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 diner, a small gathering that became the foundation for the South African Network in Washington DC. The network officially began in June 2021 with just eight members, at a meeting held at George Mason University. Today, under Abrahams’ leadership, the network has grown to 1 600 members on Facebook, hosting social events and offering support to South Africans across the DMV.

The group organises quarterly gatherings to help South Africans stay connected. These include the SA Freedom Day celebration in Maryland each April, Mandela Day in June or July, the annual SA Heritage Day in September, the SA Friends Giving evening in October or November, and the year-end lunch at Nando’s in December.

“The need to socially connect with each other is a priority for our SA diaspora,” says Abrahams, highlighting the joy and camaraderie these events bring.

Abrahams’ role extends beyond social gatherings. He represents the South African diaspora at meetings with the SA Embassy in Washington DC, offering guidance on passport applications, birth certificates and assisting South Africans who encounter difficulties at local airports. His first official interaction with the embassy was during the 2021 SA Freedom Day celebration, where he met then-Ambassador Norma-India Mkhize. Since then, he has continued to maintain close ties, citing Neil Diamond at the embassy as a great mentor.

The network has become a lifeline for many South Africans adjusting to life in the US. “When we leave South Africa, we leave behind family and friends. Meeting other South Africans helps ease that transition,” Abrahams explains. The group provides a place for laughter, connection and the comfort of shared heritage, helping new arrivals feel less homesick.