South African Americans are Americans who have full or partial ancestry from South Africa. In 2021, there were approximately 123,461 people born in South Africa who were living in the United States. There are large populations in Southern California, especially in Orange County and San Diego County, and the Miami, Florida area. Between October 2025 and March 2026, 4,499 refugees were admitted into the United States; all but three were white South Africans, with over half arriving in February and March.
Demography The majority of overseas South Africans live in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, countries with similar cultural and linguistic heritage to many South Africans, as well as similar climates and latitude positioning in the case of the latter two countries. There have also been a large number of South African immigrants who have gone to the US. Many white South Africans, both before and after the end of apartheid, emigrated to Midwestern states such as Minnesota and Illinois.
Irvine, California has a large population of South African Jews. There are numerous South Africans living in New York City and Mid-Atlantic states such as Maryland. Most South African immigrants in the US are white people of European origin. Of the 82,000 South Africans living in the US between 2008 and 2009, about 11,000 of them were Black South Africans.New Streams: Black African Migration to the United States. Posted by Randy Capps, Kristen McCabe, and Michael Fix. In the 2000 Census, 509 South African Americans reported their ethnic origins as Zulu.
The majority of these immigrants are English speaking, with a moderate proportion of these being South African Jews. In the US, South Africans in general — both white and black — live in the US individually, rather than in communities of South African Americans.Everyculture: South African American. Posted by Judson Knight and Lorna Mabunda. Retrieved September 2, 2012, to 2:50pm. The highest number of South Africans in the US live in California, notably Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego, while smaller populations reside in the Mid-Atlantic and the Pacific Northwest.
South African-born population South African-born population in the US since 2015: YearNumber 2015 94,141 2016 104,889 2017 111,720 2018 99,672 2019 111,116 2020 108,650 2021 123,461 2022 139,322
Culture The culture of South African Americans is a blend of their diverse ancestral backgrounds (i.e. Zulus, Xhosa, Afrikaners, Anglo-South Africans, Jews, etc.) mixed with contemporary American life. South African Americans have large, close-knit communities, particularly in Southern California (especially in Orange County and San Diego) and the Miami, Florida area. Cultural life often includes elements like braai (South African barbecue), a passion for rugby or cricket, and a deep interest in South African politics and social affairs. Though many speak English, there is often infuency in Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and other South African languages, which are maintained within households. While maintaining a distinct identity, South African Americans often assimilate well into the US mainstream, particularly those of European or urban, professional backgrounds, though they often retain a unique cultural perspective on the American experience.
The most renowned South African restaurant in the United States is the international chain Nando's Peri-Peri. In addition, there are several South African restaurants located in other major cities, including New York City and Atlanta. These establishments were primarily founded by white South Africans who relocated to these urban areas and sought to introduce their native cuisine to an American audience. The majority of these restaurants offer South African dishes, including boerewors sausage and bobotie, as well as Indian dishes such as curries and samosas.
Organizations Indaba ("discussion" in Zulu) is an example of an organization set up by South Africans to promote community involvement. It was founded in the 1990s and sponsors community events and activities. This organization allows the exchange of information through a web site and a mailing list, keeping South Africans informed about international and local events.
The South African consulate in Chicago has close ties with many expatriates and hosts regular events and speakers, including an annual celebration of Freedom Day on 27 April. In 2001, the hosts founded the African Group of the U.S. Women's Action to boost the knowledge and understanding of South Africa among Americans. The South Africans are also in many other forums, such as informal parties, religious activities and rugby matches.
Notable people
Adam Friedland, comedian Adam Rose, professional wrestler Andrew Parkinson, soccer player Andrew Pattison, tennis player Ama Qamata, actress, Activist Angela Hawken, academic Arnold Vosloo, actor Ben Viljoen, Boer general, politician and author Bongokuhle Hlongwane, footballer Candice Swanepoel, actress, Model Candice Pillay, singer-songwriter Caron Bernstein, model and actress Charlize Theron, model and actress Cliff Drysdale, tennis player Colin Cowie, lifestyle guru Da L.E.S, hip hop artist and record producer Daniel Mindel, cinematographer Dante Polvara, footballer Dave Matthews, musician Dave Wittenberg, anime and video game voice actor David DeCastro, American football player David O. Sacks, entrepreneur Denise Scott Brown, architect and urban planner Doja Cat, singer and rapper Dion George, politician and conservationist Candice Swanepoel, Model Earl Sweatshirt, rapper Elizabeth Furse, U.S. politician Elon Musk, entrepreneur Embeth Davidtz, actress Gary Barber, producer Gavin Buckley, politician Goapele, rhythm & blues artist Gregory Alan Isakov, singer-songwriter Greg Joseph, American football placekicker Jason Lewis, state legislator Johan Kriek, tennis player Joel Pollak, political commentator Jonathan Butler, musician, guitarist Jonathan Westphal, philosopher Jordan Taylor, professional racing driver Julian Krinsky, American, former South African, professional tennis player Kongos brothers, musicians Lesley-Ann Brandt, actress Liezel Huber, tennis player Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, creators of Kiff Lyndon Rive, businessman, cousin of Elon Musk Madelaine Petsch, actress Mark Mathabane, author Mike Connell, professional footballer Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012 Nomzamo Mbatha, actress & UNCHR Ambassador Patrick Soon-Shiong, entrepreneur Philippe Sandler, footballer Philip Lloyd, professional wrestler Richard W. Fisher, politician and banker Ricky Taylor, professional racing driver Robert Hamerton-Kelly, theologian Robert Schneider, musician and producer Robert Z. Lawrence, economist Rodney Howard Browne, theologian and author Roy Wegerle, soccer player Sasha Pieterse, actress Selema Masekela, sports broadcaster, son of Hugh Masekela Sharlto Copley, actor & director Stelio Savante, actor Stephen Simpson, professional racing driver Styles P, rapper Tammin Sursok, actor, singer, composer and guitarist Thuso Mbedu, actress Trevor Denman, thoroughbred race caller Trevor Noah, comedian, TV host Trevor Rabin, musician Tshego, musician Tsiki Ntsabeleng, footballer Tyla, musician Victor Nogueira, footballer Zinzi Clemmons, writer Genevieve Morton, model
See also
South Africa–United States relations Southern Africans in the United States White South African refugee program (2025-since)
References
External links EveryCulture — South African-Americans