“He Was in Pain”: BI Phakathi Brings Ill Man to Tears During Emotional Street Reunion
- BI Phakathi stopped a visibly ill man on a city street and handed him money in an emotional exchange filmed on 17 September 2026
- The man, who said he was in pain and struggling to afford basic necessities, burst into tears during the encounter
- South Africans watching the video urged BI Phakathi to take the man for medical care
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Source: Facebook
A chance street encounter between charitable content creator BI Phakathi and a visibly unwell homeless man moved South Africans deeply after footage of the moment was shared on Facebook on 17 September 2026.
The video, shot in selfie style on a city pavement near a butchery and an ATM, begins with BI Phakathi greeting the man and asking how he is doing. The man quickly reveals he is in pain and struggling to get by, mentioning he had been hoping to acquire a small fridge. He can barely hold himself together as the conversation unfolds.
A reunion that meant everything
What made the moment even more powerful was that the two had met before. BI Phakathi told the man he remembered him from a previous encounter, saying he had not forgotten his face. That recognition clearly meant the world to the man, who burst into tears on the spot.
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"These are not tears of sadness, tears of joy. The people can be so kind."
BI Phakathi handed him money and offered words of encouragement, telling him to be strong and expressing hope that they would cross paths again. The man responded that he was always in the area, blessing BI Phakathi and thanking him repeatedly before they parted.
View the Facebook post below:
Mzansi calls for more help
The video on BI's page struck a nerve with viewers, many of whom felt the man needed more than just financial assistance given his visible discomfort.
@Zoeh Mvula said:
"I hope you took him to the hospital Mr Phakathi, he was in pain, shame."
@Regan Washington II wrote:
"Poor people are mostly generous. You develop compassion from having lived through experiences of unfortunate circumstances."
@Maria Marais asked:
"Where is this guy? He needs help. Can't you get 'Moeggesukkel' [someone struggling] to take him in?"
@John Jamie Bambury shared:
"The world needs more people like BI Phakathi. Money is just printed paper. The more everyone has the less crime and suffering there will be."
@Zodwa Zola Hanyane added:
"That's why God has blessed him abundantly. He knew he was going to bless his people without asking for anything in return."
More Briefly News stories on BI Phakathi
- BI Phakathi stepped in during a domestic dispute involving a struggling mother and her baby, offering financial support and hope.
- BI Phakathi surprised a Takealot delivery driver with a cash donation while he was working, leaving him speechless.
- BI Phakathi gave Brakpan boerewors vendor Natasha a generous cash tip after seeing her struggle to sell her food.
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Source: Briefly News
