Cape Town – Orania, a whites-only Afrikaner enclave in South Africa, is reportedly seeking US recognition as an autonomous entity, with its leaders recently visiting the US to gain support.
According to Reuters, community leader Joost Strydom cited South Africa’s diversity as a reason for decentralisation, while rejecting accusations of racial division.
Orania’s leaders were vague about the assistance they sought but emphasised investment in infrastructure and energy independence rather than direct aid, the report said.
“We wanted to… gain recognition, with the American focus on South Africa now,” the report quoted Strydom as saying.
“We told them South Africa is such a … diverse country that it’s not a good idea to try and manage it centrally.”
The South African government dismisses Orania’s claims to autonomy, emphasising national unity.
Right-wing Americans have shown support for Afrikaner nationalists, linking their struggle to opposition against diversity policies.
Despite economic struggles in South Africa, the town remains self-sufficient, drawing criticism and admiration alike.
Last week, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Northern Cape have criticised Orania, arguing that its existence undermines national unity.
[WATCH] The EFF in the Northern Cape has vowed to push the provincial and national governments to reconsider their position on the existence of Orania and their support for its self-determination stance. SABC News reporter Margaret Mothibi filed this report. pic.twitter.com/axUC1x9Xq1
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 26, 2025
But, according to SABC News, Strydom defended the town, saying it aims to preserve Afrikaans culture rather than promote racism.
He urged critics to see Orania as a model for self-sufficiency, claiming the town engages with other communities to share its approach but insists they must take responsibility for their own development.