What should have been an ordinary grocery shopping trip in the United States turned into an uncomfortable encounter for several Afrikaners after they were reportedly told by strangers to “go back to your country”.
In a video shared widely online, the group of men who were at the fruit and vegetable section of the shop tried to respond to the demand.
“Well, I think you should change your attitude,” one South African man said. “Is this your first time in the States?”
The Americans were also heard asking the men whether they had been “sniffing paint”.
They also misgendered one of the men, calling him ma’am and claimed he is one of the men’s wives.
The exchange comes amid heightened attention on Afrikaners in the US following US President Donald Trump’s decision to create a refugee pathway for some Afrikaners, arguing they face discrimination in South Africa, a claim rejected by the South African government.
“Amerikaners are facing #abahambe treatment in America,” a South African posted on X.
More recently, his administration announced plans to expand the number of white South Africans admitted through the refugee system. Against that backdrop, the supermarket encounter has reignited conversations about identity, belonging and the realities of starting a new life abroad.
