refugee
'Afrikaner refugee' Errol Langton has shared an update about his life in the US. Images via YouTube screenshot

Home » Afrikaner who moved to US as ‘refugee’ says life is good

Afrikaner who moved to US as ‘refugee’ says life is good

IT entrepreneur and ‘leafy green’ farmer Errol Langton has provided an update on his life in the US as an ‘Afrikaner refugee’…

refugee
'Afrikaner refugee' Errol Langton has shared an update about his life in the US. Images via YouTube screenshot

Errol Langton, an Afrikaner currently based in the US, shared an update on his life abroad.

Around three months ago, he applied for the refugee resettlement programme alongside 48 other white South Africans.

In February, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order, granting refuge to Afrikaners or “minorities”, over his claims of “racial discrimination” in South Africa.

A second group of South Africans have since departed, with many more expected to follow.

‘AFRIKANER REFUGEE’ ERROL LANGTON SHARES UPDATE

In a conversation with US intelligence expert Chris Wyatt, “Afrikaner refugee” Errol Langton gave an update on his life in his new home country.

The IT businessman, who also owned a “leafy green” farm, now lives in Birmingham, Alabama. 

In a clip posted on social media, Langton detailed the joys and challenges of the resettlement programme.

Although his family members did not have Social Security numbers or driver’s licenses, they were covered by Medicaid for the first year of their stay. He also revealed how they had been temporarily provided financial assistance.

Langton praised the “efficient” government systems, particularly the healthcare.

Despite the backlash of being labelled an “Afrikaner refugee,” Langton revealed he had encountered helpful and friendly Americans. He said, “People are very accommodating. People here want to help, they see the need, and they don’t treat you like a leper.

“The kids have a good life here”.

Of his frustrations, he said: “The reality is that we’re resettling our entire lives, and that’s a huge challenge. There are some frustrations, but I downplay them, because I look at the positive”.

CONTROVERSY OVER APPLICATION

During the clip, Errol Langton also addressed the backlash he’s received after portraying himself as an “Afrikaner refugee”.

He said: “I’ve been roasted in South Africa. People have said I’m not an Afrikaner, I’m not a farmer. It’s not the case at all. The rhetoric and hate from that side is insane.

Speaking to the New York Times, Langton claimed that he was a “leafy greens” farmer from KwaZulu-Natal. However, his LinkedIn account listed his experience in the IT sector, where he owned a large business.

Many South Africans  – including his stepdaughter –  questioned his claims of being a “farmer” and even an “Afrikaner”. Some also called him “opportunistic” for wanting to start again in another country, and in particular, a state – Alabama – where his own relatives immigrated to years ago.

Speaking to eNCA’s Annika Larson in June, Errol Langton rubbished reports that the group of “refugees” consisted of white South African farmers.

He said: “That was never the mandate. It was minorities that were suffering persecution”.

Of his own identity, he said: “Yes, I’m an Afrikaner, yes, I’m a farmer. But by everybody else’s decision? Maybe not so much”.