Asian Woman Vents About Makoti Duties in Video, SA Pokes Fun: “Makoti From Temu”

• An Asian woman expressed her frustrations about her makoti duties, which many people in South Africa could relate to
• The lady shared how she never has time for herself and how the makoti duties make her feel
• Mzansi netizens reacted as they headed to the comments section, sharing their thoughts
• Briefly News spoke to associate professor and clinical psychologist Dr. Erica Munnik about the emotional and mental tolls that traditional expectations, like the duties of a makoti, can have

An Asian woman was fed up with her makoti duties, so she took to social media to express her frustration with traditional makoti expectations.

Asian woman complains about makoti duties

The video sparked widespread discussion among South Africans who could relate to her experience.

In a candid video posted by Facebook user Zah MaZikode Nkwanyana on 15th April 2025, which has since gone viral, the woman shared the pressure she feels to fulfil domestic responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, and serving elders — all commonly expected of a makoti (daughter-in-law) in many African households. She spoke in one of South Africa's 12 official languages.

Read also

"Smart and effortless": SA woman's dance moves amaze Asian women in viral video, Mzansi is impressed

Her in-laws went on to say in the video that she should go to the kitchen and wash the dishes, as the following day was her sister's lobola.

The lady shared how she never has time for herself and how the makoti duties make her feel by simply saying that she is "tired."

Her honesty struck a chord with many in Mzansi, especially young women who find themselves navigating the expectations of cultural traditions and modern lifestyles.

South African online users flooded the comments section with support, sharing their own experiences and calling for more open conversations around the mental and emotional impact of makoti duties. Some argued that while culture should be respected, it should not come at the cost of a woman’s well-being.

Others defended the traditions, suggesting that understanding and communication between partners and families could help strike a healthy balance.

Take a look at the clip below:

Read also

South African woman shows off her broke student res meal, Mzansi chimes in

Dr. Erica Munnik on the mental tolls of traditional roles

While speaking to Briefly News, Dr. Erica Munnik, an associate professor and clinical psychologist, discussed the emotional and mental tolls that traditional expectations, like the duties of a makoti, can have on women.

Dr. Erica expressed that many family members, including extended family members, frequently reside in the same home in South Africa. Frequently, a home consists of more than two generations. In homes where cultural customs are still highly valued.

"Women who stay with their grandparents are still expected to act respectfully towards the elders and children and adhere to household tasks such as the preparation of food for the family and the cleaning of the house, thus fulfilling the primary caregiver role," said Dr. Erica.

The associate professor and clinical psychologist added:

"The challenge with this is often that these women are not at home full-time and also need to assist to earn money for the family to survive. This is demanding, and these expectations might become very stressful and lead to mental health challenges."

Read also

"Better than I expected”: African woman shows off hair braided by Asian stylist, SA reacts

Dr. Erica listed the impact it may have on an individual, saying:

"The opposite is also true where women is expected to stay home and attend to the needs of the extended family, this can be burdensome and a lack of support and understanding from others can result in women feeling stressed, misunderstood and non-supported often resulting in stress, depression and anxiety."

SA is amused by the Asian makoti's antics

The video has since sparked a larger debate online about redefining traditional roles in modern relationships while still honouring African cultural values. It also entertained the online community, who cracked jokes in the comments.

Siviwe Matuntuta said:

"South Africa is a mental institution."

Mavusana V Heart added:

"Those socks are fire."

Stufuza SamaNgema expressed:

"Welcome to South Africa."

Sholofelang Sandy Stander was amused adding:

"Is the singing for me. Love the socks."

Linda Moyo shared:

"This is why we marry your brothers."

Read also

“It’s so bad”: SA weighs in and cracks jokes over woman’s hilarious taxi chronicle

Sibusiso Ndzuzo was proud of the woman, saying:

"South African Zulu girl she speaking our language so good."

Ncamiso Lenono poked fun at the clip, saying:

"Makoti from Temu."

More makoti Briefly News stories

• One woman in South Africa captured the hearts of many after she flexed her heartwarming bond with her mother-in-law, leaving peeps in awe.
• A young white makoti is trending on social media after she shared a post about her day as a city makoti. The woman shocked netizens with her deep love for the African woman's cultural attire.
• The City Makoti has amazed Mzansi with yet another video of herself coexisting with her Xhosa in-laws.

Source: Briefly News