were approved based on persecution claims that align with current priorities set by President Donald Trump’s administration.
“This has been a concern that the President has had for a very long time,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. “He’s been vocal about the abuses taking place in South Africa, particularly against white farmers. The individuals approved under this resettlement program met the same criteria applied to all refugee applicants.”
Pigott added that the resettlement reflects Trump’s commitment to what he describes as “humanitarian protections” for white South Africans who face threats due to their race and occupation.
Trump’s “Genocide” Claim Escalates Tensions
In a further escalation, President Trump made headlines earlier this week by alleging that South Africa’s government is permitting a “genocide” of white farmers—a claim that has triggered diplomatic backlash and renewed international scrutiny of South Africa’s internal affairs.
“This is one of the most horrific and ignored human rights crises of our time,” Trump said in a press statement. “The South African government is turning a blind eye to the killing of white farmers. It’s a slow genocide.”
Trump’s statement marks one of the most forceful critiques of the South African government since he returned to office. The accusation has been widely disputed by rights organizations, analysts, and government officials alike.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) responded swiftly, condemning Trump’s remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous.”
“There is no evidence of a targeted campaign to eliminate white farmers,” DIRCO said in a statement. “Crime is a national problem in South Africa that affects all citizens—black and white alike. We reject any attempt to racialize or politicize the issue for external political gain.”
Farming Community and Political Reactions
Back home, farming organizations have responded with mixed feelings. While some farmers have expressed frustration over security concerns, others caution against painting an overly negative picture that may harm South Africa’s international image and economic prospects.
“We cannot ignore the genuine concerns around rural safety,” said Dr. Pieter Groenewald, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), a party that advocates for Afrikaner minority rights. “However, we must pursue solutions within the framework of South African democracy rather than rely on foreign intervention or migration as the only path forward.”
Agricultural bodies like AgriSA and the Transvaal Agricultural Union have long lobbied the government for better security, land reform clarity, and infrastructure investment in rural areas. Many of these issues were echoed during the NAMPO Show, where Mashatile acknowledged that rural development must be a top government priority.
Historical Context and Racial Dynamics
The debate surrounding white farmers in South Africa touches on deep-rooted issues tied to land ownership, post-apartheid reconciliation, and economic inequality. White South Africans—who make up less than 8% of the population—own a disproportionately large share of the country’s arable land, a legacy of colonial and apartheid-era policies.
While the African National Congress (ANC) has promised land redistribution, efforts to implement reforms have often been slow, controversial, and legally complicated. Critics from both the left and right of the political spectrum argue that the process has either lacked urgency or been marred by political posturing.
Despite this, crime in rural areas remains a non-racial issue. Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows that both black and white farmers have been victims of violent crimes, including robberies and homicides.
A Call for Unity and Solutions
In his closing remarks at NAMPO, Deputy President Mashatile emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration across racial and political divides.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white,” he said. “The future of our country depends on how we work together to address crime, grow the economy, and ensure that no community feels marginalized or unsafe.”
As South Africa continues to navigate the complex intersections of race, land, and security, the government faces growing pressure to deliver tangible solutions. For now, the departure of dozens of white South Africans to the U.S. has stirred international debate—but the conversation at home remains centered on how to hold the nation together.
