State Dept begins process for South African group seeking refugee status in US

Orania, a settlement in South Africa with a population of 3,000 Afrikaners, is seeking recognition and support from the United States to become a fully autonomous area within the country. The Orania Movement, led by CEO Joost Strydom, has been lobbying Washington in hopes of gaining support for their campaign for autonomy.

The recent actions by the U.S. State Department to review inquiries from individuals interested in refugee resettlement to the U.S. have sparked a flurry of interest from various South African groups. President Trump’s comments about the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa have also brought attention to the plight of this minority group.

Orania, founded in 1988, has been steadily growing and developing its infrastructure. With its own water purification and solar power systems, the settlement has been able to sustain its population and even expand its business projects. The community has its own schools, college, and plans to open a university, all focused on preserving and promoting the Afrikaner culture and language.

The Orania delegation’s visit to Washington aimed to build connections and garner support for their cause. Strydom emphasized the importance of autonomy for Afrikaners in Africa, stating that they belong in their homeland and should have the freedom to govern themselves.

Despite criticism from the South African government, which has accused these groups of not representing the majority of South Africans, the U.S. administration has shown support for the Afrikaner cause. Through executive orders, President Trump has prioritized humanitarian relief for Afrikaners facing racial discrimination in South Africa.

Individuals like Hanli Pieters, who have chosen to live in Orania, see the settlement as a place where they can thrive and preserve their cultural identity without fear of persecution. The community in Orania works together to build a safe and purposeful future for Afrikaners, where their language and heritage are celebrated.

As discussions continue and actions are taken to support the Afrikaner community in South Africa, the Orania Movement remains hopeful that their quest for autonomy will be realized with the help of the United States. The growing interest and support from various groups indicate a strong desire to protect the rights and well-being of Afrikaners in the country.