A collective of prominent Afrikaners in South Africa has publicly rejected the assertions made by former US President Donald Trump regarding white South Africans, particularly through an open letter titled “Not in our name.” This significant declaration challenges the narrative of racial persecution and the concept of special asylum status based on race. The letter garnered support from notable figures such as journalist Max du Preez, Reverend Andries Cilliers from the Dutch Reformed Church, and Louise du Plessis of Lawyers for Human Rights, underscoring a unified stance from diverse sectors of the Afrikaner community.

Over the past six months, the Trump administration had been involved in facilitating a refugee resettlement program, which was presented as being open to minorities, specifically mentioning white Afrikaner farmers. This initiative stemmed from Trump’s claims that the South African government was actively promoting "white genocide" and the "persecution of white people." The open letter, also referred to as "Not in our Name: Afrikaners Respond to the Misuse of Their Story in US Politics," directly confronts these allegations.

The signatories explicitly stated, “We reject the narrative that casts Afrikaners as victims of racial persecution in post-apartheid South Africa.” They further argued that the notion of white South Africans deserving special asylum status due to their race fundamentally undermines the core principles of genuine refugee programs. The letter emphasized that humanitarian policy should be guided by vulnerability, not by racial identity. To elevate one group above others based on race, they contend, reinforces a racialized worldview that falsely suggests white identity is under existential threat, which they assert does not align with their values or lived experiences.

The African National Congress (ANC) has welcomed this open letter, issuing a statement affirming their appreciation. The ANC interpreted the letter as a recognition by "freedom-loving South Africans" that the ongoing process of forging unity within the country is crucial for establishing a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. This endorsement highlights the alignment of the Afrikaner group's message with the national goals of reconciliation and equitable development.