Latest news with #VanTonder
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hartbeespoort athlete wins extreme Red Bull ranch obstacle race in Texas
Hartbeespoort's very own Red Bull Obstacle Course racing athlete, Thomas van Tonder, has been crowned the first-ever Red Bull Rancher Strong Champion after taking on 16 elite male athletes in a high-stakes showdown in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. The Red Bull website states: 'The seven course obstacles have been designed around actions you would endure on your everyday ranch but with a fitness spin to them.' Kormorant reports that, bringing together the worlds of fitness and agricultural life, Red Bull Rancher Strong features an adrenaline-fuelled course of eight ranch-inspired obstacles – from cattle roping and hay hauling to fence jumping – all designed to push strength, stamina and speed. 'It was not an easy race by any means. It was a super tough event, and with the injury to my arm, it was really tough, but I managed to push through and win. This event exceeded all my expectations. What a vibe!' Van Tonder says. In this first-of-its-kind event, athletes went head-to-head in timed heats on a course as intense as it was unique. They swung from monkey bars, hauled feed sacks, pushed trailers, climbed hay bales, tiptoed over stumps, and dragged a weighted bull sled while riding a stationary horse. The course ended with a final climb back to the barn balcony. Van Tonder told the Red Bull website that he's been doing obstacle races for over 10 years. 'I've been doing it professionally since 2017. So it's almost like I've been training for this for a good decade. I have had my setbacks — I broke my arm in February in a big competition in Dubai, and it was really a struggle from there to rebuild and come back into form. So being able to come here to the heart of Texas and take a win.'
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
White Afrikaner farmer shares his new life in the US
In the wake of President Donald Trump's controversial decision to open US borders to white Afrikaner farmers, stories of migration, opportunity, and resilience are emerging across social media – none more poignant than that of Jacques Faith van Tonder. Now living in South Dakota, Van Tonder has captivated thousands through heartfelt TikTok videos, offering glimpses into his new life abroad. His TikTok handle, @jacquesfaithvanto, has become a digital diary of transition and gratitude, with viewers drawn to both the simplicity and sincerity of his content. 'I feel so blessed,' Van Tonder shared in one video, showing his quiet suburban street and a brief candid moment of his wife getting ready for the day. @jacquesfaithvanto Groot surprise in Amerika #farmlife #H2A #h2ainfo #Godisgood #1ofbillions #workinamerica ♬ original sound – Jacques Faith van Tonder The post, like many others, has sparked waves of support and questions from fellow South Africans seeking to make the same move. Van Tonder's journey hasn't been easy. On his personal blog, he recounts the economic and social challenges that pushed him to look overseas. 'For years, I ran a business in South Africa, but facing tough realities, I had to make some big decisions,' he writes. 'With a little faith and a friend's helping hand, a door opened: a chance to work on an American farm. Fast forward a few years, and this experience has been a game-changer.' His journey has not only provided financial security for his family but also inspired him to launch a platform to help others follow in his footsteps. Recognising a growing interest from South Africans eager to work in American agriculture, Van Tonder founded – a platform that connects South African job seekers with US agricultural employers through the H-2A visa programme. 'The initiative designs a pathway for job seekers, turning the traditional hiring process on its head,' he explained. 'By creating a profile on candidates can significantly enhance their visibility to potential employers.' With a registration fee of R500 per year, applicants gain access to a growing network of American farm owners actively seeking skilled labor from abroad. The launch of has already generated considerable interest, especially amid widespread uncertainty over visa processes and the feasibility of emigrating. Van Tonder's story has become both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for those looking to build a future beyond South Africa's borders. 'My goal is not just to share my success,' he said, 'but to empower others with the tools they need to achieve their own.' With thousands tuning in to Van Tonder's journey on social media and the continued expansion of a growing number of South Africans are beginning to see a viable pathway toward work and stability in the United States – rooted in Van Tonder's message of faith, perseverance, and community support. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
