"We Thank You": SA Grandfather Joins Granddaughter’s Daily Run after Safety Concerns and Moves SA

• Sammy Zulu shared a TikTok video on 16 September 2026 showing her grandfather joining her on a daily run
• The elderly man decided to accompany his granddaughter outdoors despite advice to avoid strenuous walking
• The clip moved South Africans deeply, with many sharing their own stories of loved ones showing up for them

A South African granddaughter got more than a workout partner when she stepped outside for her daily run. Sammy Zulu shared a selfie-style TikTok on 16 September 2026, filmed on a street or sidewalk, revealing that her grandfather, affectionately called Mkhulu, had decided to join her.

The caption said it all:

"The whole 'avoid walking and running' didn't make sense to him."

The video came in the wake of the femicide of multiple women, including Tsontso, a female runner killed in Kempton Park, which reignited urgent conversations across South Africa about women's safety in public spaces. Rather than tell his granddaughter to stop running, her grandfather chose a different response: he went with her.

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When Mkhulu decides to run with you

The video struck a nerve with South Africans who have been grappling with grief and fear following the Kempton Park cases. For many viewers, seeing an elderly man simply show up for his granddaughter captured something that words and warnings could not.

The clip quickly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of comments from people who recognised that kind of love instantly.

View the TikTok video below:

Mzansi reacts to the heartwarming moment

South Africans flooded the comments on her page with their feelings:

@Bongeka said:

"He thinks he's only helping you... but walking is also good for his body. Everyone wins ☺️💕"

@Palesa Gwaza shared:

"I'm at McD and why am I crying, guys?? KUNZIMA BAFAZI [It is hard, women]!!!!"

@s🤍 added:

"My 71-year-old grandma accompanies me every morning at 5 am to catch a taxi"

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@LLFez12 noted:

"Is this uBaba Mthembu 🤭🤭? That man has always been a different man 👏 syakubongela [we thank you] for being protected"

@MISHY🪷🫧 reflected:

"Mind you guys, some of us never really notice when someone is behind us cause we jog wearing headphones/airpods 💔"

More Briefly News stories on running

• A South African runner in China honoured Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo and four other murder victims with a tearful 5km tribute.
• A tribute video for slain Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo moved viewers as concerns over women’s safety grew.
• Friends of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo shared footage of the route where she was found, highlighting safety concerns around the area.

Source: Briefly News