“New Life, New City”: Afrikaner’s New Beginnings in Massachusetts
- A South African woman shared glimpses of her new life in Massachusetts, showing how she adjusted to everyday routines in a new country while navigating challenges like shopping ahead of a big storm
- Her video gave viewers a glimpse of life abroad, from grocery stores with unfamiliar prices to small but meaningful moments, highlighting how South Africans adapt to different cultures and systems
- While not a refugee, her experience reflects a wider trend of South Africans moving abroad for work, education, or lifestyle opportunities, seeking new beginnings and fresh perspectives
The vlog captured both the excitement and challenges of starting fresh in a new country. It sparked reflection on migration trends, showing how ordinary daily activities can reveal the courage and adaptability of South Africans pursuing life overseas.
Source: TikTok
A South African woman shared a glimpse of her new life in Massachusetts, USA, in a vlog that showed her grocery shopping ahead of an approaching storm. The video, posted by @chantaldutoit37 on 23 January 2026, highlighted familiar South African routines in an unfamiliar setting, with prices displayed in dollars, reflecting her adaptation to life abroad.
While she is not a refugee, her experience taps into a broader conversation about Afrikaners and other South Africans relocating to the United States and other countries in search of new opportunities. Over the past decade, many South Africans have moved abroad due to work, education, and lifestyle considerations, seeking safety, stability, or fresh beginnings.
Migration trends reflected through everyday moments
Chantal’s vlog illustrates the challenges and excitement of adjusting to a new country. From navigating grocery stores to preparing for storms, user @chantaldutoit37 illustrates ties to her South African identity. Mzansi viewers were drawn to the mix of everyday life and the unique perspective of someone starting fresh, far from home.
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The trend of South Africans moving abroad continues to grow, with families, young professionals, and retirees exploring life overseas. Stories like Chantal’s provide insight into this migration, showing how people maintain cultural roots while embracing new environments, and why platforms like TikTok are becoming a popular way to share these experiences.
Source: TikTok
Check out the TikTok video below:
Here’s what Mzansi said
Dora the Explorer Van Wyk commented:
“Wow, Sprokiesland.”
Naleen commented:
“Neeeee, wil nooit so koud kry nie.”
Annamarie Groenewald commented:
“Dit lyk awesome.”
User5234755166712 commented:
“Eish!”
NextGen Wealth Co. commented:
“Oh my soul, you look stunning.”
Adri Botha commented:
“So beautiful. 🥰”
Juan de Klerk commented:
“Beautiful.”
Shano commented:
“So pretty. 😍”
2seew commented:
“Lyk koud.”
3 Other Briefly News stories about Afrikaners in the US
- An Afrikaner woman living in the US shared a viral video showing her latest grocery run, sparking an online debate about if whether the white genocide claims were true or just an excuse.
- Amerikaner, Pieter van der Walt, shared positive experiences about his life as an Afrikaner refugee in the USA, prompting South Africans to react.
- Afrikaner refugee Charl Kleinhaus shared positive experiences in the United States amid social media scrutiny, sparking reactions on social media.
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Source: Briefly News
