A Positive Future to Embrace and Work for

After feeling sidelined by policies like the 2024 land expropriation laws in South Africa, which left many Afrikaners powerless as their farms were threatened, the United States offers a fresh opportunity to speak up and shape the future. The democratic system here values input, especially for those who felt their voices didn’t matter back home. Let’s explore how to engage in America’s political landscape, whether just starting as a permanent resident or working toward citizenship, and how to make an impact in this new community.

Getting Involved in America’s Democracy

The U.S. is a federal republic, meaning power splits between the national government and the states, and every citizen gets a say through voting and civic engagement. It’s a system that welcomes participation, offering a chance to influence policies that affect daily life, from local schools to national immigration laws.

Voting Once You’re a Citizen

After five years as a permanent resident—or three if married to a U.S. citizen—applying for citizenship grants the right to vote. Registering at vote.gov takes just 10 minutes and can be done online or at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Voting in local elections, like for a school board member who supports programs for immigrant children, or in national elections for the president in 2028, allows direct influence on issues like taxes or school funding. In 2025, voter turnout initiatives in states like Texas have increased, with mobile apps providing election reminders and candidate information, making it easier for new citizens to participate. Many Afrikaners who became citizens in 2024 voted in local elections this year, helping elect officials who prioritized rural development—crucial for those restarting farming ventures.

Running for Office

As a citizen, running for local positions like city council or school board is an empowering option. Imagine advocating for Afrikaner cultural festivals in a small town in Colorado, or pushing for more support programs for new immigrants, like affordable housing initiatives. Even if a win isn’t secured, having a voice in the race raises awareness of community needs. In 2025, a record number of first-generation immigrants ran for local offices across the U.S., with some Afrikaners in Georgia gaining attention for their campaigns focused on agricultural education, reflecting their farming heritage.

Advocating as a Resident

Even before citizenship, involvement is possible. Attending town hall meetings—open forums where locals discuss issues like road repairs, community events, or school budgets—offers a platform to share experiences, such as challenges with visa processing or the need for more ESL classes. Joining groups like the Afrikaner Society of America (afrikanersociety.org), which has chapters in Texas and Colorado, provides opportunities to lobby for better immigration policies, like expedited family reunification visas, and connect with others who understand the resettlement journey. In 2025, advocacy efforts by immigrant groups led to increased federal funding for integration programs, including $50 million allocated for language and job training—resources Afrikaners can tap into.

Understanding the Political Landscape

The U.S. has a two-party system, simpler than South Africa’s multi-party landscape, but understanding the key players helps in finding a place within it and aligning with policies that support resettlement goals.

Democrats

The liberal party, often focused on social programs and inclusivity, tends to resonate with those seeking support systems as newcomers. In California, where Democrats hold strong influence, they’ve expanded healthcare programs like Medi-Cal, helping new arrivals afford doctor visits—crucial for families without employer insurance. Democrats also generally support immigration reform, potentially speeding up visa processing for loved ones still in South Africa. In 2025, Democratic-led states like New York introduced “Welcome Centers” for immigrants, offering free legal advice and job placement services, which many Afrikaners have used to secure stable employment in cities like Albany.

Republicans

The conservative party emphasizes lower taxes and less government involvement, which can appeal to the Afrikaner tradition of self-reliance, especially for those looking to farm again. In Texas, a Republican stronghold, their focus on rural development—like tax breaks for small farmers—suits many resettling Afrikaners. While stricter on immigration, Republicans often support policies that benefit rural communities, such as increased funding for agricultural training programs. In 2025, Texas Republicans passed a bill providing $10 million in grants for new farmers, helping Afrikaners establish dairy or crop farms in areas like the Panhandle.

Smaller Parties and Independents

Beyond the two main parties, groups like the Libertarian Party (focused on minimal government) and the Green Party (emphasizing environmental issues) exist but have less influence. Independents—those not tied to any party—can also sway local elections. Engaging with these groups at community events, like a sustainability fair in Oregon, can offer insights into niche issues like renewable energy for farms, which might align with Afrikaner values of land stewardship.

Making Your Voice Heard

Participation doesn’t stop at voting or running for office—there are everyday ways to influence the political landscape and build a stronger community.

Join Local Boards or Committees

Many towns have boards for parks, libraries, or zoning that welcome resident input. Serving on a zoning board in a rural area like Idaho could mean advocating for land-use policies that support small-scale farming, ensuring Afrikaners can continue their agricultural legacy. In 2025, some towns in the Midwest started offering virtual attendance for these meetings, making it easier for busy newcomers to join.

Write to Representatives

Even as a permanent resident, writing letters or emails to local or state representatives about issues like immigration delays or community needs can make a difference. A simple letter to a Texas state senator about the need for more rural healthcare clinics could lead to real change—some Afrikaners have seen success with this approach, resulting in mobile clinics visiting their areas monthly in 2025.

Organize Community Events

Hosting events like a cultural day to share Afrikaner traditions—think music, food, and storytelling—can build bridges with locals and raise awareness of immigrant needs. Pairing this with voter registration drives (for citizens) or informational sessions on advocacy can amplify impact. In 2025, Afrikaner communities in Florida organized “Heritage Days,” inviting local politicians to attend, which led to increased support for immigrant integration programs in the state.

Building a Political Future

Engaging in America’s political system is like planting seeds on a new farm—it takes time, but the harvest can be bountiful, ensuring Afrikaners have a voice in their new home.

Start small—attend a town hall, join a community group, or simply talk to neighbors about local issues. Every step forward builds influence, whether it’s securing better resources for your family or ensuring Afrikaner traditions are celebrated in your new town. As Amerikaners, this is a chance to shape a future where heritage and new opportunities grow hand in hand.