South Africa Challenges US on Afrikaner Refugee Status, Unveils New Aviation Policy

South Africa Rejects US Refugee Status for Afrikaners; New Civil Aviation Policy Unveiled Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has strongly criticized the United States' decision to grant refugee status to Afrikaners, calling it 'misinformed.' She argued that Afrikaners do not meet the definition of refugees as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention. This statement comes as a direct response to the US government's recent policy shift. The South African government maintains that claims of widespread persecution against Afrikaners are unfounded. In a separate announcement, Ntshavheni revealed that the Cabinet has approved a draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy for public review. This policy is designed to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of South Africa's aviation industry. The policy's aims include enhancing safety and security measures, improving air navigation systems, upgrading airport infrastructure, and increasing the quality of aviation services. The hope is that these improvements will contribute to significant economic growth in a rapidly changing global market. 'This policy represents a crucial step in modernizing our aviation sector and ensuring its long-term sustainability,' said Ntshavheni. The public comment period will allow stakeholders to offer feedback and contribute to the final policy's development. The contrasting announcements highlight the government's focus on both international relations and domestic policy. The rejection of the US refugee status decision underscores South Africa's commitment to its own interpretation of refugee law, while the new aviation policy showcases the government's ambition for economic growth and modernization.