Why Are People Leaving South Africa—and What’s Trump Got to Do With It?
- Yastika Chouhan
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Picture this: Almost 900,000 South Africans are living abroad, and tons more are looking to leave. But why? It’s not just about better jobs or cooler weather. It’s about politics, safety, and a future that feels uncertain. And yeah, Donald Trump somehow got involved. Here’s how.
The Situation
South Africa’s got some serious problems: crime, political drama, and an economy that just can’t catch a break. Youth unemployment is at a wild 61%—imagine more than half of your friends struggling to find work. That’s the reality for South African teens.
Elon Musk, who grew up in South Africa, said his family left because of crime and lack of opportunity. He tweeted that things haven’t changed much since then. This isn’t just rich people drama, though. A 2023 survey found that 64% of professionals want to emigrate, aiming for places like the UK, Australia, and the U.S.
The Trump Factor
Here’s where it gets spicy. Back in 2018, Trump tweeted about South Africa, claiming white farmers were being targeted and calling it a “large-scale killing.” The South African government clapped back, accusing him of spreading misinformation. But Trump’s words had an impact. Many Afrikaners (white South Africans of Dutch descent) felt even more unsafe, fueling emigration fears.
Recently, Trump and his supporters have reignited this narrative, suggesting that Afrikaners are “refugees” who should get special immigration status in the U.S. Some far-right groups are even calling this a “white genocide,” despite no solid evidence supporting that claim. But these stories are powerful—they’ve made some young South Africans feel like their country isn’t safe or fair.
Why Should You Care?
This isn’t just about South Africa. It’s about how political narratives can shape real lives. Trump’s words reached across the globe, influencing where people feel safe and where they want to build a future. It’s a reminder of how much power politicians—and social media—have over how we see the world.
And here’s the thing: immigration isn’t just an “adult” issue. Teens feel it too. Moving to a new country means starting over—new schools, new friends, maybe even learning a new language. Could you imagine leaving everything you know because of politics?
What’s Next?
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says he’s working on fixing the economy and creating jobs. But progress is slow, and young people are tired of waiting. Meanwhile, Trump’s words are still echoing, influencing how people see South Africa from thousands of miles away.
Think About It
Would you leave if your country felt unsafe or unfair? Where would you go? And how would you feel if a politician in another country was influencing your future? The world is more connected than ever, and politics isn’t just something happening “over there.” It shapes lives, futures, and opportunities—even for teens. So next time you see a political tweet blowing up, remember—it’s more than just words on a screen.
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