South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticized citizens who have left the country, specifically labeling them as "cowards" in response to a recent migration of white South Africans to the United States.

The criticism comes after a group of 59 white South Africans were granted refugee status by US President Donald Trump and arrived in America on Monday. Trump claimed the group faced racial discrimination in their home country.

"We don't run away from our problems," Ramaphosa stated, emphasizing that South Africans are resilient people who stay to solve their country's challenges. "When you run away, you are a coward, and that's a real cowardly act."

The President suggested that those leaving the country are primarily individuals unhappy with his administration's efforts to address inequities stemming from South Africa's apartheid past. He expressed confidence that "they'll be back soon" despite their departure.

President Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk have previously made controversial claims that South Africa is committing "genocide" against white farmers. The Trump administration has also accused South African leadership of seizing land from white farmers without compensation.

These allegations come amid ongoing debates about land reform and racial equity in post-apartheid South Africa, where the government has been working to address historical imbalances in land ownership and economic opportunity.

Ramaphosa maintains that the best approach for citizens is to remain in South Africa and contribute to solving the nation's challenges rather than seeking refuge elsewhere.