“They’re Happy for You”: McDonald’s Employee Celebrates Graduation in Regalia at Work, SA Inspired

• A McDonald's employee surprised his coworkers by showing up at work in full graduation attire, creating a powerful moment
• The heartwarming video was shared on TikTok and showed the staff breaking into song and dance to celebrate their colleague's achievement
• Viewers got emotional, with many calling the video uplifting and saying it gave them hope and motivation to push through challenges

There's nothing like being celebrated when you've reached a milestone, and one guy received a heartwarming celebration from his coworkers on his special day.

The feel-good moment was posted on TikTok by @siyangangelizwe, attracting massive views, likes, and comments from social media users who were deeply touched by the warmth he received.

The graduate walks into McDonald's

The video shows the man walking proudly from the parking bay into the McDonald's fast-food restaurant, still rocking his cap and gown. His colleagues instantly lose it, screaming, jumping, dancing, just pure joy.

The atmosphere shifts from a fast food rush to a full-blown celebration. Everyone gets involved. They start singing, ululating, and hyping him up like he just scored a goal. When everyone has calmed down, he starts hugging them one by one.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Overcoming odds: Port Elizabeth grad celebrates

Few young adults in South Africa complete tertiary education. Only 13.1% of 25–34-year-olds hold a university degree, the smallest among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and partner countries. With about half of first-year students dropping out before their second year, graduating feels like climbing a steep mountain.

Against these odds, this Port Elizabeth graduate has been riding a wave of celebration. On 7 April, he shared another TikTok clip of himself and fellow grads in gowns soaking in the joy. His viral moment doesn’t just toast personal success, it inspired other hopefuls.

See the TikTok clip below:

Mzansi reacts with love

The clip gained nearly 200K views, 36K likes, and nearly 1.3K comments from social media users who were deeply touched. Many congratulated the guy, sharing how proud they were of his achievement. Some were inspired, saying @siyangangelizwe was proof that anything was possible in life. Others said he was a role model to other young workers, pushing through school while holding down a job.

User @Mpumie Cebs added:

"Well done Siya❤️saqalapho nathi bhuti kwa "Welcome to McDonald's, can I take your order plz" kodwa namhlanje I aircon iyawhuza engqondweni. God will take you to greater heights. Congratulations 🎊."

User @Chantelle shared:

"That is what I love about Black people, they will celebrate with you and be happy together. Wow what a sight. Thank you guys."

User @Sandy Sandiswa wakwaTayi said:

"Colleagues ezingenahili ❤❤. They’re happy for you."

User @Irshaadkham commented:

"Well done, sir. This is how it’s done, you can teach all our youngsters to stop complaining and go study."

User @Marla added:

"Congratulations! Wow, I love how happy your coworkers were for you. We need more people like them, who support us very proud of you ❤️."

User @amza_mna shared:

"Let us make education important!"

3 Briefly News articles about graduations

• A Tswana student proudly embraced her culture during her graduation at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), leaving the hall erupting in cheers and applause.
• A young woman juggling studies while working at a restaurant shared a clip of herself cleaning toilets and windows at RoccoMamas, where she worked, followed by her graduation day, leaving many inspired on social media.
• A father broke into a traditional Zulu dance during his daughter’s graduation ceremony, throwing himself on the floor in a celebratory way and earning cheers from the crowd that filled the hall.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News