"Come on Zulu Girl": SA Woman’s Putu Pap Video and IsiZulu Attempt Win Hearts

• Joelene Haasbroek from Port Shepstone posted a cooking video showing her making traditional putu pap while speaking isiZulu
• The creator admitted she cannot speak isiZulu fluently but gave the recipe her best shot, mixing humour with genuine effort
• South Africans across language groups flooded the comments with praise, with many saying the video made them smile

A Port Shepstone woman's attempt at making putu pap while throwing in isiZulu phrases had South Africans completely charmed. Joelene Haasbroek posted the cooking video on Instagram on 5 October 2026, and it quickly picked up steam for all the right reasons.

In the clip, Joelene films herself in her kitchen preparing the beloved traditional dish, narrating as she goes. What made the video stand out was not just the food, but the way she embraced the culture behind it. She peppered her commentary with isiZulu phrases and signed off with a warm

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"Siyabonga South Africa" (thank you, South Africa).

Her caption said it all:

"So today we're making putu pap, with a little isiZulu. No translation needed cause I am assuming everyone will understand. Angikwazi ukukhuluma isiZulu kahle, kodwa ngiyazama!" which translates to "I cannot speak isiZulu well, but I am trying!"

Joelene's putu pap wins over Mzansi

The honesty and warmth behind the video resonated widely. Rather than pretending to be fluent, Joelene leaned into the learning process, and viewers loved her for it. She described growing up in South Africa and absorbing pieces of the cultures around her, a sentiment that struck a chord with many who watched.

View the Instagram video below:

South Africa reacts to the video

Commenters were quick to share their joy on Joelene's Instagram page

@whian_cloete said:

"Wena! Well done ❤❤"

@baneleimmaculate_ cheered:

"Joelene? Come on Zulu girl, this was perfect ❤❤"

@eloise_hlapisi laughed:

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"That 'haibo', you made it way better than me!"

@phindip added:

"Well done my sis, I've got a single brother yazi"

@nxasana_valentia smiled:

"Love your 'haibo'"

For many viewers, the video was a small but meaningful reminder of what South Africa can look like at its best: neighbours learning from one another, laughing together, and sharing food across divides.

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Source: Briefly News