Jack's Africa
Monday, February 16, 2026
South Africa: Some Afrikaner Refugees Are Suffering In the US
Cold, hungry and living in squalor: Afrikaner refugees ‘struggling’ in US
Grass isn’t greener? A bombshell report revealed the struggles of some Afrikaner refugees who left South Africa for the US…
Author picture
By Megan van den Heever
13-02-26 20:23
in Lifestyle
afrikaner refugees us
7
Some Afrikaner refugees in the US are living in dire conditions. Image via Canva
A bombshell report by an independent US publication claims that some refugees – predominantly Afrikaners – left South Africa to face even worse conditions in their adoptive countries.
This comes a year after US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order prioritising refugee resettlement for predominantly white South Africans through the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
The president claimed that the minority faced “unjust racial discrimination”, labelling transformative legislation as “persecution”. SA authorities have since accused Trump of “spreading misinformation” about the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
To date, close to 2000 South Africans have departed the country on the programme.
AFRIKANER REFUGEES ‘STRUGGLING’ IN THE US – REPORT
According to the US publication, The Free Press, an investigation revealed that some Afrikaner refugees were living in poor conditions.
An investigative journalist spoke to ten South Africans, who bemoaned being placed in mouldy, dirty motels and apartments infested with cockroaches, and living amongst drug addicts and criminals.
Many claimed to have little to no food, eating just one meal a day to survive. Others lived in freezing temperatures, without warm coats, and had to travel long distances in the snow to their nearest grocery store. Some complained about the high cost of living, adding that much of their earnings went towards rent.
Speaking anonymously to protect their identities, here is what a few had to say…
“We come from a place where you have to grow a set of eyes on the back of your head. Only to move to another unsafe place and be told by the locals you’re now in harm’s way.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“I understand I am a refugee, and I am very grateful. But I can’t, in my right mind, pay to live with cockroaches.”
“We did not have blankets, towels, beds, or any basic necessities. We only had our bags from South Africa and the clothes on our backs”.
The publication spoke to a social worker, Amanda Emery, who had spent hundreds of dollars out of her own pocket to help refugees get on their feet.
She said: “I gave them air mattresses and pillows, because their beds weren’t appropriate. I’ve taken them to the ministry to get clothing. I feel like they’re being neglected, and the agency is setting them up for failure.”
Also speaking to the publication was NGO, The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), which claimed it was “focused on supporting economic self-sufficiency and social integration, ensuring newcomers can build stable lives within their new communities.
US intel expert Chris Wyatt has responded to the report, accusing many refugee assistance agencies of maladministration.
WHAT ARE THEY ENTITLED TO?
Under the refugee resettlement programme, South Africans receive federal resettlement support, which covers accommodation placement, short-term Medicaid, and their children are placed in local schools.
Families receive a small stipend based on their needs.
Assistance agencies contracted to the government are paid to provide food, clothing, and housing supplies. They also offer support in skills assessment, job preparation, and integration into US communities.
7
comments
WIN R2 000: Take The South African’s SASSA Survey
Tags:
afrikaner refugee
Donald Trump
Featured
Important
Post navigation
Next Article
Previous
Coloured Afrikaner ‘refugees’ in US speak out: ‘We’re tired of lies’
Discover
‘Shame on you!’: ‘Wife’ of arrested Afrikaner in US speaks out
Discover
Health Insights Magazine
Shoulder Pain is Not From Sleeping Wrong. Meet The Real Enemy
Read More
Skip
The shocking Thailand allegations against Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
Discover
The PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results for Friday, 16 January 2026
Discover
Shoulder Pain is Not From Sleeping Wrong. Meet The Real Enemy
Health Insights Magazine
|
Sponsored
If You Need To Kill Time On Your PC, This Game Is A Must!
This game will keep you up at night. Only for 18+
Heroes of History
|
Sponsored
Retirees Are Ditching $600 Prescriptions for These $39 German-Engineered Glasses
New reading glasses with german optical innovation
GekkoGifts
|
Sponsored
Men With ED: Happy Wife, Happy Life. Try This Tonight (It's Genius)
Urologists Club U.S
|
Sponsored
No Cremation, No Coffin: Martha Stewart’s Final Wish Might Surprise You
Martha Stewart wants a simpler, more natural funeral. Learn how her surprising funeral choice is now possible for families across the country.
Earth Funeral
|
Sponsored
Don't Moisturize Crepe Skin! Tighten It With This Household Item Instead
Skin Tightening
|
Sponsored
Everything is Allowed in This Game!
