Introduction
In recent weeks, claims of a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa have resurfaced, gaining traction online and among far-right groups. The issue gained global attention after former US President Donald Trump and South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk made public remarks on the topic. While Trump granted refugee status to a group of white Afrikaners, Musk shared a controversial video allegedly supporting these claims.
So, what’s the truth behind the allegations? Is there any evidence of genocide against white South Africans? Let’s break it down.
Who Are the Afrikaners?
Afrikaners are a white ethnic group in South Africa, descended primarily from Dutch, German, and French settlers who arrived in the 1600s. They speak Afrikaans, a language rooted in Dutch, and many have historically worked as farmers — hence the term Boers, meaning “farmers” in Dutch.
Afrikaners played a central role in South Africa’s apartheid regime, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994. After apartheid ended with Nelson Mandela’s election in 1994, South Africa adopted a democracy aimed at equality for all races.
Today, Afrikaners make up about 4% of South Africa’s population, or roughly 2.5 million people.
What Sparked the Global Controversy?
In early May 2025, Donald Trump approved asylum for around 60 white Afrikaners, claiming they were at risk of genocide. The U.S. State Department even arranged a special chartered flight from Johannesburg to fly them out.
Shortly after, Elon Musk tweeted a video of Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), singing the struggle-era song “Dubul’ ibhunu” (which translates to “Shoot the Boer”). Musk claimed this was evidence of political support for violence against white farmers.
These events reignited long-standing online narratives about anti-white violence in South Africa, particularly focused on attacks on white farmers.
Is There a ‘White Genocide’ in South Africa?
No, there is no credible evidence to support the claim of a white genocide in South Africa. Several independent studies, fact-checkers, and South African courts have rejected the claim.
Crime Affects All Races
South Africa faces high levels of violent crime that impact all racial groups, not just white farmers. Between October and December 2024, official data showed that 6,953 people were murdered in the country. Among these, only 12 were linked to farm attacks, and just one of the victims was a white farmer. Others included mostly black farm workers.
In a 2023 ruling, a South African High Court judge called the genocide narrative “clearly imagined.”
How Did the South African Government Respond?
At a recent White House meeting, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly denied the genocide claims. He argued that those leaving South Africa were unwilling to embrace the country’s democratic transformation.
Ramaphosa clarified that land reform policies aim to fix historical injustices but do not include forced land seizures from white farmers. He also emphasized that South Africa’s Constitution protects private property rights for all citizens.
Do Afrikaners Want to Leave South Africa?
Trump’s offer of asylum attracted attention, with reports suggesting over 70,000 Afrikaners expressed interest in relocating to the United States. However, most have chosen to stay in South Africa.
Many white South Africans — including those in political parties like Solidarity and Freedom Front Plus — say they are committed to staying and contributing to the country’s future.
Are White South Africans Discriminated Against Today?
Post-apartheid South Africa has implemented affirmative action policies to address deep-rooted racial inequality. These include:
- Employment Equity: Job targets for black South Africans
- Black Economic Empowerment (BEE): Ownership requirements for businesses
- University quotas and scholarships based on race
While some white citizens argue that these policies make it harder to access jobs and education, the government insists they are necessary to undo the legacy of apartheid.
What About Elon Musk’s Claims on Starlink?
Musk previously claimed that his satellite internet company, Starlink, couldn’t operate in South Africa because he is “not black.” However, South African regulators clarified that Starlink never applied for a license. The real reason was that telecom providers must meet a 30% Black ownership rule, part of BEE regulations.
Why Is the Song ‘Kill the Boer’ Still Sung?
The song “Dubul’ ibhunu” has historical roots in the anti-apartheid struggle and is used by groups like the EFF as a form of political protest. Critics say it incites violence against white farmers, but South African courts have ruled that it is a symbolic expression, not a literal threat.
Conclusion
The idea of a “white genocide” in South Africa remains an unproven and exaggerated narrative largely pushed by far-right groups and now amplified by high-profile voices like Trump and Musk. While crime in South Africa is real and tragic, it does not amount to genocide, and affects people of all races.
Rather than reflecting the situation on the ground, these claims appear to be politically motivated and lacking credible evidence. It is essential to examine such narratives critically and rely on verified data before drawing conclusions.