Johannesburg, May 11, 2025 — On Sunday, a chartered flight carrying 49 Afrikaners departed from OR Tambo International Airport, marking the first group to leave South Africa under a controversial U.S. refugee resettlement program initiated by former President Donald Trump. The plane was made possible by the state of Texas.

The program, announced in February 2025, grants refugee status to white South Africans, primarily Afrikaners, citing alleged racial discrimination by South Africa’s Black-led government. U.S. officials, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, have described the initiative as protection from “race-based persecution,” referencing affirmative action and land expropriation laws as discriminatory. (Politico, AP News)

The South African government has refuted these claims, asserting that Afrikaners remain among the country’s most economically privileged groups and labeling the U.S. policy as politically motivated. Despite this, Pretoria stated it respects the rights of citizens to emigrate and would not obstruct their departure. (The Times, eNCA)

The group is expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., where they will be welcomed by U.S. officials, including representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services before settling to their new homes in Texas. The Trump administration has indicated plans to expand this resettlement program in the coming months. (AP News)

Critics have questioned the prioritization of white South Africans over refugees from conflict zones, especially given the broader suspension of other U.S. refugee programs. (AP News)

This strongly reflects on the ongoing debates about racial dynamics, immigration policies, and international relations between South Africa and the United States. More details to this developing story to follow.