BuzzDaily Winners
|
Sponsored
Experts think this could be like buying Nvidia at $0.16
Will This Make the World's First Trillionaire?
The Motley Fool
|
Sponsored
Cardiologists: How To Quickly Lose a Hanging Belly (Its Genius!)
Heart doctors are sharing this secret
Purvos
|
Sponsored
Temu Clearance Sale
Temu Clearance Sale, where unbeatable discounts meet your shopping needs
TEMU
|
Sponsored
Hard Boiled Eggs: the Risk Hiding In Plain Sight for Anyone Over 60
GundryMD
|
Sponsored
CVS Hides This $1 Generic Viagra - Here’s the Aisle It's Really In.
Friday Plans
|
Sponsored
Martha Stewart Wants to Be Composted. Here’s What That Actually Means
Martha Stewart wants a simpler, more natural goodbye. Learn how her surprising funeral choice is now possible for families across the country.
Earth Funeral
|
Sponsored
Walgreens Hides This $1 Generic Viagra - Here’s the Aisle It's Really In.
Friday Plans
|
Sponsored
Buy the Dip: These Big Dividends Have Gotten Way Too Cheap
Explore midstream energy names that offer significant dividend yield and defensive cash flows with investment‑grade credit.
Seeking Alpha
|
Sponsored
Neurologist: 97% Of People With Neuropathy Don't Know This Crucial Thing
FootRenew
|
Sponsored
Why Your Rotator Cuff Isn't Healing (It’s Not Just Age)
Health Insights Magazine
|
Sponsored
How To Drain Lymph Fluid In Ankles & Legs?
Hartford Review Journal
|
Sponsored
Neurologists Beg Seniors: Take 1 Tbsp Tonight To Fight Brain Fog
BRAIN MAGAZINE
|
Sponsored
‘Shame on you!’: ‘Wife’ of arrested Afrikaner in US speaks out
TheSouthAfrican
Coloured Afrikaner ‘refugees’ in US speak out: ‘We’re tired of lies’
TheSouthAfrican
How Long Does $2.5 Million Last in Retirement?
SmartAsset
|
Sponsored
Side Sleepers Get Achy Shoulders, Few Know This "Side Sleeper" Trick
Sleep Digest Publication
|
Sponsored
Sleep Apnea? Try This Japanese Trick (It's Genius!)
derilamemoryfoam.com
|
Sponsored
Doctors Surprised: New ED Option May Work in Just Minutes
The Male Signal
|
Sponsored
Average Cost To Rent A Private Jet For Seniors! (Take A Look)
ApexSearches | Private Jet Rental
|
Sponsored
Neuropathy Is Not From Low Vitamin B. Meet The Real Enemy Of Neuropathy
FootRenew
|
Sponsored
Nvidia's New Rival (Hint: It's Not AMZN)
Will This Make the World's First Trillionaire?
The Motley Fool
|
Sponsored
White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43
Paradigm
|
Sponsored
The shocking Thailand allegations against Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
TheSouthAfrican
The PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results for Friday, 16 January 2026
TheSouthAfrican
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest Posts
TikToker bolt driver
Bolt driver murder: Falsely accused TikToker threatens to sue
16-02-26 19:59
Relebohile Mofokeng
‘Dance like my father’: Relebohile Mofokeng’s NEW celebration excites fans [Video]
16-02-26 18:09
Cameron Hanekom
Springboks: Two players set to return to the mix in 2026
16-02-26 17:59
Orlando Pirates News Irvin Khoza
Foreigner returns to Orlando Pirates after loan move cut short
16-02-26 17:45
Good Hope Centre
City of Cape Town to auction Good Hope Centre – and 50 other properties
16-02-26 17:26
Siya Kolisi
‘Stars were out’: Siya Kolisi and Rachel John on ‘baecation’ in LA?
16-02-26 17:22
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Cape Town: Hidden Nature And Outdoor Escapes
Hidden nature and outdoor escapes in Cape Town
Beyond Cape Town’s famous beaches and landmarks lies a quieter side of the city, one shaped by hidden trails and overlooked green spaces.
By Nadine Burger
30-01-26 12:53
in Cape Town
Beach in Langebaan
0
A beach in Langebaan. Image: Instagram/nadine_burg_
Cape Town is often celebrated for its iconic attractions, but many of its most meaningful outdoor experiences happen far from busy tourist routes.
Tucked between suburbs, mountains, and coastline are natural spaces that reward curiosity and a slower pace. These places are not always marked on itineraries, yet they form part of everyday life for many locals.
