Mixed reactions as US set to welcome Afrikaner 'refugees'

Critics raise concerns as to legitimacy of asylum claims

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

IN A controversial turn of events, US officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security are preparing to welcome 49 white Afrikaners to Washington, DC, as refugees starting today.

According to reports, US officials were trying to arrange a charter flight to land at Dulles International Airport, with commercial flights being assessed as an alternative.

A total of 54 individuals initially applied for asylum, but five were red-flagged due to criminal records. The decision, which has stirred both support and outrage within South Africa, comes amid growing concerns over the legitimacy of their claims, as critics argue that South Africa does not meet the conditions that would warrant refugee protection for any ethnic or political group.

This comes in the wake of the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the US, sparking a national debate.

Political analyst Sandile Swana has raised concerns, questioning the legitimacy of their asylum claims and emphasising that refugee status requires evidence-based grounds proving individuals can't remain in their country of origin.

"For somebody to be an asylum seeker or a refugee, there must be an evidence-based assessment that shows that the person has legitimate grounds, making it impossible for them to remain in the country of their origin."