The South African government has openly criticized the United States' decision to classify Afrikaners as refugees, labeling it as a misjudgment that overlooks the robust constitutional processes of South Africa. In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of International Relations & Cooperation contended that the US President's assertion of a "white genocide" in South Africa is not supported by factual evidence and undermines the country’s sovereignty.

The controversy arose after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February, directing US agencies to halt aid to South Africa and establish resettlement avenues for Afrikaner refugees. This decision was based on allegations of race-based violations of property rights under South Africa’s new Expropriation Act 13 of 2024. The Act, which permits the government to seize unused or hazardous agricultural land without compensation, has been a point of contention, particularly because most agricultural land is owned by the white Afrikaner minority.

South Africa’s government, along with many within the Afrikaner community, argues that the US's narrative is not only misleading but also harmful. An open letter from prominent Afrikaners has challenged the genocide claims, stating that while the country does face significant challenges including crime and the lingering effects of apartheid, these are issues that affect all South Africans, irrespective of race.

The letter further criticizes the US narrative for being influenced by the controversial "Great Replacement" theory, a right-wing ideology that has been widely discredited. This misrepresentation, according to the letter, not only distorts the historical and current socio-political realities of South Africa but also contributes to racial tensions.

Despite severe criticisms from figures like Elon Musk and the ensuing international debate, proponents of the Expropriation Act argue that it is a necessary step towards rectifying historical injustices regarding land distribution. They contend that the law is aimed at ensuring a more equitable distribution of land, which has remained skewed by the legacies of apartheid.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s move in May 2025 to welcome several white Afrikaners who sought asylum in the US has only intensified the diplomatic strain. The South African government views these developments as a direct affront to their governance and an interference based on misinformed perspectives.

This escalating diplomatic row highlights the complexities of international relations and the sensitive nature of internal reforms within countries. As South Africa continues to navigate its post-apartheid socio-economic landscape, the international narrative around its policies and the domestic impact of such narratives remain points of contention on the global stage.