Afrikaners ‘free’ to become refugees in US, South Africa's deputy president says

Afrikaners ‘free’ to become refugees in US, South Africa's deputy president says

From Across Africa by FRANCE 24 English

May 22, 2025 · 13 min

About this episode

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile discusses the refugee situation for Afrikaners and denies claims of white genocide in South Africa.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in an interview with FRANCE 24’s Georja Calvin-Smith, denied President Donald Trump’s claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa. Responding to Trump’s scheme to welcome white South Africans to the US as refugees, Mashatile said, “If they want to be refugees, it's their business. But they can’t bad-mouth the country.” Pretoria is also looking to expand its diplomatic ties with Paris. Mashatile said that while relations with the US are positive and valued, Africa’s powerhouse isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket.

People in this episode

Host: Georja Calvin-Smith

Guest: Paul Mashatile

Topics covered

  • refugees
  • South Africa
  • US relations
  • diplomatic ties
  • politics
  • white genocide
  • Afrikaners

Keywords

  • Afrikaners
  • refugees
  • South Africa
  • Donald Trump
  • white genocide
  • diplomatic ties
  • US relations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FRANCE 24

Places: South Africa, US, Pretoria, Paris

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