From visitor to community leader: Faiek Abrahams unites South Africans in the US

Faiek Abrahams, chairperson of the South African Network in Washington DC and the surrounding states of Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, has dedicated himself to connecting South Africans living in the United States, helping them feel at home far from their families and friends.Abrahams’ journey to the US began in July 2006 when he travelled to visit his daughter, Nabeela, who was living in New York at the time.“My first visit was very interesting, exploring places around New York, the White House, Capitol Hill and Staten Island,” he recalls.Over the years, Abrahams made several trips to visit his daughter, but it was not until 2021 that he decided to stay in Fairfax, Virginia.After a few weeks in Fairfax, Abrahams felt the need to connect with his fellow South Africans.He met a few friends for coffee at a local ...