“He’s Not Committing Crime”: Man Gets Creative About Begging for Money, Mzansi Applauds

• A street beggar’s humorous sign stopped South Africans in their tracks and sparked online conversation
• The viral creative approach highlighted how humour can change everyday interactions on local roads
• Many South Africans online saw it as a reflection of resilience, humour and creativity in asking for money

One handwritten sign turned an ordinary traffic light moment into a national talking point, proving that there are more creative ways to get strangers searching their pockets.

South Africans were amused after a video shared by Southafriworld on 1 January 2026 showed a street beggar using humour to ask for money. The clip, filmed on a public road in South Africa, captured the man standing with a handwritten cardboard sign that read his wife was abducted by a ninja and that he needed R20 for karate lessons. He then switched the board once he got some attention, and on the other side was written that he is joking and that he wants money for a beer.

Read also

A South African student thanked a Chinese family who welcomed and supported her while studying abroad

Street begging is a daily reality in many South African cities, driven by unemployment, rising living costs, and limited access to opportunities. While many motorists have become desensitised to signs asking for spare change, creative approaches often break that barrier. Using humour allows people to pause, read, and engage, even if just for a moment. In a country where survival often depends on quick thinking, this form of creativity reflects resilience rather than desperation.

Humour meets hustle on SA streets

Many viewers recognised the humour in user Southafriworld’s video as something uniquely local, mixing struggle with laughter. The sign stood out in a sea of similar scenes people pass every day, making it shareable and easy to relate to. The clip worked because it didn’t feel staged, but rather like a genuine moment people could imagine seeing at their own traffic light.

Reactions showed a mix of amusement and respect. Some people applauded the creativity, saying it was refreshing to see humour instead of intimidation. Others felt it was a better alternative than turning to crime. The moment sparked conversations about dignity, survival, and how South Africans often find ways to cope through humour.

Here's what Mzansi said

Thabane Mthiyane wrote:

"I’ll buy the guy a couple of beers, we get drunk, and go look for his imaginary wife abducted by."

Mookie Cross wrote:

Read also

A South African–American couple compared everyday words, leaving Mzansi amused by the language differences

"At least the guy has a sense of humour. I'd give him the R20 just for putting a smile on my face."

Sue Bond wrote:

"I'd have handed over the 20 bucks for creativity and making me laugh."

Debbie Crichton wrote:

"Well, at least he is truthful."

Juliana Cosani wrote:

"Honesty is the best policy!"

Justin Jonosky wrote:

"That's old, the 1st 1 I saw Rondebult Rd, Boksburg, like 10 years ago."

Siya Madonci wrote:

"I wonder if the same reaction would be given if the sign said 'Need R20 for a slice of cake'"

John Carter wrote:

"His better than the politicians"

Check out the Facebook video below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about begging for money

• One South African lady was tired of the January hunger and asked for some financial assistance, prompting reactions online.
• South African Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo recently asked for money from her fans on social media for a music video.
• After a Johannesburg Grade 12 learner begged for financial assistance for his matric dance, a local man, Kgotso Phukubye, generously helped him out.

Source: Briefly News