“It’s Always Witchcraft”: South African Man Raises Awareness on Tourette’s Syndrome in Video

• A Mzansi content creator living with Tourette's Syndrome shared content of his tics to spread awareness
• The young South African openly discussed the social challenges he faced due to his mental health condition
• He posted a candid response to people admitting he was the first South African they've seen with the medical affliction

A man withTourette's Syndrome educated people about his neurological disorder by taking to social media. The video was posted on 10 May 2026, and challenged people's ideas about the uncommon disability. He also touched on how he is affected by modern-day myths about mental health.

TikTokker @b.a.b.y.koal confirmed that he was a South African with Tourette's, a disorder that causes uncontrollable tics, which may include swearing and other vocalisations.

One of the latest videos was the gent expressing frustration after getting countless comments from people saying they'd never seen someone from South Africa with Tourette's. The content creator said it was expected because anyone suffering from his condition is assumed to be suffering from witchcraft, being summoned by ancestors, and other supernatural explanations for the disorder. The connection between mental health problems and witchcraft or religion is a common occurrence in many South African communities, especially for uncommon conditions. Purdue University reports that up to 0.5-1% of the global population and scientists are yet to determine the causes.

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Watch the TikTok video below:

South Africa discusses Tourettes

Many people commented on the video after learning something new, that there was a person in South Africa with Tourette's. Online users reflected on how mental health problems are treated in the community. Watch a video of the man's tics below:

Sidi Bae said:

"For the first time ke bona (I see) a South African living with this syndrome. Love, hugs and light handsome. ❤️"

modiegi remarked:

"I love you shem. You're dealing with my depression.🤣"

Bohlale Chinzima17 related to the young man:

"Yoh I suffered from tics, but now I'm fine. I get episodes only when I'm extremely angry, and yes people say ancestors and its annoying."

Lelo🌈🌈👑 also felt connected to the man:

"I am autistic. I never wanted to hug a stranger. But I understand you so much."

Keo said:

"Just followed. People are still not understanding mental health issues, but we all learn every day. Sending love!"

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Mamsy M wrote:

"I have learnt about Tourette's syndrome from watching a show on TLC called Baylen Out Loud. I'm now well aware of what you are going through. Don't mind those who bully you."

Other Briefly News stories about people living with disability

• South African applauded a woman who showed people that she can dress herself as someone living with disability.
• A UKZN graduate with a disability earned multiple distinctions and graduated summa cum laude, earning a standing ovation.
• Online users were amazed by a man without arms who showed he could bake a cake without any help in a viral TikTok video.

Source: Briefly News