“You Are Missed”: Graduate’s Heartwarming Moment With Grandma at Workplace Has Mzansi Tearing Up

• In a touching throwback video, a university graduate surprised his grandmother at her recycling facility workplace
• The content creator @anthonytimmytimoteus5k shared the moving footage with a heartfelt caption reflecting on his grandmother's passing, thanking her
• Social media users were moved by the graduate's willingness to honour his grandmother's humble job sorting recyclables, recognising her sacrifice that made his education possible

A university graduate's surprise visit to his grandmother at her recycling facility workplace has touched many South Africans online. Content creator @anthonytimmytimoteus5k from the Western Cape, who typically shares content about his running career, posted the emotional throwback video in May.

The video shows the young man, dressed in his graduation gown and cap, walking through a recycling facility where his grandmother worked sorting rubbish. When she spotted him, she immediately left what she was doing, excitedly telling her colleagues about her grandson as she hurried toward him. The pair shared a moving embrace, both overcome with happiness as they celebrated his achievement.

What makes the video touching is the caption, indicating his grandmother has since passed away:

"You are missed. Thank you for the seed that was planted. It bears its fruit today. I understand that it was in God's plan that it had to work out this way. But I still miss you. My anchor, my rock and my supplicant. Rest in peace."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

The power of presence

The content creator, who is now married with a child, has found success in both his professional and personal life. His story highlights how important family presence and support can be in a child's development and future success.

Being present as a parent or grandparent isn't just about the amount of time spent with children but the quality of that time. Children need to feel seen, heard, and validated to develop a healthy sense of self.

When adults make the effort to be emotionally available, even while working difficult jobs to provide opportunities, they create a foundation for children's future achievements.

Ways to deal with grief

Coping with the loss of a loved one is hard. Experts at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) recommend acknowledging your grief and allowing yourself to feel your emotions. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist and share memories of your loved one. Maintain routines, eat well, and get rest to support your physical health.

Take part in physical activities like walking, journaling and other creative outlets to process your feelings. If guilt or intense sadness becomes overwhelming, consider professional counselling. Join a support group to connect with others experiencing similar loss. Over time, honour your loved one’s memory by creating traditions like planting a memorial garden.

Mzansi touched by the bond

The video has received numerous heartfelt reactions from South Africans:

@Nkagisang observed:

"She spent years sorting through trash so he could have a future. Today, dressed in his cap and gown, he returned—not to boast, but to honour her. Among the scraps and dust, he found her, hugged her."

@JAXIDRIVE commented:

"The most beautiful video I have seen, and what makes me so proud is the fact that he is not ashamed to show where his mum worked! You will always be blessed, my boy ❤️❤️❤️"

@NogeNaja reflected:

"In a system designed for him to become a gangster, drug addict or get shot. This coloured man came out with a mum doing recycling. Die here is goed."

@csandantombothand admitted:

"Why am I crying 😭 😭 😭 This is heart-warming 🙏 May you continue to honour your mom and God will provide a job for you 🙌 🕯️"

@WaBadimo🤷🏾‍♂️ shared:

"Ai, another morning of crying with the internet stranger.🎉🎊🎉Congratulations, man."

@racmak7603 added:

"The way our kids are not ashamed of our hustles cos' they know that's what brought bread to the table 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Congratulations!"

3 other stories of South African graduates

• Briefly News recently reported on an LLB graduate who stunned South Africans when she revealed she was working in a chrome mine to survive.
• A joyful video captured Kamogelo Mogotsi from Sol Plaatje University celebrating her Honours degree in Anthropology, with the university proudly sharing the moment.
• A young man's TikTok video about his logistics degree versus his current career path went viral as he shared his success story, inspiring thousands of South Africans.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News