What makes these outdoor escapes special is their sense of calm. They allow people to experience Cape Town’s biodiversity without queues, noise, or pressure to capture the perfect photo. From quiet forest paths to peaceful stretches of coastline, these spaces offer room to breathe.
Exploring hidden nature also changes how the city feels. Instead of rushing between landmarks, you begin to notice details, the sound of birds, the smell of fynbos, the rhythm of the ocean. It’s a reminder that Cape Town’s beauty isn’t only found in famous views, but in moments of stillness.
The Pipe Track
Running along the slopes of Table Mountain, the Pipe Track is a relatively flat walking route with sweeping views of the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s ideal for sunset walks and attracts far fewer crowds than summit hikes. Route details are available via South African National Parks.
Cecilia Forest
On the eastern side of the mountain, Cecilia Forest offers shaded trails, streams, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for weekend walks and picnics, especially on hot summer days.
Hidden Tidal Pools Along the Coast
Beyond popular swimming spots, quieter tidal pools exist along the False Bay coastline. Areas near St James and Kalk Bay offer calmer waters and fewer visitors. There are many trails where one can enjoy, Especially lovely coastal runs.
View this post on Instagram
Cape Town's Water Wake Up Call
When the dams couldn’t hold: Cape Town’s water wake-up call
A dam disaster is never only about water levels. In Cape Town, overflowing dams became a warning about climate extremes.
By Nadine Burger
11-02-26 09:24
in Cape Town
Theewaterskloof dam
8
Theewaterskloof dam. Image: Instagram/guypalmer96
Cape Town’s water story has swung between scarcity and surplus. After years of drought that reshaped daily habits, periods of intense rainfall pushed several dams close to capacity in a short time. Rapid inflows increased pressure on dam walls and forced authorities to implement controlled water releases to protect structural safety. These releases, while necessary, led to flooding along river systems and affected communities downstream.
The consequences were felt most strongly in low-lying areas. Homes were damaged, roads washed away, and basic services disrupted. The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management centre, coordinated evacuations and emergency responses, but the event highlighted how quickly extreme weather can overwhelm urban systems when rainfall exceeds historical norms.
The disaster also shifted the public conversation around water management. Dams are no longer only symbols of security after drought; they have become potential risk points during heavy rainfall. With climate variability increasing, Cape Town must now plan for both water shortages and sudden excess at the same time.
Infrastructure Under Pressure
Much of the Western Cape’s water infrastructure was designed decades ago, based on rainfall patterns that are no longer reliable. As dam levels rise rapidly, engineers are often left with limited options beyond releasing water to prevent structural damage.
Communities on the Front Line
Communities living near rivers and dam catchments face the greatest risk during flooding events. Informal settlements and older suburbs are particularly vulnerable due to their location and limited drainage systems. Humanitarian organisations such as Gift of the Givers, provided relief to affected families, underlining how disasters quickly become humanitarian crises when homes and livelihoods are lost.
Lessons for the Future
The dam disaster reinforced the need for better urban planning, improved early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure. On a personal level, it was a reminder that water security is fragile, and that living in Cape Town means learning to respect both the absence and the force of water.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Zimbabwe : President Managawa's Term Extended to 2030
Zimbabwe Moves to Extend President Mnangagwa’s Term to 2030
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean government this week approved a draft law to extend the presidential term, a move critics say would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, Al Jazeera reported Wednesday.
The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) on Tuesday presented the cabinet with the proposal to a
...
[Message clipped] View entire message
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Kenya: Raises Concerns With Russia Over Citizens Recruited To Fight In Ukraine
Kenya to Raise Concerns with Russia Over Citizens Recruited to Fight in Ukraine
KENYA
Kenya
Kenya this week said it plans to seek answers from Russia about its citizens being recruited to fight for Moscow in Ukraine, adding that an estimated 200 nationals had been enlisted, many under false pretenses, the BBC reported.
Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi described the recruitment as “unacceptable and clandestine,” calling it “a very unfortunate episode” in what he said had otherwise been positive and cordial relations between Nairobi and Moscow.
Kenyan officials said the exact number of its nationals recruited remains unclear, noting that none of the individuals traveled through official government channels. Many of those involved were allegedly misled with promises of jobs abroad and later coerced into joining the conflict, they added.
Mudavadi said talks with Russia will focus on halting any illegal recruitment activities, including negotiations over visa policies and bilateral labor agreements that explicitly exclude any form of military conscription.
