How moving to America transformed this Afrikaner's life for good
Jacques Faith van Tonder has been living and working in the US.
Image: TikTok
So much has been said, posted, and written about the group of 49 Afrikaners who flew to the United States under President Donald Trump's refugee program.
While some have since shared about their reasons for leaving SA, one Afrikaner, who has been living in the States for a while now, has taken to social media to share about his 'blessed life'.
In a series of now viral clips, @jacquesfaithvanto, gives viewers a look inside his apartment in South Dakota.
Jacque is a seasonal worker on an H-2A visa, which is a program that allows US farm employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural work due to labor shortages.
His TikTok account includes videos explaining how others can apply for similar opportunities.
The H-2A program requires employers to demonstrate the need for workers, advertise positions to American citizens first, pay prevailing wages, provide safe housing, and cover travel expenses.
Workers are also guaranteed certain wage and hour protections.
Reaction
Several users asked about visa processes and shared words of encouragement.
One user, @Blits, commented in Afrikaans: “Steur julle aan geen negatiewe, haatlike menslike aggressie nie, dis net om julle vrede en drome te steel! Bly positief en leef jul geloof in Christus uit. Baie sterkte. (Don't pay attention to any negativity or hateful aggression, it’s only there to steal your peace and dreams. Stay positive and live your faith in Christ. Best of luck.”
Another user, @dheen, wrote: “Wishing you all the best. God and love be with you guys.”
@user7259526944476 added: “Auwww, little mother, I’m so glad you could bring such a beautiful South African bunny with you.”
Earlier this week, IOL News reported that 49 Afrikaners were granted asylum and arrived at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C, on Monday.
They claimed they were fleeing discrimination and violence in their home country.
Their arrival has stirred debate internationally, particularly amid rising claims, largely unsubstantiated, of persecution and farm murders targeting White South Africans.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit the US on May 21 to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House.
According to the South African presidency, the four-day working visit aims to “reset the strategic relationship” between the two countries and to counter negative narratives about South Africa’s racial dynamics.
Trump has previously stated that White farmers are being "brutally killed" and having their land "confiscated" in South Africa, comments that have drawn international criticism and concern over misinformation.
Ramaphosa is expected to emphasize his administration’s commitment to a non-racial, inclusive democracy and to address the growing global discourse surrounding White Afrikaner emigration and asylum.
IOL