By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
Soon after taking over in Washington in January, the Trump Administration took a high profile, anti-immigrant position by halting refugee programs and stopping arrivals from other parts of the world.
Coupled with its all-out assault on DEI programs throughout the federal government and elsewhere, including the unjustified firing of blacks and females in high positions, the White House vigorously denied that it was promoting white supremacy.
Yet, the new administration fast-tracked an exception to the no-refugees ban and last week welcomed the first planeload of white South Africans, commonly called “Afrikaners” who claimed they were being persecuted by a black-dominated government at home.
White men ruled South Africa as a Dutch colonial empire for three centuries and denied voting and other rights to blacks who now constitute about 80 percent of the population.
South Africa, you recall, was shamed by the world during the years of its cruel, oppressive policy of apartheid which severely limited the freedoms of black citizens. Brave leaders like Nelson Mandela led the peaceful overthrow of that racist government.
The South African government said U.S. allegations that the white minority Afrikaners are being persecuted are “completely false” and that Afrikaners are among the richest and most successful people in the country.
Elon Musk is a native of South Africa who became a U. S. citizen while also becoming reportedly the richest man in the world. He is among those claiming the country has anti-white laws and policies.
Afrikaners are the descendants of mainly Dutch and French colonial settlers who first came to South Africa in the 17th century. There are around 2.7 million Afrikaners in the country’s population of 62 million.
The Associated Press reports that many Afrikaners are successful business leaders and some even serve in government as Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. Their language is recognized as an official language, and churches and other institutions reflecting Afrikaner culture are prominent.
The government claims there is no targeting of white people in South Africa and no persecution, and that farm attacks are part of its struggles with violent crime.
The South African whites are saying they are the victims of reverse racism by the Black-led government as punishment for how blacks were treated during apartheid. The government denies that, of course.
Regardless, a policy that only favors white people is a form of white supremacy.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
