South African Refugee Dies by Suicide Just Months After Moving to US

• Carin Cilliers from Boksburg died in Houston, Texas, on 8 September 2026, just over two months after arriving in the United States
• Her cousin revealed Carin had struggled with mental health and loneliness, and had previously expressed a desire to return to South Africa
• Her death has raised questions about mental health screening and support available to people entering refugee programmes

GAUTENG — A 49-year-old South African woman has died by suicide in the United States, just over two months after leaving the country through a refugee programme in search of a better life.

According to The Citizen, Carin Cilliers, originally from Bardene in Boksburg, Gauteng, passed away in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Before emigrating, she ran her own business and had a passion for horses.

Carin entered the United States on 30 June and was initially settled in San Andreas, California. She later relocated to Texas, where she had an existing contact, reportedly after finding the isolation in California difficult to manage.

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Carin struggled with loneliness and mental health

Her cousin, Yolandé Cilliers, who also came to the US through the same programme, confirmed that Carin had battled with her mental health for some time.Yolandé revealed that Carin had expressed a wish to return to South Africa before her death.

Lianda Alkema, a South African refugee working as a recruiter for a US-based agency in Texas, noted that a diagnosis of mental illness does not automatically disqualify someone from participating in the programme.

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Finding work in the US proved harder than expected

Despite possessing what Alkema described as an "impressive CV", Carin was unable to secure employment in the US. Alkema cautioned that some refugees arrive expecting to slot into roles similar to those they held back home, only to discover that the American job market operates very differently. Fellow South African refugee Nerine Beukes was direct on the matter:

"In America, your qualifications and job experience are irrelevant."

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Yolandé said many people assumed starting fresh abroad would be straightforward, particularly underestimating the hardship faced by those making the move alone. She has since launched a fundraiser to cover travel costs to Houston, Carin's cremation and the management of her remaining affairs.

Carin's death occurred two days before World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on 10 September to promote awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

Afrikaner refugees detail hardships in the US

Previously, Briefly News reported that some Afrikaners who recently moved from South Africa to the United States are facing severe hardships despite government assurances of support. Reports say many are placed in unsafe motels or mouldy, expensive housing, with their resettlement allowance quickly spent on rent. They told a publication they lack food, clothing, and basic support, often relying on neighbours while struggling to access government resettlement services.In many cases, neighbours and local community members have had to step in to provide basic support.

If you are feeling suicidal or are thinking about hurting yourself, do not hesitate to call the SA Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567. If you are concerned that someone you know might be in danger of hurting themselves, please alert your local authorities for immediate assistance. You can also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information above. Help is available on the Suicide Crisis Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and counsellors can conduct calls in all 11 official languages.

Source: Briefly News