“Too African For This”: Teen Shocks South Africa by Gifting His 2-Year-Old Brother a Live Snake

• A South African teen posted a TikTok showing him gifting his little brother a live corn snake, and the toddler’s reaction went viral
• Corn snakes are nonvenomous, docile, and popular pet reptiles known for their striking patterns and long lifespans
• The video sparked debate about safety, responsibility, and the cultural attitudes toward unusual pets in South Africa

South Africans were left debating online after a viral TikTok showed a teen gifting his 2-year-old brother a live corn snake.

In September 2025, Facebook user @Samukelo_Shabane left South Africans stunned after posting a video where he revealed that he bought his two-year-old brother a live snake. Within five days, the post gained over 6,000 likes and more than 400 comments, sparking a wave of online discussions. The video showed the older brother pulling a corn snake out of his backpack before handing it over to the toddler, who responded with excitement, saying he loved the unusual gift. In the video, Samukelo said:

Read also

Carpet python found in bathroom sink in video sparks mixed reactions online

“I bought a corn snake for my 2-year-old brother. Wait until you see his reaction. 🥹❤️🔥”

The choice of pet drew mixed reactions, with some netizens entertained by the little boy’s fearless joy and others raising questions about safety. However, many highlighted that corn snakes are nonvenomous and among the most popular pet snakes in the world due to their calm temperament. These snakes are native to the southeastern United States and are often recommended for beginners because they are easy to care for and tolerate handling well.

Snake facts spark wider conversations online

Corn snakes are known for their striking reddish-orange patterns with black-bordered blotches, growing up to 1.8 metres in length. They primarily feed on small rodents, and in captivity are usually given frozen-thawed mice. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years or more, making them a long-term commitment. Their name comes from the checkerboard pattern on their bellies, resembling corn kernels, and their history of being found near corn storage areas.

Read also

"He must sell them all": Eastern Cape man gets emotional discovering his stolen livestock, SA moved

The viral video has since turned into a talking point not just about parenting choices, but also about snake ownership in general. While some celebrated the bravery of both brothers, others admitted they would never allow such a pet in their homes. Either way, the post has sparked curiosity about corn snakes and introduced many South Africans to a reptile often seen as exotic but actually considered one of the most beginner-friendly pets in the reptile world.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Cliff Earl Watson wrote:

"He doesn't know the difference between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake. One day, he'll hold a wrong one and get injected with deadly venom. It's okay to teach him to be afraid of snakes til he understands between venomous and non-venomous snakes."

Tikambenji Kaliyati Mbwana Mlawuzi commented:

"This is very bad, he’s too young to differentiate between the wild venomous snake and that tamed one, so when he happens to see a wild snake, he will try to catch it."

Read also

A South African teen’s video of a dog chasing learners to school went viral and left netizens amused online

Sandie S Heart commented:

"This child will be a great healer in the future. He has strong spiritual powers."

Prestige Mafedhi wrote:

"Yoo, I can't allow my daughter to touch a dead frog. I can't imagine staying with a live snake. That would be the end of me."

Harry Mabodinyana Putuka wrote:

"This family can't be my relatives, I'd never ever buy inoka let alone try to see a reaction for the boy for inoka lol."

Naledi Barbiana Kale said:

"They called me a witch and excluded me from things because I loved cats; they would burn your family in my village."

Marothy Selamolela wrote:

"I’m just scared that he won't know which one is poisonous or not and end up touching… even deadliest."

Jennifer Lebenya wrote:

"How is he gonna know the difference between a docile Nola and a black mamba or a Mozambiquen cobra, Cape Cobra, Boomslang? Which are deadly? This is dangerous. Inoka le."

Read also

A South African man went viral showing his 2015 Toyota Corolla to 2025 Porsche Panamera car glow-up

Check out the Facebook video below:

3 other Briefly News stories about snakes

• Indian customs officials in Mumbai foiled a wildlife smuggling attempt, seizing 16 live snakes from a Thai passenger.
• A snake catcher shared a thrilling video demonstrating how he caught one of Africa's most venomous snakes, the Boomslang, in a bushy area.
• A woman shared a harrowing story of two youngsters in her family who suffered snake bites, going viral on social media.

Source: Briefly News