South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized a group of white South Africans who recently relocated to the United States, describing their departure as an act of cowardice.
Ramaphosa’s remarks followed the relocation of 59 white South Africans who were granted refugee status in the US, reportedly facilitated by former President Donald Trump.
The US move was based on claims that the group faced racial discrimination in South Africa — an allegation the South African government has repeatedly denied.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, President Ramaphosa stated that true patriots remain in their country to help resolve its challenges. “We don’t run away from our problems. We stay and fix them. Running away is a cowardly act,” Ramaphosa said.
He expressed disappointment over the departure, attributing it to dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to redress historic injustices from the apartheid era.
“Some of them are unhappy with the progress we are making to correct the inequities of our past. But nation-building takes commitment, not escape,” he said.
Ramaphosa further dismissed the narrative that white citizens are being targeted, calling it a “gross distortion” fueled by political agendas.
He also responded to claims made by Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who have both accused the government of committing “genocide” against white farmers.
The South African government has repeatedly rejected such assertions, maintaining that land reform policies aim to promote fairness and inclusivity, not reverse discrimination.
“They’ll be back soon,” Ramaphosa said, expressing confidence that many of those who left would eventually return to South Africa.
