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.
The group left South Africa via OR Tambo International Airport on a US-chartered Omni Air International flight.
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.
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Tourism and hospitality industry and economists believe that the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday will provide an economic boost to the KZN and South African economies. Image: Comrades Marathon/Facebook Tourism and hospitality industry and economists believe that the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday will provide an economic boost to the KZN and South African economies. Brett Tungay, East coast chairperson for the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa), said that the Comrades marathon has a huge impact on the KZN hospitality and tourism and the KZN economy. 'In Pietermaritzburg, most of the occupancies have been reported as fully booked, which is great news. We all expect a great turnout for Durban with both local and international arrivals. Comrades is not just a KZN event; it really impacts people from across South Africa.' Tungay added this is great news for sports and events tourism. 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Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Each year, it attracts thousands of runners, supporters, and families from around the country and the world. This influx of visitors boosts demand for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, tour services, and transport – creating a ripple effect across the local and regional economy. It's not just about race day – it's about the extended stays, pre- and post-race travel, post-race dining and celebrations, and the vibrant atmosphere that energises the entire hospitality sector. Anderson added that the Comrades Marathon is a brilliant catalyst for the tourism and hospitality industry. 'It fills accommodations, packs out restaurants, and showcases South Africa's warm hospitality to both locals and international guests. Beyond the economic boost, it gives destinations like Durban and Pietermaritzburg a valuable platform to market themselves globally. Visitors often extend their stay to explore other attractions in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, amplifying the tourism spend. Importantly, it also creates temporary and permanent job opportunities across tourism-related services – from event logistics to food vendors, tour guides, and more.' Anderson said that large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon, the Cape Epic, or international rugby and cricket sporting events are powerful tourism drivers. 'They not only bring in international visitors but also elevate South Africa's global profile as a dynamic, welcoming, and world-class destination. The more successful events we host, the more we can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and diversify our tourism offerings. They give people a reason to travel here – and often, once they experience the country, they return for leisure holidays, business, or further sporting events. Major events are a smart, sustainable way to grow tourism and showcase South Africa's unique spirit.' Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Jeannie Sarno said that the office is looking forward to welcoming the annual Comrades Marathon and the influx of visitors it brings to the area. "It's not just runners that attend the Comrades; they travel with friends, supporters, coaches, and even family. The majority of our establishments are fully booked, and this is a great relief to the tourism-related businesses who have had low bookings for March and April this year." Sarno added she encourages the community to continue to be welcoming to our visitors and helpful to assist when it comes to recommendations of restaurants and tourism attractions for the days leading to the run and the days after. 'Many families allow the runners to 'do their thing' on the pre- and post-race, and the families enjoy the sites and attractions in and around Umhlanga.' Waldo Krugell, an economics professor at the North-West University (NWU) and a previous Comrades Marathon runner, said that he always gets excited during Comrades weekend. 'There is a clear positive economic impact. Previous research indicates that it contributes significantly to the provincial economy. It is not only the athletes, but the supporters that travel along and frequently stay longer as well. 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