21-Year-Old South African Woman Builds Own Apartment from Scratch, Inspires Mzansi with Her Journey

• A 21-year-old South African woman has achieved an impressive milestone by building her own apartment from scratch
• The young lady shared a video on TikTok, detailing her journey from laying the foundation to overseeing the construction process, and revealing the modern exterior of her new home
• The clip has sparked widespread admiration and congratulations from online users, who praise her independence and entrepreneurial spirit, and eagerly await more details about her achievement
• Briefly News spoke to architect and interior designer Erwan Kabwita, who shared tips on how young people can build a house on a budget

A 21-year-old woman has left Mzansi in awe after revealing that she built her own apartment from the ground up. The young achiever shared a video on social media showcasing the construction journey and the impressive final results.

21-year-old woman flexes the apartment she built

In the clip that was posted on TikTok by the babe herself under the handle @shirleya.brown, the young lady explained that the project was a personal goal she had been working towards for some time.

Read also

"May this union last forever": SA reacts to toddler assisting dad propose to his woman

From laying the foundation to overseeing the building process, @shirleya.brown took viewers through snippets of the construction phase. The final part of the video revealed the finished apartment, though she only gave a glimpse of the exterior.

The outside view showed a neat, modern structure with clean finishes, well-plastered walls, and a secure gate, reflecting the time, effort, and resources she poured into the project. While she did not reveal the interior, many viewers expressed excitement and curiosity about what it looks like inside.

While taking to her TikTok caption, @shirleya.brown expressed the following:

"Cheers to new beginnings. I just want to thank God because man, when I say let God handle it! Let him handle it! Talk to God, he's listening to you! I'm so grateful to have my own apartment at 21."

Mzansi social media users were quick to praise her determination and independence, with many calling her an inspiration for young people, especially women. Others commended her for achieving such a milestone at a young age, noting that it’s rare to see someone in their early twenties owning property, let alone building it themselves.

Read also

"You've always been that girl": Serial entrepreneur showcases 3 of her 7 businesses, SA inspired

"This is the propaganda I’m definitely falling for!! Congratulations," one person said.

Her video, which was published on 11 August 2025, has since gained thousands of views and sparked discussions about financial discipline, hard work, and the importance of investing in property. Many are hoping she will share a follow-up clip revealing the apartment’s interior and offering advice on how she accomplished her dream.

Watch the video below:

Tips on building a house on a budget

While speaking to Briefly News, architect and interior designer Erwan Kabwita shared tips on building a house on a budget by saying:

"To build a house on a budget, prioritise needs over wants, and consider cost-effective designs, materials, and labor. Opt for prefabricated or modular homes, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient features."

The architect and interior designer added:

"Plan thoroughly to minimise changes and delays. Work with experienced professionals to ensure quality and compliance while staying within budget constraints and exploring financing options."

Read also

"Created a core memory": South Africans adore mom making daughter's matric dance dress from scratch

South Africa loves the woman's home

Online users flooded the comments section with messages of admiration, while some inquired about more information on the building process.

Cutiemoxie said:

"Congratulations, stranger."

Daleth Bee added:

"I'm so proud of you, stranger."

Valen wrote:

"I will manifest soon."

Setso commented:

"Congratulations stranger, but how ? refe one matlhale ao."

Worthy Fam.com expressed:

"Wow, that's amazing, congratulations."

Young women flex becoming homeowners

• Briefly News reported that a woman in South Africa beamed with pride as she showcased her impressive achievement to the world, inspiring many in the process.
• This Mzansi queen just hit a major life milestone as she moved from renting to owning her very own home.
• A local woman has headed online to celebrate the purchase of her brand-new car as well as her first-ever property.

Source: Briefly News