Video of Principal Getting Pranked On His Birthday Leaves SA Impressed
- A viral video shows a principal's heartfelt reaction to a surprise birthday prank from his learners
- The learners' collective effort in pulling off the prank shows their strong sense of community and respect
- Many followers are calling the principal a "father figure," praising the supportive environment he has created for his students
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Source: Getty Images
A TikTok video of a school principal in the Northern Cape getting pranked on his birthday is capturing hearts online. The video shows learners creating a ruckus and pretending to fight. The noise is convincing enough to draw their principal out to intervene. What he finds isn't a fight but a heartfelt surprise.
The power of community
The video was captured on 16 September 2025, shows the principal's priceless reaction when he realises the children were pranking him. His expression shifts from concern to a warm smile. After the prank is revealed, the principal joins the students in a dance, showing the joyful atmosphere within the school community.
The moment was shared by TikTok user @katlegophosholiii, showing the learners' collective effort, emphasising their unity. Every learner who played a role in the prank, being part of the group singing "Happy Birthday", is a sign of their shared bond and respect for their principal.
Source: Getty Images
Not just a principal but a "father figure"
South Africans were moved, with many followers referring to the principal as a "father figure". This video isn't just a light-hearted joke, it's a testament to the safe, respectful and nurturing space he has created for his learners.
Dee commented:
"Wow, this is so lovely. 🥰🥰🥰 Not me crying lol, I'm such a baby🙈🙈🙈."
user97108548688162 said:
"When you respect people and love them this happens to you. The give you love too."
Didi wrote:
"Wow, I wish our children would grow up like this, so it could be pleasant and the teachers could enjoy their work. God bless you. Keep it up, teachers."
Kelref said:
"Happy birthday to the mister, please share the name of the school. The teacher who says 'goa lwaniwa chomi' (there's a fight, my friend) sounds like they are from the Kimberley area."
Pabi911 commented:
"Aww, that's so sweet. 😔😔😔😁😁😁They deserve love and respect, you can see it. The days of principals being monsters are gone."
misfiredl_casestudy wrote:
"Who else is watching this with a smile on their face? Happy birthday principal keep up the good work and great leadership boss👊."
Sylvi said:
"Principal thought it was a fight, wanting to call them to order, only for him to cry tears of joy. Happy belated birthday principal 🥰🥰🥰"
news2574 commented:
"Teaching is a passion. Look at the way the principal is walking towards the children. 🥰"
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about South African principals
- One teacher was surprised by a freeze prank, and the hilarious moment was captured in a viral video.
- South Africans on social media were impressed by learners' heartfelt surprise for their principal's birthday.
- A principal danced with joy after her matric learners received 100% pass rate, and the celebrations were shared in a video.
Source: Briefly News
