A group of white Afrikaner separatists in South Africa has reached out to former U.S. President Donald Trump for support in their long-standing bid to establish an independent state. The community, centered in Orania, remains the only town in the country where all residents, including laborers, are white, a stark remnant of apartheid-era separatism.
Background on Orania
Orania was founded in 1991 as a self-sustaining Afrikaner enclave, resisting integration with South Africa’s Black-majority governance after the end of apartheid. The town, which has its own currency and policies aimed at preserving Afrikaner culture, has long been a subject of controversy, with critics labeling it as a modern-day attempt at racial segregation.
Seeking International Recognition
With increasing political and economic uncertainties in South Africa, the separatists argue that Afrikaners need self-rule to preserve their language, culture, and economic interests. Their appeal to Trump follows his past statements in support of white South African farmers, whom he claimed were victims of land expropriation policies.
The South African government has repeatedly dismissed Orania’s independence aspirations, emphasizing national unity and the constitutional illegality of racial enclaves. However, the town has continued to expand, with investments in local infrastructure and business development.
Implications of the Move
If Trump or other international figures recognize Orania’s separatist claims, it could spark diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the U.S. and reignite debates over racial politics in post-apartheid South Africa.
