Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa
February 7, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Address South Africa’s recent enactment of Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which enables the seizure of ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation, and condemns longstanding discriminatory policies affecting employment, education, and business. The order also highlights South Africa’s aggressive positions toward the United States and its allies.
- Policy: The United States will:
- Halt all aid or assistance to South Africa as long as these unjust practices continue.
- Promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees fleeing government-sponsored race-based discrimination and property confiscation.
- Assistance Suspension: All executive departments, including USAID, are directed to cease current foreign aid or assistance to South Africa to the maximum extent allowed by law, with agency heads retaining limited discretion to permit any necessary aid.
- Refugee Resettlement & Humanitarian Considerations: The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security are tasked with prioritizing humanitarian relief and facilitating the admission and resettlement of affected Afrikaners through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, with a detailed plan to be submitted to the President.
- General Provisions: The order clarifies it does not impair or curb existing legal authorities of executive departments or budgetary functions, and it is implemented subject to applicable law and appropriations. It does not create any enforceable rights or benefits against the U.S. government or its agencies.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order halts U.S. aid to South Africa, which could impact international collaborations and research partnerships that Vanderbilt University may have with South African institutions. This could lead to disruptions in ongoing projects and future collaborations.
- The focus on resettling Afrikaner refugees in the United States may lead to demographic changes that could affect university admissions and diversity initiatives. Vanderbilt may need to consider how to support these new populations through targeted programs and services.
- There is a potential risk of increased geopolitical tensions affecting international students and faculty from South Africa or those involved in related research areas. This could necessitate enhanced support and resources for affected individuals.
- The order’s emphasis on halting aid could lead to broader discussions on foreign policy and human rights, which may influence academic discourse and research priorities at Vanderbilt, particularly in departments focused on international relations and human rights.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Programs may need to reassess partnerships and collaborations with South African institutions to ensure compliance with the new U.S. policies.
- The Office of Admissions might need to develop strategies to accommodate and support Afrikaner refugees who may seek educational opportunities at Vanderbilt.
- Research Centers focusing on international relations, human rights, and African studies may experience shifts in research funding and priorities due to the geopolitical implications of the Executive Order.
- The Office of Global Safety and Security may need to update travel advisories and support services for students and faculty traveling to or from South Africa.
Financial Impact
- The cessation of U.S. aid to South Africa could indirectly affect funding opportunities for research and development projects involving South African partners, potentially leading to a need for alternative funding sources.
- Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to support the integration and success of Afrikaner refugees, which could impact budget planning and financial aid distribution.
- Changes in international student demographics could influence tuition revenue and necessitate adjustments in financial aid strategies to maintain diversity and inclusion goals.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on the impacts of the Executive Order, particularly in areas related to human rights, refugee resettlement, and international policy.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in international collaborations and demographics.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Safety and Security should assess the potential impact of the U.S. halting aid to South Africa on any existing or planned collaborations with South African institutions. This includes evaluating risks to faculty and student exchanges, research partnerships, and other international engagements.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in U.S. foreign policy towards South Africa to identify any changes that could affect Vanderbilt’s international programs and partnerships. Staying informed will help the university adapt to shifts in diplomatic relations and funding opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and African Studies could explore research opportunities related to the socio-political dynamics in South Africa, particularly focusing on the implications of the Expropriation Act and its impact on racial and economic equity. This research could contribute to academic discourse and policy recommendations.
- The Office of International Student and Scholar Services should prepare to support Afrikaner refugees who may seek resettlement in the U.S. by developing resources and programs to assist with their integration into the university community.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in legal research and advocacy related to international human rights and property rights. By analyzing the legal implications of the Expropriation Act, the Law School can contribute to global discussions on property rights and racial justice.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international relations and public policy to host conferences or workshops on the geopolitical implications of South Africa’s actions and the U.S. response. This could position the university as a thought leader in international policy analysis.
- The emphasis on refugee resettlement offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to develop educational programs and support services tailored to the needs of Afrikaner refugees, enhancing the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s international programs and partnerships due to changes in U.S. foreign policy towards South Africa.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A: No explicit deadlines or specific timeframes are mentioned; directives are to be implemented “promptly” with reliance on agency discretion.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- All Executive Departments and Agencies: The order directs every executive department and agency to cease foreign aid or assistance to South Africa, thereby affecting a broad range of governmental bodies.
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Specifically mentioned as one of the agencies required to halt its foreign assistance programs to South Africa.
- Department of State: The Secretary of State is tasked with taking appropriate steps to prioritize humanitarian relief and facilitate the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The Secretary of Homeland Security is similarly directed to implement measures supporting humanitarian relief and refugee resettlement.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although not directly executing aid measures, its functions related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals are noted as remaining in effect, thereby linking it implicitly to the order’s impact.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of key Federal agencies are directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of State – Responsible for taking appropriate steps to prioritize humanitarian relief and refugee resettlement for Afrikaners, including the submission of a detailed plan to the President.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Tasked with coordinating efforts for the admission and resettlement of Afrikaner refugees and implementing related humanitarian measures.
- Heads of all Executive Departments and Agencies – Instructed to halt foreign aid to South Africa and, at their discretion, permit any necessary exceptions to this directive.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, which carry high-level strategic responsibilities).