"If we don’t act, they win."
This was the last sentence of last month's opening letter written by an anonymous DASA member. That says it all, and that goes for all of us.
Heather Mason at the 21 March protest at the US Consulate in Sandton
While we’re all deeply concerned about our country, it is also excruciating to see the Trump-Musk regime’s continuous attacks on South Africa. The health-related funding cuts here and across the world, US included, are simply unconscionable. As I’ve mentioned before, Democrats Abroad has a long-standing policy of not engaging in foreign policy matters. It’s hard not to speak up more on these issues but at the same time, they are also extremely sensitive and I’m sure none of us want to do anything to harm South Africa’s relations with the US so we must act with care. Several of us protested at the US Consulate in Sandton on Human Rights Day which was also the Intl Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Turnout was less than we’d hoped but we made our point and it felt good to be together. Khaya Khumalo from SABC spent the afternoon with us – you can see my interview here and additional voices here. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from South Africans, including the police there that day, who appreciated that we stood up and spoke out.
We’ve talked about the need for each of us to be Everyday American Ambassadors to SA (*see the nomination of Leo Brent Bozell III to be US Amb to SA) but we need to proactively find more ways to be Everyday Ambassadors of South Africa to the US too – let’s counter the lies and misinformation! There is no question that the administration is pursuing a racist, White Supremacist, US Supremacist, Christian Nationalist agenda domestically, with South Africa, and globally. We cannot be silent to this.
There are too many issues to touch on as we quickly slide into this inhumane, authoritarian phase in history. Musk has bought the federal govt (hopefully democracy succeeds in Wisconsin today), Project 2025 is being implemented and the oligarchy are cementing even greater power. As Heather’s sign said, there are “No Words” to adequately describe our reality. But we can, and must, act against it!
In this month's newsletter:
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The chainsaw is coming for our Voting Rights. The Executive Order & SAVE Act aim to disenfranchise Americans. See below and contact your Members of Congress TODAY.
- Hands Off! Mass Mobilisation 5 April
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Your concerns about travelling into the US are justified - see below for resources to better protect ourselves and others at the border - both in terms of immigration status, freedom of speech and data privacy / searches.
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Social Security resources
- News clips and articles – members are sharing valuable resources in our WhatsApp group and many of these are shared on our Facebook page as well. Join the group or follow us on FB and Instagram. Links below.
DASA Volunteers, AGM and Executive Committee (Exco)
As always, thanks to our DASA Volunteers! Special thanks to the team that hosted the USAID focused webinar last month; the Nominations and Election Committee: Susan Cashin, Tiwana Merritt and Cristianne Wendler; and those who helped out at our AGM.
Thank you to all who voted in our recent leadership elections and those who attended our AGM on the 18th. The 2025-2027 committee was elected as follows:
Chair: Elizabeth O'Leary
Member at Large / DPCA Voting Representative: Tiffany Jackson-Zunker
Member at Large: Sunnye Collins
A warm welcome to Sunnye and thanks to Tiffany for running again!
Let's do all we can. For each other, for the next generation, for the future of the United States and the world around us.
- Liz O'Leary, DASA Chair
DASA VOICES
If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen
By Mary Tomlinson
Harry Truman is remembered for this famous phrase. He could not have better stated the frustration we voters feel watching the US Congress curl itself up into a ball as Donald Trump throws over our allies and embraces our enemy, Vladimir Putin.
In the Atlantic (26 February 2025), Elaine Godfrey wrote that she reached out to all 271 Republican members of the House and Senate asking each of them two straightforward questions: Did Russia invade Ukraine? And is Putin a dictator? She received only nineteen responses.
Isabel Allende, in her 1982 novel, House of Spirits, describes how with a stroke of a pen there was an, “…erasing of every incident, ideology and historical figure of which the regime disapproved.” Maps were adjusted and distant countries were appropriated. Same as happening right now in our own country.
