“She Loves You”: Student Returns to Emotional Surprise of New Bedroom Built by Aunt, SA Moved
- A university student returned home for the holidays only to discover that his aunt had built a luxurious bedroom just for him, leaving him emotional
- The moving video went viral after being shared on TikTok, capturing the student's emotional reaction to the massive gesture of love and family pride
- Social media users were deeply touched by the aunt's profound commitment, declaring that true love means providing a permanent, private sanctuary
- Briefly News spoke with Mlondolozi Kani, owner of Kannjane Construction and Supplying Services, about the heartwarming viral video of the backroom built for a student
Source: TikTok
A video documenting a student’s return from varsity becomes a powerful source of emotional inspiration, showcasing a life-changing surprise orchestrated by pure family love.
The heartfelt clip, shared on TikTok by @alwande445, captured the precise moment of overwhelmed gratitude by the young student, touching viewers who expressed their fondness for the aunt.
The student, Alwande, was filmed after collapsing onto the bed, his face buried in the duvet as he wept. The gesture was enormous: his aunt had constructed and fully furnished a gorgeous new bedroom, complete with a beautiful sleigh bed, a sleek wardrobe, and a modern wall-mounted TV. When he finally gathered the strength, he rose and held his aunt tightly, tears still streaming.
The ultimate homecoming surprise
The emotional moment continued as the aunt gave a moving, impromptu speech explaining the significance of the grand gesture. While embracing TikTok user @alwande445, she explained that the grand gift was a sign of the family's immense pride in his academic efforts. She urged him to focus on his studies and assured him that the room was his permanent private space to enjoy, even if she were no longer alive. This assurance was witnessed by cheering family members and neighbours, affirming the depth of her protective love.
Source: TikTok
A builder’s view on quality backroom construction
The Briefly News team spoke with Mlondolozi Kani to discuss the community support shown in the viral video and the essential construction steps for building durable, quality backrooms ekasi.
We asked the man what crucial steps were needed for the township's backroom construction's foundation and slab to ensure the room will last for many years. He responded:
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“The foundation must be done right, or the walls will crack. You must dig deep enough, use a proper damp-proof course (DPC) to stop rising moisture, and pour a solid concrete slab. We never take shortcuts with the foundation.”
We asked what the approximate range of cost for materials and labour to build a quality, single backroom unit (like a bachelor flat) in a township today is. The man replied:
“For a basic, quality unit with good finishes, the cost for materials and labour can easily range from R100,000 to R200,000. It depends on the size and whether you add a proper bathroom and kitchen unit, but if it’s just a bedroom without those, it can run close to R80,000. Quality bricks and cement are not cheap.”
The team asked what the first legal step must be taken before building a backroom on a property. Mlondolozi said:
“You must first get municipality approval for your building plans. This is non-negotiable. Without approved plans, the room is illegal, and the municipality can force you to tear it down. Always get professionals to draft and submit the plans.”
SA debates the moving gesture
The clip garnered 3.1M views, 583K likes, and over 10.2K comments from deeply moved social media users. Many viewers were emotional and praised the aunt for her kindness, wishing all aunties were like her. The generous act of the aunt reminded one viewer of their own family hero, commenting that their mom was that aunt to everyone, showcasing a deep, shared cultural respect for such kinship. Others pleaded with the student not to disappoint his aunt and asked him to focus on his studies, so he could make her proud.
User @Katlego pleaded:
"Please don't disappoint her!"
User @Tshireletso shared:
"My very own rakgadi (aunt) gave me a car. She gives me a monthly allowance of R1.5k to R2k🥺. She pays for my hospital visits🌸."
User @Mthokoh commented:
"She said, 'Noma kuthiwa ang’sekho emhlabeni' (even when I am no longer alive). This woman really loves you 🥺."
User @Rudzie-Runa Mudau added:
"When your cup starts overflowing, let her benefit too."
User @Thebe shared:
"She wouldn't have done it if you weren't a good kid to your family. They recognise you 🤍."
User @Chansa Umwanakashi commented:
"I've never had an aunt who loves me this much. My mom was that aunt to everyone."
User @Nomathemba Khubone said:
"Aunty of the year akubusise unkulunkulu (may God bless you) 🥰."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about university students
- A university student shared a moving slideshow documenting what she bought with a R50 deposit from her mother, showcasing her mastery of budget shopping.
- A student shared a candid slideshow detailing his various side hustles to fund his lifestyle, including selling food, snacks, and electronic gadgets.
- A young student was filmed running his small business, selling food to fellow residents at his university accommodation, impressing many social media users.
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Source: Briefly News
