“Nobody’s Cleaning Up After You”: Afrikaner Refugee in the US Speaks Out About Life in Alabama

• An Afrikaner refugee sat down with a retired US Army Colonel to share what life is really like in Alabama after joining the refugee programme
• The refugee, who has been in Birmingham for three months, explained that refugees need to work hard to build their lives from scratch
• South Africans flooded the comment section with messages of support, with many saying they couldn't wait to start working in America

Retired US Army Colonel Chris Wyatt sat down with Errol Langton, one of the original 59 Afrikaner refugees who arrived in Alabama, to give people an honest look at what life is really like for South Africans who moved to America. The video was shared on 3 August 2025 on Wyatt's YouTube channel @ColonelChrisWyatt with the caption:

"An update on South African Refugees in Alabama. A conversation with Errol Langton."

Langton, who has been in America for just over three months, made it clear that refugees don't get the special treatment many people assumed they would.

Read also

"She deserved a red card": Outcry over 'butchered' national anthem at Springboks' match in Italy

"I know there are a lot of people out there going, 'but I was promised so much, and Trump was supposedly stealing all the farmers from South Africa so you can have farmers in America'," he said. "You're not going to get a car, they're not going to buy your farm and tractors."

The refugee explained that after two months, they had to start paying their own rent and supporting themselves.

"It's your name on the lease, it's not the US government's name on the lease. You're the one getting evicted," Langton said. He also mentioned that he's already on his second job, working as a manager at a car wash, joking about the stereotype of South Africans becoming car guards in America.

Wyatt pointed out that Birmingham has an unemployment rate below 4%, with a recent job fair offering 10,000 positions in the area alone. According to the Ludwig Institute, the current economic climate shows plenty of opportunities for those willing to work hard.

Langton had strong words for South Africans looking to come over or those who have already arrived.

"Africans have had their hand out to the rest of the world for decades," he said. "If you play the victim card, you will not fit in. Take the opportunity you've been given and work hard, and you can open any door."

Read also

Sarah Langa reflects on finding love after divorce: "It's ok to walk away and rebuild yourself"

He advised new arrivals to take any job they can get at first, even if it pays less, to understand how American society works and build networks.

"Take the $15 or $18 job so that you get an understanding of how society works, and I promise you, you'll be earning better money within a year's time," Langton explained.

The interview took place at Langton's apartment complex, which has two swimming pools and is surrounded by trees.

"These places are nicer than almost every place I've lived in my entire life," Wyatt said.

Netizens react to the refugee update

Social media users who viewed the YouTube video on Col. Chris Wyatt's YouTube page @ColonelChrisWyatt shared their happiness for the Afrikaner man:

@MotherKD gushed:

"So lovely to see and hear you are enjoying your new home and are safe."

@juliebarnard7211 wrote:

"Nothing is impossible when the family remain humble and works together."

@yvettevandorp5508 said:

"So nice to see you guys are fine, safe and happy. May God bless you and bring you blessings for this new part of your life."

Read also

Siya Kolisi hails Springboks’ fighting spirit after early red card in win over Italy

@nelliemostert6738 shared:

"Well done! Can't wait to start working in America. Thank you, Col Wyatt."

@mariuscronje added:

"Glad to see you guys are enjoying it in the USA. Cannot wait to work there, looking forward to it."

Watch the YouTube clip below:

More on the SA refugees heading to US

• Briefly News recently reported on a Western Cape man who reacted to news that the Trump administration partnered with a group called Amerikaners to bring more South Africans to the US.
• A woman who was accepted into the refugee programme shared a video explaining that people don't need lots of money to qualify for the refugee programme.
• The US Diplomatic Mission to South Africa announced updated requirements for refugee status eligibility.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News