The US government is reportedly looking to fast-track the deployment of Kenyan nationals to South Africa to assist with a refugee resettlement programme, largely focused on white Afrikaner applicants.
This initiative, launched under former President Donald Trump, has sparked a mix of cooperation and hesitation on both sides.
Trump had signed an executive order in February allowing certain minority groups to resettle in the United States on the grounds of “racial discrimination.”
Since then, a few Afrikaner groups have already made their way to the US, with more expected to follow.
Kenyan Volunteers to Support Resettlement Applications
According to reports from the Daily Maverick, the US State Department is planning to send 30 Kenyan volunteers to South Africa to assist applicants with the refugee resettlement process.
The volunteers will live in South Africa on two-year volunteer visas and work closely with the US Embassy.
These workers are part of Resettlement Support Centre (RSC) Africa, which operates under the Church World Service, a partner of the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP). Their role will include:
-
Conducting intake and referral interviews with applicants
-
Collecting and verifying documentation and personal data
-
Requesting background checks
-
Scheduling interviews with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
-
Arranging medical exams
-
Booking travel for approved applicants to the United States
While the volunteers handle the logistical support, the ultimate decision on applications rests with USCIS.
South African Authorities Show Hesitation
Despite the US push, South African authorities appear cautious.
Nomonde Mnukwa, spokesperson for the Government Communication and Information System, denied that the fast-tracking of Kenyan worker visas was formally discussed at recent Cabinet meetings.
She also confirmed no written submission was presented for discussion.
Earlier, Chrispin Phiri from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation clarified the government’s stance, saying: “The government unequivocally states that these are not refugees.
But we are not going to stand in their way.”
The Question of Visa Approval
The proposal raises questions about whether South Africa should allow Kenyan volunteers to assist with refugee processing, particularly when the applicants are primarily Afrikaners.
While the US sees the volunteers as crucial to ensuring the programme runs smoothly, South Africa seems cautious about formally committing to fast-tracking the visas.
Public opinion remains divided, and discussions continue as both countries navigate the balance between humanitarian efforts and immigration policy.
Staying Informed
For those following this story, updates will continue as the situation develops.
The US refugee resettlement programme is ongoing, and the potential arrival of Kenyan volunteers could impact the pace and efficiency of Afrikaner applications.