The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation confirms that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held a cordial discussion with the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, on 9 May 2025.
The discussion follows engagements via the diplomatic channels where in the government expressed concerns with the information conveyed that the United States has commenced with processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the United States.
Noting that the internationally recognised definition of refugees as set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The Convention defines a refugee as someone with a “well-founded fear of persecution” based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. South Africa acknowledges that the determination of refugee status requires a factual assessment in light of the prevailing circumstances, having due regard for both subjective and objective factors.
We reiterate that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. The South Africa Police Services statistics on farm related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law.
It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being “refugees” is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa’s constitutional democracy; a country which has in fact suffered true persecution under Apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system. In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled.
Through progressive judgements from the South African courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, our State has demonstrated a principled commitment to protect minorities and vulnerable groups, this shows the extent to which South Africa is working towards a country in which every citizen is free and protected.
Whilst South Africa challenges the United States’ assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution. However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts.
Through the diplomatic channels the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has sought the following:
- The status of persons that will be departing, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens;
- Assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them, amongst others.
The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and shared a commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership.
Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation
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