Afrikaners Gain Unprecedented Access at US Embassy in South Africa

The relationship between Afrikaners and the U.S. government has transformed significantly, as recent visits by several Afrikaner leaders to Washington have resulted in unexpected attention from U.S. officials. During a trip this year, notable farm organizer Theo de Jager expressed surprise at the warm reception he and two other Afrikaner leaders received, particularly from the office of Vice President JD Vance. This marks a stark contrast to prior interactions, where interests in Afrikaner issues were minimal.

The shift began with the administration of former President Donald Trump, who has taken a strong stance against South Africa by halting U.S. aid and imposing 30% tariffs on South African imports. Trump’s assertion that Afrikaners are facing persecution—claiming they are victims of genocide—has garnered attention and support for their cause in Washington. The administration’s policies have made it increasingly difficult for many to gain refugee status in the U.S., with the exception of Afrikaners.

As a result of this newfound attention, Afrikaners have gained unprecedented access to U.S. officials both in Pretoria and Washington. They are invited to social events where they can directly engage with U.S. Embassy staff and share their perspectives on pressing issues, such as farm violence and trade tariffs. The U.S. Embassy has even begun to share social media posts in Afrikaans, demonstrating a commitment to engaging with this community.

Jaco Kleynhans, an official with the Solidarity Movement, an Afrikaner rights organization, noted a substantial increase in engagement with U.S. officials over the past ten months. He speaks weekly with government representatives in Washington and frequently communicates with embassy officials in Pretoria. This level of interaction contrasts sharply with previous years, where Afrikaner organizations had limited influence, as highlighted by former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard.

Gaspard remarked that during his tenure from 2013 to 2016, Afrikaner groups were largely marginalized and had little influence on U.S. policy. This shift has raised eyebrows, with some South African lawmakers accusing Afrikaner organizations of treason for allegedly damaging relations with the U.S., an important economic partner for South Africa.

Despite the scrutiny, Afrikaners are finding a sympathetic ear in Washington. At this year’s Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy, a notable number of Afrikaners were present, including Gerhard Papenfus, a business leader who recently met with White House officials. Papenfus expressed appreciation for the outreach from the Trump administration, stating, “Here’s an administration that reaches out and says, ‘We hear you.’”

The burgeoning relationship between the U.S. and Afrikaner groups has intensified tensions within South Africa. Many foreign missions in Pretoria are hesitant to engage publicly with Afrikaners, fearing backlash from the South African government, which views them as adversaries. Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, emphasized that the Trump administration’s willingness to engage with Afrikaners contrasts with the South African government’s collaboration with nations like Iran, which the U.S. considers adversarial.

Historically, Afrikaner groups have not been barred from the U.S. Embassy and have attended social gatherings under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Yet, the current level of interest has taken many by surprise. De Jager recounted an encounter with a U.S. diplomat who recognized him from an open letter he wrote to Trump regarding the administration’s policies on refugee status for Afrikaners.

This evolving dynamic illustrates the complexities of international relations, as the U.S. government’s engagement with Afrikaners may have broader implications for South Africa’s political landscape. As Afrikaners continue to gain traction in Washington, the repercussions of this relationship will likely unfold in various ways, both domestically and internationally.