Cape Town — Saai, the network for farmers, has revealed it has reached an agreement with the likes of AfriForum and Solidarity to help assist families and individuals wishing to settle in the USA as refugees.
This comes after US President Donald Trump told South African farmers they could seek refuge in the US if they wished to leave South Africa, calling it a “terrible place.”
“Any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for safety reasons, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship,” he said.
President Donald Trump said Friday South African farmers were welcome to settle in the United States after repeating his accusations that the government was “confiscating” land from white people as he announced an end to federal funding. #AfricanInsiderhttps://t.co/fYBSLe93fv
— African Insider (@AfricanInsider2) March 8, 2025
According to TimesLIVE, Saai said there was an explicit invitation by Trump to South African farmers who may feel unsafe in South Africa.
Saai said more than 95% of all farmers in South Africa choose not to emigrate as they prefer to grow their business in the country, and Saai said it intended to keep the number of farmers who leave down to a minimum.
Saai added that three categories of farmers would consider taking Trump’s offer:
- Trauma-stricken families who have been attacked or had family members murdered
- Unemployed breadwinners who have been marginalised due to BEE policies
- Young aspirant farmers who do not see a future for themselves in South Africa
Saai said it has secured an agreement with a major US law firm that will provide 100 hours of legal assistance to destitute farmers and families who need help accessing this opportunity.
It said it would be senseless to reject this offer and to victimise those considering it, as there are great opportunities for families and individuals outside of South Africa.
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In response to Trump’s statement, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel took to X and said President Trump’s call to South African farmers was understandable as the ANC refused to declare farm murders a priority crime.
Kriel said he could see President Cyril Ramaphosa was reluctant to condemn statements such as “kill the farmer” and denied the existence of farm murders.
“This situation is further aggravated by the fact that some parties, along with the ANC, are shouting misinformation when objections to the deprivation law and farm murders are raised. The ANC and its allies will have to take direct responsibility for any emigration of farmers to the US and the consequent loss of food security,” he said.
Kriel said AfriForum would intensify its efforts to have farm murders declared a priority crime and will continue to fight against the violence against farmers and Afrikaners.
“AfriForum respects every farmer’s right to decide their future, but as an organization, we unapologetically fight to help build a future for our communities and future generations at the southern tip of Africa,” he concluded.
Just In: Trump Invites Farmers to the USA
President @realDonaldTrump‘s concern for the safety of farmers in South Africa is understandable, given the ANC-led government’s refusal to classify farm murders, like some other crimes, as a priority crime. The world can also see that… pic.twitter.com/YB354XvBl9
— Kallie Kriel (@kalliekriel) March 7, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
