White Afrikaner farmer documents his new life in the United States
After Donald Trump’s decision to open US borders to white Afrikaner farmers, social media has seen a wave of migration stories surface.
Following President Donald Trump’s contentious move to allow white Afrikaner farmers into the US, social media has been flooded with stories of migration, hope, and perseverance, none more compelling than that of Jacques Faith van Tonder.
Living in South Dakota, Van Tonder captivates thousands with heartfelt TikTok videos that share moments from his new life abroad.
Using the handle @jacquesfaithvanto, he turns his TikTok account into a digital diary of change and gratitude, drawing viewers in with the honest simplicity 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.
The post, like many others, has sparked waves of support and questions from fellow South Africans seeking to make the same move.
From struggles in SA to new beginnings in the US
Van Tonder’s journey hasn’t been easy. On his 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.
H2ABuddy.com: A new pathway for South African job seekers
Recognising a growing interest from South Africans eager to work in American agriculture, Van Tonder founded H2ABuddy.com – 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 H2ABuddy.com, 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.
Hope for the future
The launch of H2ABuddy.com 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 H2ABuddy.com, 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.