An emotional social media post from Joe Fleming sparked thousands of messages of support from South Africans determined to help him stay in the country he now calls home.
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 June 2026) – A heartfelt plea to stay in South Africa has sparked an outpouring of support, encouragement… and more than a few marriage proposals.
Earlier this week, Joe Fleming took to social media with a message that was as honest as it was vulnerable. The American-born adventurer and mental health advocate shared that he is facing a challenge many South Africans never expected him to have: finding a way to remain in the country he now calls home.
For many people, Joe has become synonymous with South Africa. Through his platforms, he has spent more than a decade showcasing the beauty of the country and its people. But beyond the road trips lies a much deeper story.
Joe recently joined “Good Things with Brent Lindeque”, where he opened up about his journey from serving as a US military veteran in Iraq, to building a life in South Africa after falling in love and making the life-changing decision to stay. Over the past 13 years, Joe has travelled across the country documenting its communities and hidden gems. Along the way, South Africa became more than a destination, it became part of his healing. That healing journey eventually led him to create Recharge, a men’s mental health walking community that has become a source of support for countless South Africans. The initiative creates safe spaces for men to walk together, talk when they need to, listen when they choose to and remember that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
During the podcast conversation, Joe spoke candidly about one of the darkest periods of his life and how a second chance changed everything. Rather than allowing that experience to define him, he used it as a catalyst to help others.
It is precisely because of that impact that his recent social media post resonated so strongly.
South Africans responded with thousands of messages of support, suggestions and offers to help. And marriage proposals. Lots of them. The comments section and his private DMs turned into an unofficial matchmaking service, as South Africans jokingly volunteered as potential spouses to help secure his future in the country. While Joe admits the proposals have been heartwarming, he has also found himself reminding people that marrying for visa purposes is probably not the most ethical… or legal… solution.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Joe said he has been overwhelmed by the response from South Africans since sharing his story.
Related Stories
A Music Obsession That Has Guided Aiden Heugh' Life
This Grade 2 Teacher Is Running Her Socks Off for Vrygrond's Pets!“The outpouring of love has been incredibly heartwarming. South Africans have been so kind. I’ve received messages from people all over the country offering support, advice, encouragement and, of course, marriage proposals,” he laughed. “It has reminded me exactly why I love this country and its people so much.”
Thankfully, there is a more practical plan already taking shape.
Joe shared that he has met with immigration lawyers and is actively exploring a path that will allow him to continue the work he has started in South Africa.
“I am going to connect with other mental health organisations and work with them to get my visa sponsored. I have already reached out to a few.”
It is a solution that feels fitting. After all, the work Joe is doing through Recharge is already changing lives, and partnering with organisations working in the mental health space could help strengthen that impact even further.
Joe is also hopeful that the Good Things Guy community may know of additional organisations, partners or opportunities that could assist.
“I love everything about South Africa. And South Africans. Recharge has grown into something special and is really helping the community. My visa is valid until September, and I will do everything possible to stay in this country. South Africa is my home. I still have so much to do here.”
And if the flood of marriage proposals is anything to go by, Joe is surrounded by people who want him to stay. The good news is that there is now a plan, a growing network of support and every reason to believe that his South African story is far from over.
by 
Good day, how does one connect with Mr Fleming? I’ve created a foundation (Infiniti Mlenzi) launched in May to support men dealing with mental health challenges. I would like to invite him to our first support group.