FIRST ON FOX: Following President Trump’s suggestion that Afrikaners, descendants of mostly Dutch settlers, could find refuge in the U.S., American and South African organizations are collaborating to improve their living conditions.

Trump recently criticized the South African government’s treatment of farmers, many of whom are Afrikaners, on his Truth Social platform, stating they are seizing land from white farmers and committing violence against them and their families.

The State Department has informed Digital of new initiatives, coinciding with the Afrikaner Orania Movement’s request to the U.S. for recognition as a state within South Africa.

These developments mark a shift from mere discussion to concrete action regarding the situation of Afrikaners.

“The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is assessing inquiries from individuals seeking refugee resettlement in the United States and is initiating informational interviews,” the State Department told Digital.

The South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. reported that as of last month, 67,042 South Africans have expressed interest in the refugee program. However, the State Department stated that it is too early in the process to provide specific participation numbers.

Numerous groups have traveled to Washington, D.C., to seek the attention of the White House and the President.

AfriForum, a political group, is credited with raising President Trump’s awareness of the need for “humanitarian relief” for Afrikaners.

The Cape Independence Advocacy Group, advocating for Cape Town and surrounding areas to become a separate state, was also among the organizations visiting D.C.

The Orania Movement’s visit to Washington and its request for U.S. assistance are particularly noteworthy.

“Help us Here,” Orania CEO Joost Strydom declared to Washington insiders.

Orania, a growing settlement of 3,000 Afrikaners in South Africa’s Karoo region, seeks Washington’s support to achieve true autonomy in Africa, not necessarily through U.S. funding, but through recognition of their pursuit of a national home for Afrikaners, according to Strydom.

“Orania aims to expand and safeguard the safety and freedom of Afrikaners. Self-determination allows us to ensure our own safety and prosperity. Freedom equates to safety.”

“We are Africans, and this is our home. My ancestor arrived in Africa in 1676, a century before the U.S. declaration of independence.”

Founded in 1988, Orania reports an average annual population growth of 10-12% and a 26% increase in business ventures. It has independent water purification and solar power systems and is successfully cultivating various crops and livestock in a dry region.

Orania has established its own Afrikaans language schools and a college and intends to establish its own university.

Strydom stated that the Orania delegation visited Washington because “President Donald Trump’s recognition of Afrikaners as a people made it crucial to accelerate our planned U.S. liaison tour to connect with Afrikaner and American supporters of the Orania concept.”

“We engaged in substantive discussions with officials upon invitation, details of which we will disclose later out of respect for ongoing dialogue and newfound relationships.”

The South African government has criticized those seeking support in Washington.

“These groups, including the Orania movement, AfriForum, and the Cape Independence Advocacy, do not represent the majority of South Africans,” stated presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on March 20.

The spokesperson conveyed the administration’s stance to Digital this week.

“The president’s executive order directs the administration to hold the South African government accountable for Afrikaner rights violations and prioritize humanitarian aid for Afrikaners facing unjust racial discrimination,” the spokesperson stated.

Hanli Pieters, who is employed at Bo-Karoo Opleiding, Orania’s college, is proud of her Afrikaner heritage and expressed her desire to remain in Orania.

“I choose to live in Orania because it provides a secure and meaningful future for Afrikaners. Here, I can live, pray freely, and speak Afrikaans as an integral part of my daily life. We collaborate as a community to build, work, and grow. Orania is where Afrikaner identity becomes a lasting legacy.”

Digital contacted the South African government for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.

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