Pretoria, South Africa — South Africa will not obstruct a United States programme that facilitates the resettlement of white South African nationals, according to an internal diplomatic summary seen by reports.
The understanding was reached during a 23 December meeting held after South African authorities raided a U-S-run refugee processing site in Johannesburg, briefly detaining American personnel and arresting several contractors.
The summary states that Pretoria informed Washington it continues to reject assertions that white citizens face genocide, but will not prevent those who wish to leave from pursuing U — S visas.
South Africa’s foreign ministry later said it had not negotiated the programme with the United States and reiterated its long-standing denial that white farmers are targets of systematic violence. Launched under former President Donald Trump, the initiative prioritises Afrikaner applicants while most global refugee admissions remain frozen.
Official statements indicate December saw the highest monthly arrival of Afrikaners in the United States since the scheme began, with larger numbers anticipated this month.
The State Department confirmed processing is ongoing despite the December disruption. Relations between the two governments have deteriorated in recent months. President Trump previously accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of ignoring a “white genocide,” a characterisation Pretoria dismissed as baseless.
Washington later excluded South Africa from parts of the upcoming G — 20 calendar, citing unspecified political concerns. Further details are expected once both capitals release formal positions on the 23 December discussion.
