“God Answers Prayers”: Joburg Domestic Worker Blessed With Generous Amount From US To Build Home

• A Johannesburg woman shared an emotional video of the moment she told her domestic worker that her boss from America wants to bless her with a generous gift
• The domestic worker, Zoe, has been praying to build her own house one day, and the surprise blessing brought her much closer to achieving that dream
• South Africans had mixed reactions to the video, with some debating whether the amount was enough to help build a home and others defending the generous gesture
• Briefly News spoke to financial expert Mohammed Areff regarding the best way to save for a home

A Johannesburg woman has touched hearts across South Africa after sharing an emotional video of the moment she surprised her domestic worker with life-changing news. The clip, posted on 11 October 2025, quickly went viral, racking up over 177,000 views, 8,000 reactions, and hundreds of comments from people who were moved by the story.

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The video was shared with the caption:

"Can't think of anyone who deserves this more than Zoe. God answers prayers in ways we think aren't possible 🥹🙏🏻 She cried for 2 hours after this, thanking Jesus for hearing her prayers. Good humans do still exist ❤️"

The clip shows the woman recording her domestic worker, Zoe, who is busy ironing clothes. In the clip, the woman tells Zoe that her boss is coming from America and has decided to bless her with a generous gift.

"Zoe, so I'm just reading this message. You know my boss is coming from America," the woman says. "She said she's not gonna bring you $100. She's gonna bring $1 000."

Zoe stops ironing immediately, clearly shocked by what she's hearing. She asks while holding onto her head in disbelief.

"Are you joking?"

The woman assures her that it's not a joke and explains that her boss normally helps someone every month, but this time, she's decided to give the money to Zoe instead.

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"Don't faint," the woman jokes as Zoe struggles to process the news.

The video also includes text explaining that Zoe has been working hard for years and has been praying to build her own house one day. Thanks to this blessing, she's now much closer to making that dream a reality.

Mzansi reacts to the generous blessing

South Africans had plenty to say about the video, with reactions ranging from support and admiration to debates about whether the amount was enough to help build a home.

@kendra_freckles wrote:

"But 1,000 dollars are not even a lot of dollars 🙄."

@rene001 defended the gift, saying:

"Guys, it's 1,000x20, it's dollars, not rand. That's a lot of money. R20 000 to put towards a house, that's awesome."

@james_v offered:

"I'd like to donate. Have a link?"

@my_gifts_from_above gushed:

"Oh, what a blessing 😭😭."

@mfundo_mkhonza added:

"1,000 USD of something is better than nothing. Hope she gets more and her dream comes true."

@user591281437152 wrote:

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"$1 000 is a lot of money! She can buy a lot of building materials. Thanx so much!!❤️❤️❤️."

@monas_garden said:

"May your boss's cup never run dry. I'm crying with Zoe... ❤"

What it costs to build a home in SA

Content creator @nataliejackson59 shared the touching moment with her followers, and many people wondered how far the money would go towards building a home. According to experts at Ooba Home Loans, building a house in South Africa starts at around R6,500 per square metre for a small economic home, while high-end properties can cost R20,000 or more per square metre. A standard three-bedroom house typically measures between 120 and 150 square metres.

Although building is usually more expensive than buying, it can lead to long-term savings. Homeowners avoid expenses like transfer duty, admin fees, and major renovations. While R20,000 won’t cover an entire build, it’s a good start for purchasing key materials such as bricks, concrete, and roof tiles, helping Zoe take her first step toward owning her dream home.

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Speaking to Briefly News writer, Nerissa Naidoo, financial advisor Mohammed Areff discussed how people can save to buy property. He stated:

"Start by setting a clear budget and tracking your expenses carefully. Open a dedicated savings account for your home fund, cut unnecessary spending, and consider automating monthly transfers to make saving consistent. Look for ways to increase your income, even temporarily, and be patient; building a home takes time. For a plan that fits your situation, it’s always best to speak with a financial advisor."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

Other domestic workers in SA

• Briefly News recently reported on a humorous skit featuring a housekeeper caught stealing household items, and the video sparked a lively discussion about the relationship between domestic workers and their employers.
• A content creator challenged his domestic worker, Gloria, to remove a bank card from under a golf ball balanced on a pencil, and South Africans praised her cleverness after she nailed the impossible challenge.
• A woman's TikTok video of herself enjoying a massive plate of pap and fish before work went viral, with many South Africans finding her portrayal of a domestic worker's experiences relatable and authentic.

Source: Briefly News