39-Year-Old Millwright Intern's First Payslip Breakdown in Video Fascinates South Africa
- A payslip belonging to a millwright intern born in 1987 went viral on TikTok after financial commentator Boni Xaba broke down the figures
- The intern, who previously worked as a machine operator in the FMCG industry, earned over R27,000 in overtime and weekend pay alone
- •South Africans in the comments debated whether age should be a barrier to starting an apprenticeship as they discussed the payslip
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A payslip belonging to a millwright intern has South Africans talking after TikToker Boni Xaba shared her reaction to the document on 29 August 2026. The video, posted on her account @liferesetwithboni, sparked debate about age, career changes, and what it truly means to start over in the trades.
Source: Facebook
The intern in question was born in 1987 and had previously worked as a machine operator in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry before completing electrical engineering training and securing an apprenticeship as a millwright.
The TikTokker @liferesetwithboni broke down the numbers clearly. The intern's basic salary came to R11,844, but weekend shifts and overtime pushed the gross earnings significantly higher, totalling R27,421. After deductions of R5,557, the take-home pay landed at R21,464. Xaba was visibly impressed, noting that the role offered real earning potential beyond the base figure.
She admitted that seeing the 1987 birth year initially gave her pause, but once she understood the person's background in manufacturing and their decision to upskill through a formal apprenticeship, her concern turned to admiration. "I am delighted for you because now you have an opportunity to do something more professional," she said. "Well done." Watch the video below:
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SA divided over elderly intern
The video resonated with many who have faced similar crossroads in their careers. Watch Boni Xaba's full breakdown of the millwright intern's payslip here.
South Africans flooded the comments with personal stories and strong opinions:
@Landu Miles Bonas asked:
"Is he old to be doing an apprenticeship?"
@Lucien replied:
"Most coloured, black and other people of colour struggle to get apprenticeships. So don't be surprised my dear. We remain focused on the end goal no matter the age."
@Another-boy!! Mkwanazi shared his own story:
"Same with me. I was born 1988, got my Mechanical fitter apprenticeship 2016, when I was about to be appointed Sasol had to restructure, I was moved to Rigging department and start all over again. (Rigging apprenticeship). 6 years of training. I should [have] went [to] varsity."
@Mogomotsi chosen raised a different concern:
"But how relevant is it in this day to have a millwright when we have so many people in need of development and opportunities? I feel that anyone who offers that is antiprogressive because 1 millwright equals 2 job posts."
@ferozabdool suggested:
"Do [an] electrician, only with trade test."
Other Briefly News stories of salaries
- A South African CA (SA) revealed their payslip on TikTok, showcasing their total package after just two years in finance.
- Boni Xaba's viral Facebook post, which unveiled a school principal's payslip, ignited a nationwide debate over educators' salaries in South Africa.
- An Instagram video meticulously broke down an underground miner’s impressive monthly payslip, revealing gross earnings of over R90 000.
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Source: Briefly News
