How a first-gen South African-American keeps her heritage alive

For first-generation South Africans raised overseas, identity is often a blend of two worlds. You might speak with a local accent and grow up thousands of miles from Johannesburg or Cape Town, yet your home life remains distinctly South African.

That cross-cultural duality was front and centre at the Cincinnati Open, where former TV news producer Kayla Berenson volunteered in the tournament’s media centre after recently switching to a PR focused career.

Born and raised in Los Angeles to two South African parents, Kayla’s story offers a heartwarming look at how South African traditions, food, and sports culture flourish even deep within the American heartland.

A Home Away from Home

Growing up in Los Angeles, Kayla was surrounded by a tight-knit South African Jewish community.

Her upbringing was so steeped in her parents’ roots that her friendship circle of fellow first-generation kids jokingly gave themselves a straightforward label: “The South Africans.”

“I feel like South Africa has been a huge part of my upbringing,” Kayla shared.

“The emphasis on family and closeness. We just had a very close circle of fellow South Africans.”

Like many South African parents abroad trying to keep secrets from their kids, Kayla’s mother used Afrikaans as a “code language.”

“When she wouldn’t want me to listen in on her conversations with my aunt, she would speak in Afrikaans so I wouldn’t understand,” Kayla laughed.

Though she admits her vocabulary today is limited to quick phrases like “Ek kan nie praat nie” (“I cannot speak”) and a few colourful colloquialisms, the language served as a constant backdrop to her childhood.

Craving Biltong, Braais, and Rusks

Ask any South African expat what they miss most, and the conversation inevitably turns to food.

For Kayla, growing up South African-American meant a childhood filled with authentic flavours.

“Grew up craving biltong, having boerewors at barbecues – or braais – and everything like that,” she noted.

Her family favourites also include milk tarts, Mrs Ball’s Chutney, Wine Gums, and Ouma-style rusks.

“I have mine dry because I’m not a tea drinker, so I’ll break my teeth, but yes!” she joked.

Finding these pantry staples in the United States isn’t always easy, but living in Ohio has its perks.

Cincinnati is home to Jungle Jim’s International Market, a massive local institution renowned for dedicated international food aisles.

“They have a whole South African section as well,” Kayla shared, proving that no matter where South Africans land, they will always find a way to source their favourite snacks.

The Green and Gold Loyalty Test

Sport is the ultimate connector for the South African diaspora, and Kayla’s family is no exception.

From gathering for annual Wimbledon finals with a spread of English breakfasts (including scones) and strawberries to tracking the Olympic Games, sporting culture was woven into her household.

When Springbok rugby is on, or when South African athletes step onto the world stage, her allegiance is unwavering.

Her family fondly tracked the careers of swimming legends like Chad le Clos, and her cousin recently had a thrilling encounter with Springbok icon Eben Etzebeth.

So, what happens when South Africa faces the USA in international competition?

“It’s a trick question!” Kayla admitted.

“For rugby, my dad played, so I will root for South Africa because I know that’s a special connection. For soccer, South Africa. For cricket, we’re going for South Africa.”

While her American upbringing shines through during the Olympics, where she enthusiastically cheers for US icons like Simone Biles, her heart remains firmly rooted in South African sport when the green and gold take the field.

Keeping the Connection Alive

Despite not having visited South Africa in nearly a decade, Kayla feels her bond with her heritage has only strengthened over time.

Group chats and messaging apps allow her to stay in constant touch with extended family across the Atlantic.

“I still feel close to South Africa because I still have a lot of family there,” she explained.

“Now that WhatsApp exists, it’s so easy to stay connected. I call my grandmother frequently. When I’m not there, I have FOMO because I feel like my family is doing things and having fun, and I miss them a lot.”

For Kayla, volunteering behind the scenes at a world-class event like the Cincinnati Open is an extension of the drive and passion instilled by her family.

But no matter how far her career in media and public relations takes her across North America, her South African roots remain an anchor.

“I have a lot of pride in having family from South Africa and having that be part of my culture,” Kayla said.

“When I see a South African, it’s always the greatest thing ever. We’re always like, ‘Howzit? Howzit?’ I really do feel proud to be connected to South Africa.”

Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the 2026 Cincinnati Open for The South African.