The Amerikaners group, which assists Afrikaners seeking US refugee status, has secured a US government contract worth about R6 million a year. The deal marks a shift from voluntary work to paid services for the small organisation. A procurement document sets the proposed start date as 20 July 2026, with a possible two-year extension bringing the total value to R18 million.

Amerikaners Land Paid US Refugee Support Role

A US government procurement document shows the Amerikaners group was selected for its deep ties to the Afrikaner community and cultural competence. The contract allows the organisation to act as a local partner with South African employees who can perform culturally sensitive work inside the country. Officials stated that the combination of trust, cultural competence and exclusive access to necessary networks makes the group uniquely qualified. Replicating these capabilities would take years and delay the objectives of the relevant executive order.

Until now, director Sam Busa and a handful of volunteers had assisted prospective applicants free of charge since September 2025. The group will now earn roughly R500 000 a month under the new arrangement. Amerikaners refers applicants to the official US government website and maintains its own site with resources on refugee status, the application process and life in America.

Background on Refugee Processing Partners

Resettlement Support Center Africa, operated by Church World Service, has handled the first screening of applications. According to HigherGov data, RSC Africa and CWS have received more than $129 million (over R2 billion) in grants since October 2024 to process refugee applications. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed that the department prioritises the resettlement of Afrikaners and lists RSC Africa, CWS and the Amerikaners group as implementing partners. The spokesperson declined to comment on the programme’s inner workings.

The Amerikaners organisation rose to prominence after US President Donald Trump announced support for Afrikaner emigration, citing claims of violence and racial targeting. The procurement document requires the department to give effect to the related executive order and specifically seeks a contractor with existing ties to the Afrikaner community.

Statements from Involved Parties

Busa said the small team of volunteers had worked as an implementing partner for a year.

“We are grateful for the recent funding for our work. We are working with RSC Africa (CWS), and we provide guidance on our website for South Africans who want to look into the refugee programme,”

she stated.