In a world increasingly divided by politics, an American expat's heartfelt expression of her life in South Africa is resonating with locals, particularly amid the ongoing tensions stirred by US President Donald Trump's recent executive order.
The controversial directive invites white Afrikaners to apply for refugee status in the United States, following unfounded claims of white genocide and land expropriation in South Africa.
Heather Mason, known on social media as @2summers, took to TikTok to release a video entitled "Some thoughts from a white American who’s been living in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a long time, loves it here, and doesn’t want to leave".
In this candid reflection, Mason shares her sentiments as both an outsider and a long-term resident - having lived in the country for over 15 years.
@2summers Some thoughts from a white American who’s been living in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a long time, loves it here, and doesn’t want to leave. #americaninjoburg #southafrica #johannesburg ♬ original sound - Heather Mason
“There is one thought that has been occupying my brain. I haven’t heard or seen anyone else talking about this, and I’m curious to know if anyone else is thinking about this.
"As an American who has lived in South Africa for a very long time, as you can see, I’m white; I’m not feeling oppressed here in any way,” she conveys in the video. “I definitely have no interest in going back to America anytime soon.”
Mason’s candid reflection doesn’t shy away from the incongruities of living in a politically charged atmosphere.
“When I find myself lying awake at night worrying, it’s like, what if the South African government just gets pissed off by this BS that the American government is pulling on South Africa and just decides to kick the Americans out? That would just really suck,” Mason expressed.
Her humorous yet poignant observations have evoked a wave of supportive reactions from South African citizens, showcasing a spirit of ubuntu and diplomacy.
In response to Mason’s concerns, South African netizens flooded the comments section with reassurances.
One user, @lionessbrownskin, affirmed, “South Africa will never kick anyone out; Cyril Ramaphosa is an emotionally intelligent, ethical, and smart leader 😊 He makes decisions to build South Africa, not break it. You’re safe.”
Another user, @syreeta_jayne, echoed similar sentiments by stating, “For all our faults, South Africans are, at their essence, diplomatic and wouldn’t actually kick any nationality out - my thoughts anyway.”
Such affirmations reflect the resilience and warmth of a country often misunderstood in global narratives.
As an estimated 10,000 American expatriates call South Africa home, particularly in bustling urban centres such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, Mason’s video not only highlights her devotion to her adopted home but also resonates with a wider community of international residents navigating the complexities of living abroad amidst geopolitical upheaval.