He said the government should not be blamed for illegal recruitment, noting that authorities have shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceiving Kenyans with false promises of overseas employment.
Kenya has so far repatriated 27 citizens, Mudavadi said, adding that authorities are providing psychological support to address trauma and assist with “de-radicalization.”
It is unclear how many Kenyans have died fighting for Russia, and Moscow has not formally addressed such reports. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has reportedly turned away relatives seeking information about loved ones on the front lines.
The controversy comes as both Ukraine and Russia have been accused of recruiting foreign nationals mainly from Asia and Africa to fight for their sides using deceptive tactics, such as promises of employment, scholarships and opportunities to compete in sports events.
One such case involves Kenyan long-distance runner Evans Kibet, who said he was tricked into joining the Russian army after traveling there for a track event.
The 36-year-old athlete is currently a prisoner of war in Ukraine and recounted his experiences in an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle in November.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, more than 1,400 people from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Cape Town: The Two Oceans Aquarium
Beneath the surface at the V&A Waterfront
Set against the buzz of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s iconic aquarium offers a calm, captivating escape.
By Nadine Burger
06-02-26 09:31
in Cape Town
Fishes at the aquarium
0
Fishes at the aquarium. Photo:Instagram/nadine_burg_
Nestled at the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is one of Cape Town’s most loved attractions. It brings visitors face to face with marine life found along South Africa’s unique coastline, where two oceans meet. From the moment you step inside, the noise of the city fades, replaced by the slow movement of water and the quiet rhythm of life beneath the surface.
The aquarium is designed to educate as much as it entertains. Carefully curated exhibits showcase kelp forests, colourful reef fish, penguins, turtles and sharks, all while explaining the importance of marine conservation. Clear signage, interactive displays and daily talks make it easy for visitors of all ages to learn without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re a local looking for a peaceful afternoon or a visitor exploring the V&A for the first time, the aquarium offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s an experience that feels both grounding and inspiring, reminding you just how closely connected Cape Town is to the ocean that surrounds it.
Ocean Life Up Close
One of the highlights is the predator exhibit, where ragged-tooth sharks glide past large viewing windows and through the famous tunnel. Watching these animals up close creates a deep sense of respect for marine ecosystems and the delicate balance that keeps them alive.
Education and Conservation
Beyond displays, the aquarium plays an active role in research, rescue and environmental education. Programmes focused on sustainability and ocean protection highlight real issues affecting South Africa’s seas.
Perfectly Placed at the V&A
Located within the V&A Waterfront, the aquarium pairs perfectly with a day of shopping, dining or seaside walks.
Personally, I always find that a visit here slows me down in the best way, and I never leave without feeling a little more appreciative of Cape Town’s ocean life.
0
comments
The Cape Town Red Bus Tour
Cape Town from the top: The Red Bus City Tour experience
Seeing Cape Town from an open-top bus offers a relaxed and scenic experience.
By Nadine Burger
04-02-26 12:58
in Cape Town
The red bus
0
The red bus driving along the Bo-Kaap. Image: Generated through AI.
Cape Town is a city best explored slowly, and the Cape Town Red Bus City Tour makes that easy without the pressure of navigating traffic or planning complex routes. Designed as a hop-on, hop-off experience, the tour allows visitors to explore the city at their own pace while still covering a wide range of attractions. It is ideal for first-time visitors and equally enjoyable for locals wanting a fresh view of familiar places.
The tour operates on clearly marked routes that take passengers through the heart of the city and along some of its most scenic stretches. Open-top double-decker buses offer uninterrupted views, while an onboard audio guide provides commentary in multiple languages. The narration explains Cape Town’s history, architecture, and cultural diversity, turning the ride into both a sightseeing and learning experience.
Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of the Red Bus City Tour. You can stay on the bus for the full loop or hop off at selected stops to explore further, then rejoin later. Full route details and ticket options can be viewed on the City Sightseeing Cape Town website.
Iconic Sights Along the Route
Highlights include views of Table Mountain, stops near the V&A Waterfront, and coastal drives past Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches, combining ocean, city, and mountain scenery.
Culture and History on Display
The route also passes through areas such as Bo-Kaap, offering insight into Cape Town’s layered history and vibrant communities. It is something everyone must experience when in Cape Town.
Why the Red Bus Is Worth It
Personally, I enjoy the Red Bus because it allows me to slow down and really take in Cape Town. Sitting up top, watching the city unfold with the mountain always in view, reminds me why this city continues to feel special no matter how many times I see it.
0
comments
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)