“What’s Wrong With These Kids?” Outrage As Homeless Man Targeted With Buckets of Water on Spring Day
- A viral TikTok showed a homeless man being targeted with buckets of water during Spring Day celebrations, upsetting many viewers
- The video drew backlash as people felt the act crossed a line, especially since the man likely had no spare clothing
- The incident opened wider discussions about empathy and the way society treats vulnerable people in festive settings
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South Africans expressed outrage after a homeless man was drenched during Spring Day celebrations, sparking debate about respect and empathy.
Source: Getty Images
Spring Day in South Africa is usually marked by joy, laughter, and the tradition of pouring buckets of water on one another to welcome the season. However, a video posted by Facebook user @bbuticash on 2 September 2025, left many South Africans feeling angry instead of entertained. The clip, which quickly went viral with over 25,000 likes and a staggering 17,000 comments, showed a group of kids dousing a homeless man with multiple buckets of water.
The action was met with immediate backlash, as many online users felt the children’s behaviour was not only disrespectful but also cruel. The man, visibly caught off guard, was left soaked, with many pointing out that he may have had no change of clothes. Unlike the usual lighthearted water splashes exchanged among friends and peers, this incident felt to many like an attack on someone already vulnerable.
Spring Day celebration gone too far
South Africans have long celebrated 1 September in playful ways, from splashing water to hosting small community events. But this video sparked a broader conversation about where the line should be drawn. For many, there was a clear difference between traditions that build connection and actions that humiliate. The sheer volume of comments reflected the public’s discomfort, with thousands weighing in to express how deeply wrong the act felt.
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The outrage also touched on bigger issues, namely, how society treats the homeless. While the children in the video may have seen it as harmless fun, viewers stressed the importance of empathy. The video shifted from being about Spring Day itself to emphasising the importance of extending respect and dignity to all, regardless of their circumstances.
Although the clip left a sour taste for many, it also served as a reminder that social media can highlight important social issues. By sparking outrage and debate, it brought much-needed attention to the treatment of vulnerable people in everyday life.
Source: Facebook
Mzansi reacted to the video
Yaz'u Jason Mara wrote:
"Where's the joke?"
Mpuse Radebe wrote:
"Feel sorry for the hand that poured water on that guy."
Tholwana Radebe wrote:
"Tjo nna i don't think ketloya heaven. I didn't mean to laugh."
Mandisa Mabiya wrote:
"This is honestly not funny."
Mphoza Masilo wrote:
"No guys, this isn't funny, remember motho oo hana le diphahlo tsa ho chencha. AilLe sehloho shame."
Memori Ndlovu wrote:
"It's funny if it's not your brother or father."
Nxuba Zulu wrote:
"That silence after that water will follow you, even your generation."
John Tau wrote:
"Law of Karma… and then they wonder why they never get to move out of their Kasi."
Check out the Facebook video below:
3 Briefly News stories about Spring Day
- A lively TikTok clip showed how students at Vaal University of Technology celebrated Spring Day, bringing excitement to campus.
- A group of kids from a local township were filmed throwing buckets of water at unsuspecting passers-by to celebrate Spring Day.
- Students from Bo-Karoo Opleiding in Orania celebrated Spring Day on 1 September by carrying their new prims into the new term.
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Source: Briefly News
