“What a Responsible Young Man”: Student Uses His Last NSFAS to Make a Big Boy Purchase, SA Moved

• A young student took to social media to share his excitement after buying a major home item for his university residence
• The clip was shared on TikTok, capturing his ‘big boy purchase,’ leaving many viewers inspired by his milestone
• Social media users praised the student’s responsibility, with many celebrating the move as a major step toward independence
• Briefly News reached out to UJ student Luhle Mgandela to get her perspective on the viral story of a student using his NSFAS allowance for a big boy purchase

A 20-year-old student from Stellenbosch University was thrilled after buying himself a home item he really needed, a sign of his entry into adulthood.

The clip was shared on his TikTok handle @philasandedlom00 on 23 March 2026, where it went viral, reaching 461K views and 1.2K comments from viewers who celebrated his 'big boy purchase.'

The student exited the local second-hand store, Cash Crusaders, unable to contain his excitement. His fridge was loaded into a mini truck as he watched in awe of what he had managed to get for himself. He screamed joyfully, noting that it was his turn to show off his achievement. Besides getting the R3000 fridge, the young man also shared that he paid R250 for delivery.

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The student's 'big boy purchase'

In his caption, TikTok user @philasandedlom00 noted that he used his last NSFAS money to buy the fridge. He also thanked the taxpayers for making it possible for students to receive the government allowance.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Student responsibility and the value of education funding

We spoke with Luhle, who is currently at UJ without any of a government allowance, to hear her thoughts on the importance of using student funds wisely.

The team asked the student what she thinks of the young man’s purchase. She responded:

“I am impressed that he bought a necessity with his allowance instead of using it on things that are not valuable. I have seen many students using their NSFAS very recklessly and would often worry about the people who work hard to make such a possibility for them.”

The Briefly News team asked Luhle how she feels about the student publicly thanking taxpayers for the support. Luhle shared:

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“It is so refreshing to see. Buying a fridge is indeed a big boy move, because it is something that will make his life better, easier and save him money while he finishes his degree. This was made possible by taxpayers whom he appreciates so much”

SA loves the responsible student

The clip went viral, gaining massive views and nearly 1k comments from social media users who were deeply moved. Many viewers celebrated the student's big purchase and expressed how proud they were of him. Some assured him that he would soon buy more things for his room, and asked that he post the purchases to motivate them. One called him a responsible young man, saying that at age 20, other students were not using their funds wisely. Others also boasted about the items they recently bought, which makes them feel good.

User @Nana said:

"I bought a washing basket on Friday. I changed everything just to put clothes kuyo (on it)😁."

User @Busi Siphokazi shared:

"I'm saving this for when I buy a fridge 🥰."

User @tsholofelomatlal15 commented:

"May your fridge never be empty🙏🏾. To many more purchases 🥰."

User @Bonga Jali said:

"Ah, man 🥺! People who celebrate their wins inspire me. I got curtains, a TV stand, and two big mirrors. I'm so happy 🥺."

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User @Nokwanda N commented:

"I bought a microwave with my NSFAS, now budgeting for a fridge😩🥰. My mother was surprised by how grown I am, and I am also supporting my sister, who is in matric with NSFAS, just so my mother can relax. Thank you, taxpayers, 🥰🙏."

User @Lord Bravery shared:

"Bro, a whole fridge 💪!"

User @Dinny ❤️🥹 added:

"Wow, what a responsible young man."

3 Briefly News student-related articles

• A university student shared a candid slideshow detailing his various side hustles to fund his lifestyle, including selling food, snacks, and electronic gadgets.
• A university student had the online community move after sharing a heartfelt post thanking her parents for buying her essentials.
• A young student was filmed confidently running his small business, selling food to fellow residents at his university accommodation, impressing many social media users.

Source: Briefly News