“It’s Called Ubuntu”: KZN Lifeguard Helps Frail Woman on Beach, Earns Mzansi’s Praise

• A video captured by Cliff Bamber showed a KZN lifeguard going beyond his duties to help a frail woman up steep beach stairs
• The woman in the footage, Marlina Erasmus, later commented on the Facebook video to share her side of the story
• South Africans flooded the comments with praise for the lifeguards, calling their actions commendable and South African

A South African lifeguard's act of kindness at a KwaZulu-Natal beach has moved thousands of people online after a video of the moment went viral on 5 August 2026.

Cliff Bamber filmed the footage at an outdoor beachfront promenade, capturing the unscripted moment a lifeguard walked down to assist a frail woman who needed help navigating a steep flight of stairs. Rather than watch from a distance, the lifeguard linked arms with her and guided her up safely. Bamber said in the video.

"Guys, look what our lifeguards do. Maybe somebody's a little bit frail or needs a bit of help up the stairs. Their lifeguards went down, linked arms with this person and helped them up the stairs. Isn't that fantastic?"

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The woman in the video comes forward

What made the video even more special was that the woman herself responded in the comments. Marlina Erasmus confirmed she was the person in the footage, revealing she had actually slipped on the sand before the incident on the stairs. She wrote:

"I am that lady who slipped on the sand (not an escape from prison!!!). I thank the 2 men who were so kind to assist me. I can assure you all I have never been more embarrassed in my life! The lifeguard helped me up the steps, he definitely knew his job."

Eyewitness Mike Paulsen added that he had been sitting nearby when it all unfolded.

"We were sitting at the beach when the lady slipped. Before I could get up, the lifeguards were there helping her up. I said to my wife, they go far beyond their duties."

View the Facebook footage below:

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Mzansi praises the lifeguards

South Africans were quick to celebrate the lifeguards' compassion in the comments of Bamber's page:

Mike Paulsen said:

"A huge shout out to the guys."

Marlina Erasmus wrote:

"The guy who took this video made everybody aware what being helpful means 😂"

Nozipho Ngema commented:

"It's called Ubuntu, something you should learn about."

Kate Ballenden said:

"South African men are the most kind and helpful in the world in a crisis or vulnerable situation. We have the best men in South Africa 🇿🇦 ♥️"

Nina Meyer wrote:

"That is humanity and respect in action. That is how we all are supposed to be."

Vanessa Erasmus shared:

"I watch them practise and swim. Seen them help people in trouble. A lot of respect for them."

More Briefly News stories on lifeguards

• A 16-year-old California lifeguard was invited to the White House after risking his own life to rescue a 10-year-old boy from powerful waves, earning widespread praise for his bravery.
• A 10-year-old boy drowned at the Dobsonville public swimming pool in Soweto, prompting the City of Johannesburg to close the facility and launch an investigation into the tragic incident.
• A 15-year-old Vaal teenager, Tsoarelo Likana, drowned at Sharpeville swimming pool after visiting with soccer teammates, leaving the community heartbroken and raising concerns over safety measures at public pools.

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Source: Briefly News