The South African Government has welcomed what it describes as a "retraction" from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of comments his Home Affairs Minister made about "persecuted" white South African farmers.

Key points: Peter Dutton said white South African farmers were facing land seizures and violence, he wanted to explore special visas for them

Peter Dutton said white South African farmers were facing land seizures and violence, he wanted to explore special visas for them Malcolm Turnbull, Julie Bishop reiterated Australia's non-discriminatory immigration policy, ruled out special visa category

Malcolm Turnbull, Julie Bishop reiterated Australia's non-discriminatory immigration policy, ruled out special visa category South African Foreign Minister interpreted statement as a "retraction" of the Home Affairs Minister's comments

Peter Dutton caused a diplomatic row last month when he said white farmers were facing "horrific circumstances" in South Africa and deserved "special attention" from a civilised country.

South Africa immediately rejected Mr Dutton's concerns, demanded a retraction and called in Australia's High Commissioner to explain.

Since then, Mr Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop have reiterated Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration policy and ruled out a special humanitarian intake, or visa category, for white farmers.

Those remarks have been interpreted by South Africa's Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu as a "retraction" of Mr Dutton's comments.

"We welcome the assurance by the Australian Government as reported in the media that the comments made by their Home Affairs Minister are not in line with Australian immigration policy," Ms Sisulu said in a statement.

"We must emphasise, as we have stated before, that no-one is being persecuted in South Africa, including white farmers.

"We call upon all non-governmental organisations to desist from spreading untruths and misleading information."

According to reports, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs has also sent a letter to South Africa indicating "that what was said by the Minister of Home Affairs is not the position of the Government of Australia".

But Mr Dutton has disputed the South African Government's interpretation, saying neither Mr Turnbull nor Ms Bishop has "rebutted" his comments.

A group of conservative Liberal MPs has been leading the campaign to help resettle the farmers who they claim are facing higher rates of violence and murder in South Africa.

Farm violence is a racially charged and sensitive political issue, particularly given Pretoria's plans to seize land from farmers without compensation.

Despite Mr Turnbull's comments, the MPs are confident the Government will find a way of assisting any persecuted farmers, albeit within the existing immigration and humanitarian programs.