Large crowds gathered on Monday in Brisbane, Australia, in support of South African farmers who they say are facing prosecution, to emigrate to the country.
The marchers chanted “thank you Australia” and Thank you, Mr Dutton” through the streets of Brisbane on Monday, 26 March, while others gave messages of support to white South African farmers.
Speaking to news.com.au, a South African mother of two adult children, Roz Potgieter said the “farmers [in South Africa] are being targeted and being brutally murdered.”
“The current farm murders are racially oriented and white farmers in particular are facing persecution,” Potgieter added.
The march, which was organised by the Brisbane South African community had the support of a local liberal politician, Andrew Laming.
He praised the Australian Minister of Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, for an apparent offer of refuge for persecuted South African farmers, which has garnered criticisms from various political sides both in South Africa and in Australia.
The Home Affairs minister earlier this month announced his department’s plans to consider fast-tracking visa applications by South African farmers who wish to leave the “horrific circumstances” they face in their home country.
Dutton told Australia’s Sunrise newspaper that he rejected criticisms from those who oppose his decision adding that “there is a lot of propaganda around here.”
“The fact is that I haven’t said that we should prioritise white over black, it’s an absurd proposition,” said Dutton.
Last week, Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema lambasted Dutton’s proposal and called Australia a “racist country.” Malema also encouraged those who want to go to heed Dutton’s call.
