Latest news with #JacquesFaithvanTonder
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
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. IOL
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Afrikaner shows off his 'blessed life' since move to the US
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. IOL
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
White Afrikaner farmer shares his new life in the US
In the wake of President Donald Trump's controversial decision to open US borders to white Afrikaner farmers, stories of migration, opportunity, and resilience are emerging across social media – none more poignant than that of Jacques Faith van Tonder. Now living in South Dakota, Van Tonder has captivated thousands through heartfelt TikTok videos, offering glimpses into his new life abroad. His TikTok handle, @jacquesfaithvanto, has become a digital diary of transition and gratitude, with viewers drawn to both the simplicity and sincerity of his content. 'I feel so blessed,' Van Tonder shared in one video, showing his quiet suburban street and a brief candid moment of his wife getting ready for the day. @jacquesfaithvanto Groot surprise in Amerika #farmlife #H2A #h2ainfo #Godisgood #1ofbillions #workinamerica ♬ original sound – Jacques Faith van Tonder The post, like many others, has sparked waves of support and questions from fellow South Africans seeking to make the same move. Van Tonder's journey hasn't been easy. On his personal blog, he recounts the economic and social challenges that pushed him to look overseas. 'For years, I ran a business in South Africa, but facing tough realities, I had to make some big decisions,' he writes. 'With a little faith and a friend's helping hand, a door opened: a chance to work on an American farm. Fast forward a few years, and this experience has been a game-changer.' His journey has not only provided financial security for his family but also inspired him to launch a platform to help others follow in his footsteps. Recognising a growing interest from South Africans eager to work in American agriculture, Van Tonder founded – a platform that connects South African job seekers with US agricultural employers through the H-2A visa programme. 'The initiative designs a pathway for job seekers, turning the traditional hiring process on its head,' he explained. 'By creating a profile on candidates can significantly enhance their visibility to potential employers.' With a registration fee of R500 per year, applicants gain access to a growing network of American farm owners actively seeking skilled labor from abroad. The launch of has already generated considerable interest, especially amid widespread uncertainty over visa processes and the feasibility of emigrating. Van Tonder's story has become both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for those looking to build a future beyond South Africa's borders. 'My goal is not just to share my success,' he said, 'but to empower others with the tools they need to achieve their own.' With thousands tuning in to Van Tonder's journey on social media and the continued expansion of a growing number of South Africans are beginning to see a viable pathway toward work and stability in the United States – rooted in Van Tonder's message of faith, perseverance, and community support. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