President Truman demonstrated fortitude by dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima that ended World War II. He recognized the Soviet Union as a threat to the US’s economic and military power. Any member of the US Congress who cannot call forth a similar fortitude by standing up to the President should, at least, have the courage to follow his directive: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
A LITTLE GOOD NEWS
Why We Vote Up and Down the Ballot
PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC WINS
Voters delivered an upset in Pennsylvania as James Malone FLIPPED the state Senate seat in District 36, becoming the first Democrat elected in Lancaster County since 1889. This was a Trump +15 district. Dan Goughnour also secured the state House seat in District 35, maintaining the 1-vote Democratic majority in that chamber.
Hoping that we see future flips like this in the near future requires us to act - VOTE and remind others how important it is!
VOTING CONTINUES IN 2025!
EVERY OFFICE ACROSS THE STATES IS CRITICAL
Be prepared for any and every opportunity to VOTE! Request a ballot (submit an FPCA) using Vote From Abroad today if you haven't already.
There are important elections in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin already on the calendar. More may be scheduled! There are also state and local elections which some may be qualified to vote in if you select "Intend to Return" on your FPCA.
- It ensures that your voter registration remains current.
- It ensures protections under federal law (UOCAVA) for your vote.
- It requires your Local Election Official to send you ballots for all elections you are eligible to vote in during the calendar year.
- There’s no such thing as an “off year”. Special elections can – and do – pop up unexpectedly. Be ready.
Have a teenager who will be turning 18? They may be able to pre-register to vote. Check your state HERE
NOT A WI or FL VOTER? Remind your friends and family in these states to get out and vote!
NOTE FOR ANYONE FAXING A BALLOT BACK IN 2025
We have been advised NOT to use FVAP's email to fax service at this stage (yes, for those reasons). Please look for another service such as Fax.Zero or FaxPlus.
CLICK HERE for more info on faxing voter documentation
Help Find Voters in SA!
Know other US Citizens in SA? Lead them to Vote From Abroad and encourage them to become a DASA member at www.democratsabroad.org/join so they can get involved and we can keep them up to date.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
Democrats Abroad has initiated a Resistance Advocacy programme.
Click the box below to read more, sign up for Take Action alerts, and find ideas to implement in your community.
SPEAK UP: Write to your State Leaders
This is a full-on assault on our country with significant effects on South Africa and the world! Please schedule time in your daily schedule to contact your elected officials TODAY and every day - whether they are Democrats or Republicans. Choose an area of focus or simply tell them to STOP the Trump administration's outrageous actions.
Implore friends and family in the States to as well!
STATE LEADERSHIP
Follow your representatives' social media channels. When you see persuasive posts and clips, share and amplify them! Sending directly to others can also help change their perspectives and their algorithms! If your representatives aren't doing enough, tell them to fight for your rights, for our country!
State parties are eager to include Americans abroad at their events. Please look for your State Democratic Party websites and social media.
SOCIAL SECURITY INFO
We've been receiving questions related to problems members are having with Social Security and unfortunately the webinar that had been planned for last week was postponed by the London Embassy Federal Benefits Unit. Here are a few resources from our Consulate and the Democrats Abroad Taxation Task Force. Democrats Abroad isn't in a position to problem solve for members but there are likely to be more issues ahead and we may need to try mutual aid and create opportunities for members to share info and solutions with each other through online meetings etc.
In the meantime PLEASE WRITE to your leaders in Congress and tell them to Protect Social Security and Medicare...including customer service! And if you've tried with the London FBU and don't make progress, contact your Members of Congress and ask them to open a constituent case on your behalf.
From the Consulate:
Didn’t receive your Social Security payment? Complete the SSA-7162, and email it to [email protected]. Type FEQ SUSPENSE as the subject of the email. In the email, provide your full name, last 4 digits of your SSN and a good daytime telephone number(s) at which FBU London may contact you on.
