“Be the Teacher That You Needed”: Eastern Cape Teacher Braiding Students’ Hair Melts Hearts
- An Eastern Cape teacher went viral after sharing a video of himself braiding one of his students' hair into neat ponytails
- The gentle video shows the male educator skillfully twisting and braiding his student's hair while she sits relaxed, proving that teaching goes far beyond classroom lessons
- South Africans praised the teacher's loving approach, with parents thanking him for showing the true spirit of Ubuntu in education
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Source: Facebook
An Eastern Cape teacher has warmed hearts across South Africa after sharing a tender moment with one of his students that shows teaching at its finest. The viral video, posted on 8 September 2025, captures the educator carefully braiding a young girl's hair in his classroom, creating a beautiful example of care and kindness in education.
Content creator @nono.nike shared the heartwarming clip that quickly gained over 343,000 views and 28,000 reactions from viewers who were moved by the simple act of compassion. The video shows the teacher's message that educators should be the teachers that they needed when they were at their age.
In the touching video, the teacher shows his hair-braiding skills as he gently styles his student's hair into two neat ponytails. The young girl appears completely relaxed and comfortable. The teacher carefully twists each section before braiding the tip.
The moment perfectly captures what many consider the essence of good teaching: going beyond the curriculum to ensure students feel valued and cared for. The teacher's gentle approach and obvious skill suggest this isn't the first time he's helped students with their appearance, showing his commitment to their overall well-being.
South Africans were deeply moved by the video, with many praising the teacher for treating his students like family and ensuring they feel confident and presentable throughout the school day.
Source: Facebook
Mzansi reacts to the caring teacher moment
South Africans flooded the comments section with praise and gratitude for the teacher's loving approach.
@sisncesh thanked:
"Thank you for loving our children ❤️🙏"
@hlengiwemimynzimakwe proudly shared:
"That's my brother ❤️❤️"
@andyvuyoh gushed:
"❤️❤️🔥 This is so cute 🥰🥺"
@pelokazimadikizela appreciated:
"Wow, some kids get love at school, they get attention no matter how they go to school. Thank you for loving our kids, continue loving them ❤️❤️"
@snovuyodarkykatataban noted:
"Chronicles of being a teacher 😍🥹❤️"
@asheresimnzimakwe joked:
"Benefits of having a teacher who's also the hairstylist... The kids will never be in their heads 😂♥️"
@wangabomoyi praised:
"Love this 👌❤️❤️"
How teachers' caring behaviour helps students
According to the National Library of Medicine research, when teachers show they care, students feel more connected and motivated to learn. Research shows that caring teachers boost confidence, improve performance, and make classrooms more engaging.
Students are more likely to join in, focus, and build stronger friendships when they know their teacher truly supports them. Creators like Facebook user @nono.nike show how powerful these caring relationships are in shaping better learning experiences.
Watch the Facebook clip below:
Other SA teachers in the news
- Briefly News recently reported on an Eastern Cape teacher who joined her students in the trending Magumba dance challenge, but the video's unexpected ending had viewers calling her something special.
- School learners went viral after dressing up as their favourite teachers in a Facebook clip, with their detailed mimicry of clothing and mannerisms leaving South Africans in stitches over their creative efforts.
- A principal's heartfelt reaction to a surprise birthday prank from his learners showed the strong community bonds at his school, but followers noticed something touching about his response that made them call him by a special name.
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Source: Briefly News
