“Mkhulu Wants to Hug the TV”: Grandfather’s Touching Reaction to Seeing Grandson on TV Moves SA

• A proud grandfather was captured on video reacting to his grandson appearing live on a breakfast show for the first time
• The elderly man walked right up to the television screen, standing inches away as he gazed at his grandson being interviewed
• The clip also showed the grandson's appearance on Tropika Island of Treasure, leaving mkhulu completely in awe
• Briefly News reached out to Andile Khuluse following his emotional viral moment capturing mkhulu's reaction to his major television appearance

An elderly South African grandfather melted hearts across the country after his reaction to seeing his grandson on live television was captured on video and posted to TikTok on 10 September 2026. The clip, shared by TikTok user @andyk_sa, shows the grandfather walking straight up to the television set the moment his grandson appears on screen during a live breakfast show interview.

He stands just inches from the screen, gazing upward in complete awe, completely absorbed by what he is seeing. As clips of the grandson's appearance on Expresso during a Tropika Island of Treasure contestant interview play, mkhulu stays rooted to the spot, not moving an inch. His expression says everything words cannot.

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Mkhulu steals the show

The video struck a nerve with South Africans, many of whom recognised the quiet, powerful pride of a grandparent watching a grandchild succeed. There is something deeply moving about watching an older person encounter their loved one on a television screen for the first time, realising that the child they raised is now someone the whole country can see.

The grandson's Tropika Island of Treasure appearance added to the emotional weight of the moment. The show is a popular South African reality series, and seeing a family member on it clearly meant the world to this grandfather.

Watch the touching video on Instagram below:

Inside Andile Khuluse’s Tropika Island of Treasure Journey

The Briefly News team spoke with the rising star to discuss his family's overwhelming support, his grandfather's priceless phone call from Durban, and what motivated him to pursue the life-changing opportunity.

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Opening up about seeing his grandfather's genuine reaction on screen for the first time, he shared:

"My cousin took the video as I was on set, and posted on his WhatsApp status. I immediately grabbed the video and watched it over and over, until I knew that I had to share it on socials."

Reflecting on the heartfelt connection with his mkhulu and the surprise he pulled off for his loved ones, he revealed:

"Mkhulu and I had a phone call right after the interview. He was watching all the way from Durban, while my interview took place in Joburg. My family have been such a huge support for this journey—I surprised everyone, as no one knew I was pushing for the island."

When asked about what ultimately inspired him to take on the challenge, he highlighted his drive for growth and new horizons:

"I entered Tropika for the grand prize and also for the exposure to more opportunities that God can provide for me."

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Mzansi reacts to the touching moment

For many watching, the video became a reminder of what truly matters beyond fame or recognition — the look on your grandfather's face when he sees you shine. South Africans flooded the comments with warmth and admiration. On TikTok, they had this to say:

@Zano & Mom wrote:

"A proud mkhulu 🫶❤️🌹."

@ngozazweqy wrote:

"Mkhulu wants to hug the TV ❤️."

@Njabulo Msiza shared:

"This is so heartwarming. You're so blessed to witness your grandfather's pride in you ❤️."

@darkdinzygore said:

"Had a bad day and this was the best thing ever to watch ❤️🌹."

@M A R C U S added:

"You are blessed, My G 🙏."

@215thembiso Ngcobo said:

"I would cry, yazi (you know) 😭❤️."

3 more articles about mkhulus

• Briefly News previously reported on a viral video that captured a mkhulu tenderly feeding his wife a meal after convincing her to eat, which touched many viewers.
• An elderly couple celebrated their viral online fame after their daughter filmed them reading heartfelt messages from viewers who were moved by their sweet moment of sharing a chocolate bar.
• A mkhulu was filmed walking around the township carrying his grandchild on his back, leaving many social media users wondering where the mother was.

Source: Briefly News