From the Democrats Abroad Taxation Task Force:
The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) asked we pass on the following materials that will help address the majority of questions:
- SSA Helpful Links
- London FBU PowerPoint Presentation
- 2023 webinar with the London FBU on Social Security & Medicare
Please direct any questions about Social Security or Medicare to the London FBU:
- Contact Email [email protected]
- On the internet (through Embassy website)—https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/
- Phone lines — 0207 499 9000, ext. 23926 (lines open Tues & Weds from 9:30am-1:00pm)
- In person visits by appointment only
TRAVEL SAFETY ADVICE
Yes - we have already reached that point where US Citizens need to be careful when travelling into the US. Pause and take that in for a moment.
Sadly, travelling from South Africa may also raise our risk of being targeted at the border. Anyone critical of the administration may be targeted, as we're seeing with students and even green card holders. If you are travelling with friends or family who aren't US Citizens, be especially careful that no one has any issues with their visas as people are being detained in terrible conditions. Many countries have now issued warnings on travel to the United States.
From Democrats Abroad Global:
You might assume the Fourth Amendment protects you from searches without a warrant or probable cause. However, U.S. borders operate under a different set of rules.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the United States has the right to inspect not only your suitcases, but also any electronic devices. They can request passwords and even make copies of data. While this was rarely enforced in the past, it is happening more and more.
PLEASE READ this Wired article on How to Enter the US With Your Digital Privacy Intact.
Here are some additional resources:
If you remain concerned how CBP policies might affect you and those traveling with you, please consult an immigration attorney before traveling.
VOLUNTEER
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all who have been volunteering with DASA! There's a lot of work to do in the coming weeks and months. We have an energetic, committed and fun team of people involved in SA. Join us!
Volunteers make it all possible! Click on the red button above for the DASA volunteer interest form or email [email protected]
EVENTS
We’d love your input!
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Have ideas for DASA events or venues to use? Please take a minute to share ideas CLICK HERE
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Interested in hosting an event or have an idea on finding American voters in SA? Let us know [email protected]
Sunday 6 April 2025
The People's Town Hall - International Edition!
Democrats Abroad Town Hall with DNC Chair Ken Martin and guests
15:00 South African Time
Zoom
More Info & RSVP HERE
Saturday 5 April 2025, 12:00 -12:30
Hands Off! - From Cape Town
Camps Bay
Join us on Sat 5 April to show our support for the mass mobilisation taking place across the US and world. This isn't a protest or rally as such but an opportunity to come together and visually/virtually speak out.
Info & RSVP HERE
Saturday 5 April 2025, 12:00-12:30
Hands Off! - From Joburg
Nelson Mandela Square - Sandton
Join us on Sat 5 April to show our support for the mass mobilisation taking place across the US and world. This isn't a protest or rally as such but an opportunity to come together and visually/virtually speak out.
More Info and RSVP HERE
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE 5 APRIL HANDS OFF! MASS MOBILISATION IN OTHER WAYS?
- Find Info & Resources at www.handsoff2025.com
- Encourage friends and family in the States to participate https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/ others may be listed on other partner sites including 50501 and Political Revolution
- Make a sign, take a selfie or meet up with family and friends around SA and share your photos and videos on social media using #HandsOff. Tag @democratsabroadsouthafrica , @demsabroad - or send to us at [email protected]
- Allocate 30 minutes to Take Action - contact elected officials, etc.
PLEASE CONNECT TO STAY UPDATED & SHARE!
Americans in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
**Join our WhatsApp group**
**This is the quickest way for us to keep in touch regularly as a group!
Please email us if you'd like to join the group.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DemocratsAbroadSouthAfrica
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/democratsabroadsouthafrica/
It's time to build and prepare!
Please consider Donating Directly to DA South Africa
Can you contribute $25, $250 or $2500 toward our voter mobilisation work in South Africa? We're a volunteer led organisation but still have expenses in getting out the vote. We'll greatly appreciate your support. Thank you!
Thank you - "We" are democracy! Let's do all we can.
Democrats Abroad South Africa