“Plug Me”: South African on H-2B Visa Programme Talks About Life-Changing Work Opportunity in the US

• A South African dual citizen who moved to the US in 2012 posted a TikTok defending the Workaway hospitality programme after online critics called it a scam
• She explained that participating agencies cover housing, work transport and round-trip flights, leaving workers with most of their earnings to send back home
• Her video sparked heated debate, with some viewers eager to join the programme and others warning that the American cost of living makes the numbers impossible

A South African woman living in the United States pushed back hard against sceptics of a popular overseas work programme, saying the opportunity had genuinely changed lives back home. TikTok user @ingz_12 posted her response on 26 August 2026, addressing critics who had questioned whether the Workaway hospitality exchange programme was worth it for South Africans. She moved to the US in 2012 and holds dual citizenship.

Earning a decent salary in the US

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In the video, she explained that workers on the programme earn between R45,000 and R60,000 a month. Crucially, she said agencies sponsoring workers on the H-2B visa cover the big-ticket expenses: housing, transport to and from work, and return flights between South Africa and the United States. That arrangement, she argued, leaves participants responsible only for personal spending, meaning most of their income can be saved or sent home.

She pointed to real outcomes she had witnessed, including former participants who built homes, funded siblings' university education, and bought cars after completing their seasons. Directing her message squarely at people outside the hospitality industry who were stirring up doubt online, she told them to keep scrolling and leave the content to those genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Watch the full TikTok video that sparked the debate below:

What viewers had to say about the programme

The video split opinion sharply. Some viewers were ready to sign up, while others remained unconvinced about how the numbers could work once American expenses were factored in.

@GlorytoGod pushed back directly:

"It's not true; we ain't using rands in the US. Please tell people the truth: rent is $1500, electricity, credit cards, transport or car note, insurance, food, and utilities."

@VincentSibanda echoed the concern:

"Which waitressing job pays that much? I understand we need employment, but this sounds too good to be true. Honestly, people are desperate, but let's not risk our lives. We have heard stories of people being turned into slaves overseas."

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@Roberts added:

"R50k in South Africa is not even enough; let that sink in, imagine the cost of living in the States."

Not everyone was doubtful.

@BradinHeradion... shared a first-hand account:

"I'm in my first year of the program. I have to agree. The money you make is between R45 000 and R60 000 per month. I can't complain. 1 season per club twice, can make you build a house fully in South Africa 🍾."

Others wanted in. @Zabambili🎀 wrote:

"Please plug me; I have a Hospitality N4 certificate and Public Management N4 and N5," while @qqyt.official asked: "Please help me get a job." @ntostn_ shared a brief but relatable setback: "Workaway declined me."

3 Briefly News articles about H-2A visa programme workers

• An Afrikaner H-2A farm worker in the US earned praise online after sharing a video showing his intense work ethic as he planted crops until 2:30 AM to finish before a heavy rainstorm hit.
• An H-2A worker in the US intrigued South Africans online after sharing a video exploring an American grocery store and testing unique food items like packaged pickle juice.
• An American pea farmer sparked a debate after revealing he could not find workers—including H-2A visa holders—despite offering a R25,000 weekly wage with free housing and covered utilities as his crops rot in the field.

Source: Briefly News