The civil rights organisation AfriForum describes last night’s departure of the first group of Afrikaner refugees to the US as a serious indictment against the ANC-led government, which still refuses to condemn calls for violence against Afrikaners, such as the “Kill the Boer” chant.

“The refugee status of these Afrikaners is a direct result of the ANC-led government’s targeting of Afrikaners and other minority communities through discriminatory racial legislation and draconian racial regulations. The new Expropriation Act, which permits expropriation without compensation, also places Afrikaners and other landowners in the government’s crossfire,” emphasises Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum.

Amid these circumstances, AfriForum is determined to continue, together with other institutions of the Solidarity Movement, its efforts to help create a future for Afrikaners here at the southern tip of Africa. To achieve this, AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement will continue to build on various self-reliant projects to ensure a future, regardless of a hostile government. AfriForum will achieve this, among other things, by continuously expanding its safety structures and essential cultural infrastructure.

“AfriForum and our allies will also intensify our efforts to use every possible mechanism at our disposal, including international pressure, to bring about a change of direction in the country for the benefit of all, including Afrikaners,” says Kriel.

He also emphasises that AfriForum respects the personal decisions of these refugees, who, given their specific circumstances, have decided to leave the country. AfriForum will continue to maintain contact with as many Afrikaners abroad as possible through its Worldwide network (www.wereldwyd.co.za) and provide them with cultural services.

Soundbite: Kallie Kriel (English)