“Give That Man a Beer”: Man’s ‘Headless’ Stunt at Traffic Light Leaves South Africans Stunned

• A man’s headless illusion at a South African traffic light left motorists stunned as he calmly collected donations during a busy stop
• The viral video sparked debates about creativity, hustle culture and street performance safety across social media platforms
• South Africans praised the performer’s confidence and skill, calling the stunt one of the most creative robot moments online

South Africans were left impressed after a man pulled off a headless stunt at a busy traffic light, leaving motorists both impressed and entertained.

The unusual performance unfolded at an intersection in Mzansi, when a man was walking around without a head while collecting donations from cars stopped at a robot.

The man, dressed in a long jacket and a floating hat, whose identity is unknown, moved between vehicles as traffic waited for the light to change. Despite the illusion suggesting he had no head, he was clearly speaking to drivers, gesturing confidently and calmly accepting donations through the drivers' windows.

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The performance was shared on Facebook by Southafriworld on 26 January 2026, which credited the original clip to Instagram user @ezra_lappies. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion about illusion art and creative ways people make a living in public spaces.

The performance stopped more than cars

The stunt stood out because of how seamlessly it played out in a public space filled with unsuspecting drivers. As the vehicles came to a stop, the man confidently approached the windows, with his hat seemingly floating above an empty collar.

Some drivers appeared amused and eagerly reached for their pockets to support the performer. The man’s calm demeanour and precise movements helped sell the illusion.

@ezra_lappies's video shows the performer moving with a never breaking character, suggesting a well-practised routine. The busy intersection was the perfect stage, ensuring visibility and engagement from commuters forced to watch.

Watch the Facebook video below:

South Africans weigh in on the viral illusion

As the video went viral, social media users flooded the comments with reactions ranging from amazement to curiosity, with many praising the man’s creativity. For many, the stunt symbolised innovation and determination to use art and illusion to earn an honest living.

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Tonashe Madomombe commented:

"So even ghosts are involved in begging in Mzansi?"

Elize van der Berg wrote:

“Entrepreneurship has many faces.😂”

Mbiganyi Machinya said:

"Give that man a beer, he deserves it."

Sandy Tyler noted:

"This is brilliant. It catches your attention, and I would definitely give him a handout."

Sipho Ka Lushaba commented:

"I prefer such creativity. At least make an effort to let me donate."

Other viral street stunts that had Mzansi talking

• Briefly News previously reported that a shocking video captured a massive python snake tightly coiled around a traffic light caused confusion and fear among motorists.
• A viral video showing two men nearly fighting at a Johannesburg traffic light sparked humour and disbelief online.
• A woman had an interesting encounter while on the road and became a viral sensation for the way she dealt with the situation involving a man.

Source: Briefly News