THE GREAT TREK

ACCORDING to the founder of the Amerikaners website, Sam Busa, a vrag Afrikaners are set to follow the 54 “refugees” who left South Africa for the US on Sunday.

US president Donald Trump repeatedly said that this group was fleeing racial persecution and would welcome them into the US with open arms.

And Busa, who founded the Amerikaners website with information for those who want to resettle in the US, reckons many more are planning to pak en waai.

Busa says: "Just Amerikaners has a database of 42 000 who will be going, and that does not include the people who have expressed interest outside of our network. 

“We expect many more to follow. Our feedback is that the vast majority of South Africans have taken a wait-and-see approach, saying they will apply when the information about the programme becomes clearer.”

SA’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation though are unhappy with the use of the term “refugees” describe those who are seeking a new life in the US. 

A statement released on Sunday says: "We reiterate that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. The South African Police Service statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race.

"There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. 

“Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law.

South Africans are not slukking the “persecution” pill.

Activist Pieter Kriel told IOL that the people who left the country are escaping equality not violence. 

He said: “You are not refugees; you are just a case study of white flight dressed up as martyrdom. 

“South Africa didn't send you away, you ran...Violence affects all communities, not just white farmers. 

“You are part of a seven percent minority but somehow still manage to control over 70 percent of the country's wealth. That is not persecution, that is privilege on a guilt trip.

“If we tried to relocate just half of the Afrikaans population, it would take decades and billions in logistics and you’d still culturally homeless in a country that doesn't want your apartheid baggage. 

“You’re not brave. You’re not victims. You’re scared of a world where you don’t get to be in charge.”