The US government has halted funding for civil society organisations aiding refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, just weeks after extending an offer for Afrikaners to seek refuge in America.
The funding withdrawal follows a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, enacted by US President Donald Trump shortly after taking office. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the administration has begun terminating most foreign aid contracts, as reported by Reuters.
The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and Refugee Social Services (RSS) confirmed receiving notices that their funding from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration had been revoked.
The decision, attributed to Secretary of State Mario Rubio, was described as aligning with US policy priorities, as first reported by News24.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed concern, warning that financial uncertainty could have severe consequences for displaced individuals worldwide.
RSS Director Yasmin Rajah highlighted the impact on vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, who rely on essential services such as medical assistance and food aid.
The organisation is now scrambling to secure alternative resources, reaching out to faith-based groups for support.
Human rights lawyer Jacob van Garderen called the decision ‘devastating,’ particularly given the abrupt manner in which funding was terminated.
He stressed that while South Africa allows refugee integration, organisations like RSS and Scalabrini provide vital assistance to the most at-risk migrants.
The funding cut comes on the heels of Trump’s executive order prioritising refugee status for Afrikaners facing alleged discrimination in South Africa.
However, another order signed in January suspended all refugee applications until further review.
First published by Cape Town Etc
Compiled by Aiden Daries
Also see: AfriForum meets Trump officials to discuss Afrikaner rights
