‘She just wanted a free trip’: SA woman slammed for refugee claim to join US husband

JACQUELINE “Jackie” Botha, an Afrikaner woman from Gerberha, in the Eastern Cape, is under fire after reports surfaced that she allegedly exploited the US refugee resettlement program to reunite with her husband, who is already living in the United States.

Botha is among a group of 49 white South Africans who recently arrived in the US, claiming racial persecution in their home country. 

However, social media users have questioned the legitimacy of these claims, calling her move opportunistic.

According to the local broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Botha left her home in Rowallan Park, an affluent and family-oriented suburb in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth. 

The neighbourhood is described as quiet and leafy, and her residence reportedly had CCTV surveillance.

Reports indicate that the 52-year-old left South Africa with her three children. 

A former employee of Botha told the news channel that her husband has been living abroad for the past two to three years.

The South African government has strongly denied allegations that White Afrikaners are facing persecution, countering the narrative presented by some of those seeking asylum.

While crime remains a major issue in many parts of Gqeberha, particularly in township areas known for gang violence, hijackings and other violent crimes, Rowallan Park is reportedly not known to be affected by these crimes.

It is not known what form of persecution Botha or others in the group claim to have experienced, including her professional background before she flew to the US.

On social media, public reaction has been mixed, with some users ridiculing Botha’s alleged motivations.

“She wanted a lift to be rejoined with her husband,” wrote user @Vugo_Mhaga.

“Rowallan Park. A suburb. Little crime. Definitely no persecution. She just wanted to check up on her husband who stopped answering her calls,” tweeted @Raul_AJ_1990.

“She just wanted to find a way to go join her husband in America and this opportunity opened up,” added @AmuFloyd.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Washington, D.C, this week for an official visit. 

He is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to address strained relations between the two countries.

Ramaphosa travelled with DA leader John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and new special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas.

In a statement released earlier, Steenhuisen said the historic and crucial visit centres around engaging with Trump and other senior US officials.

"The highest issues on my priority list will be securing trade relations between the US and SA, particularly in agriculture, to protect jobs, grow the economy and expand employment opportunities," he said.

Steenhuisen explained that SA's relationship with the US is of immense importance.

"Preferential trade agreements such as AGOA contribute significantly to our economy. Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large," he added.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa's visit to the US has been met with criticism from some quarters. 

According to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema Ramaphosa’s trip to the US is ill-timed and detrimental to South Africa's sovereignty.