On 25 June 2025, a delegation of prominent Afrikaner leaders—Dr. Corné Mulder (Freedom Front Plus), Dr. Theo de Jager (South African Agricultural Institute), and Mr. Gerhard Papenfus (CEO of the National Employers Association of South Africa)—met with senior U.S. government officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss the strained diplomatic and trade relations between South Africa and the United States. Their reflections were publicly shared on 4 July 2025, providing critical insights into the U.S. government’s stance and conditions for normalizing relations with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
What Was Discussed?
The Afrikaner leaders conveyed the key conditions set by the U.S. government for restoring and improving bilateral relations:
Farm attacks in South Africa must be recognized as serious crimes, with investigations led by specialized law enforcement units.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) must publicly and unequivocally condemn the “Kill the farmer, kill the Boer” chant, which the U.S. views as incitement to violence.
South Africa’s land expropriation policies must include fair market compensation, with compensation amounts determined by courts after due legal process.
The U.S. demands that its companies be exempt from South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations, which are currently seen as non-tariff trade barriers limiting U.S. investment and trade.
Regarding Zimbabwe, the delegation reported:
Initially, Zimbabwe was not a priority topic for U.S. officials during the meeting.
After detailed presentations, especially by Dr. Theo de Jager, Zimbabwe’s land reform and farmer compensation issues gained serious attention.
The U.S. administration is considering normalizing relations with Zimbabwe, but only if there is full compensation for farmers dispossessed during the early 2000s land invasions.
Vice President JD Vance expressed particular interest, requesting documentation on how the U.S. could assist Zimbabwean farmers. The U.S. has issued an executive order aimed at preventing South Africa from following Zimbabwe’s path unless these conditions are met.
Context: Diplomatic and Trade Relations in 2025
This visit and its outcomes must be understood against a backdrop of heightened tensions and diplomatic challenges:
In February 2025, the U.S. issued an executive order halting aid to South Africa and establishing a special refugee program for white Afrikaner farmers, citing government-sponsored discrimination and land expropriation.
The U.S. froze approximately $400 million in aid to South Africa, including health programs.
South Africa responded by reaffirming commitment to dialogue and condemning misinformation campaigns, emphasizing its sovereign right to address domestic issues.
In May 2025, South Africa submitted a Framework Deal proposal to the U.S. aimed at resolving trade disputes, non-tariff barriers, and market access issues, including tariff exemptions on key exports such as autos and steel.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and former President Donald Trump met in May 2025 to discuss resetting bilateral relations, with Ramaphosa stressing cooperation despite challenges.
The U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, introduced earlier in the year, seeks to impose sanctions on South African officials and mandates a thorough review of the bilateral relationship.
The U.S. government has expressed strong concerns over South Africa’s 2025 Expropriation Bill and the ANC’s foreign policy positions, including its stance on Israel and relations with Iran.
Official U.S. Statements
The White House executive order in February 2025 condemned South Africa’s government for human rights violations and undermining U.S. foreign policy, halted aid, and promoted resettlement of Afrikaner refugees.
The U.S. Trade Representative engaged with South Africa on trade issues, focusing on non-tariff barriers and market access, following South Africa’s Framework Deal submission.
The U.S. Congress is actively reviewing the bilateral relationship through the Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, aiming to identify officials responsible for strained ties and recommend sanctions.
The U.S. Department of State is coordinating with Homeland Security and partners to consider eligibility for refugee resettlement for Afrikaners facing racial discrimination in South Africa.
Timeline of Afrikaner Leaders Traveling to the USA
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January 2025: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order enabling Afrikaners from South Africa to seek refugee status in the US, citing alleged persecution under South Africa’s Expropriation Act.
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May 11, 2025: The first group of Afrikaners (about 49 individuals) arrived in the US as refugees under this new policy.
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May 19–22, 2025: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the US for a working visit, meeting President Donald Trump on May 21 to discuss bilateral relations amid tensions caused by the Afrikaner refugee issue.
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Late June 2025: A delegation of Afrikaner leaders traveled to the US to engage with senior US officials. This delegation included:
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Dr. Corne Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) party,
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Dr. Theo de Jager of the Southern African Agri Initiative,
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Gerhard Papenfus from the National Employers’ Association of South Africa.
They met with White House officials, the National Security Council, the State Department, and members of Congress to discuss the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa and US-South Africa relations.
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July 1, 2025: The Afrikaner delegation concluded their visit and returned to South Africa.
