Tourist in South Africa Stunned by Mall, Says 'They Lied to Us in Europe' in a Video

• A European tourist's video showcasing his surprise at South Africa's modern infrastructure has gone viral on social media, challenging stereotypes about the continent
• The tourist’s reaction was filmed at Greenstone Hill Mall, Johannesburg, where he expressed amazement at the upscale shopping facilities and modern architecture
• The clip has sparked widespread conversation among South Africans, who are proud of their country's development and frustrated with the unfair portrayal of Africa in the global media

A European tourist visiting South Africa has left social media buzzing after sharing a video expressing shock at the country's impressive infrastructure.

Filmed at Greenstone Hill Mall in Johannesburg, the man, who goes by the TikTok handle @official_pinkman, highlighted how his visit to the bustling shopping centre completely challenged the stereotypes he had been told about the continent of Africa.

In the now-viral clip, the tourist says,

"I am not being funny, so we are being lied to in Europe. Apparently, there is nothing in Africa, children starving, no buildings, no infrastructure, but how do you explain all of this then?"

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@official_pinkman then goes on to pan his camera around the modern mall, showing shops, clean walkways, and busy shoppers. He laughs and adds,

"They lied to us. This is Africa, they lied."

The video that was published on 13 October 2025 has sparked widespread conversation among South Africans, who were both amused and proud of his reaction. Many locals commented that the clip reflected how global media often portrays Africa unfairly, focusing mostly on poverty and hardship while ignoring its modern cities, architecture, and growing development.

"Been to Cape Town, it's beautiful, just as good if not better than Europe," one person commented.

The TikTok user @official_pinkman's honest surprise resonated with viewers, with some saying his video could help challenge outdated perceptions about Africa. Greenstone Hill, located between Johannesburg and Edenvale, is known for its upscale residential areas and shopping facilities, offering a glimpse of urban life that many visitors may not expect before arriving in the country.

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The moment served as both light-hearted and eye-opening, as the tourist's laughter echoed what many South Africans already know: Africa is modern, dynamic, and full of surprises.

Mzansi reacts to a tourist raving about a South African mall

The online community took to the comments section to express their thoughts, saying:

Nnete The Truth said:

"Don't expose us. Your people are gonna flock here... This is AI."

Mpho wrote:

"That's AI, my guy."

Amenhotep_III shared:

"We are being exposed left and right."

The hype stated:

"Please, Africa is not South Africa."

Eileenbrown486 commented:

"Africa is a continent. There are developed countries and underdeveloped countries. Where are you?"

Kenchie replied:

"Uncle, why are you exposing family secrets?"

Watch the video below:

3 Other stories about Americans trying SA food

• Briefly News reported that Usbari tried Hungry Lion's menu items and gave them a high rating, beating another popular chicken restaurant.
• While visiting South Africa, an American woman tried traditional foods and rated the dishes. People loved how she gobbled down the mogodu and dumplings.
• Another American woman raved about Mzansi's garage pies. South Africans abroad watching the video felt homesick and shared which flavours were their favourite.

Source: Briefly News