“It’s Depleted My Boy”: Zuluboy Claims His English Steps Out When He Wants to Speak It, SA Amused

• Zuluboy was filmed by his mother, Lujabe Siphe, for a campaign ad in the Eastern Cape on 13 September 2026
• He explained with a straight face that his English takes a rest and forces him to switch to isiXhosa
• South Africans cracked up watching the clip, many admitting they could relate to the language struggle

A five-year-old boy known as Zuluboy left the internet in tears of laughter after a video of him struggling through a campaign shoot went viral. His mother, Facebook user Lujabe Siphe, was trying to record him for what appeared to be a promotional ad. Instead, she captured something far more entertaining.

When English takes a break

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, toothpick in hand and completely deadpan, the little boy delivered what may be the most relatable explanation for switching between languages that South Africa has ever heard. He told his mother, in all seriousness, that his English steps out when he needs it. It simply walks away and needs to rest, which leaves him with no choice but to fall back on isiXhosa.

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When she pointed out that most of what he had just said was, in fact, English, he was unfazed. He told her it would be going away soon. What made the clip so funny was how earnestly the five-year-old delivered the explanation. There was no wink, no smile. He meant every word, even as the irony flew over his head and straight into the comments section.

Watch Zuluboy explain why his English steps out in the Facebook reel below:

Mzansi relates hard

The video spread quickly, with viewers across South Africa nodding along in recognition. South Africans flooded the comments to share their own language woes:

@Likho Sibulali said:

"Maybe 'Sir' is not in the mood and kusekuseni [it's still too early] 😄."

@Nelisiwe Zungu wrote:

"90% of this video is English mos 😅."

@Ongezwa Tutshana joked:

"Even the one I'm speaking is going to go away 🤣."

@Noxolo Hlangaphi added:

"I believe you Zuluboy, sometimes English steps out 🙋🏿."

@Zish Mbalie Enkosi-akumie shared:

"It's depleted sanalam (my boy)."

@Makgotso Matjie said:

"English steps out to rest, Yoh! I have learned something today."

3 more articles about kids

• A four-year-old child amazed his grandfather with his incredible ability to perform rapid mathematical calculations effortlessly, earning praise online.
• Briefly News reported that a mother has shared a funny video of her Zulu son insisting that he was Xhosa, after his friend convinced him and the entire class that they were all Xhosa.
• An unimpressed baby amused internet users after showing a hilariously bored reaction during a birthday surprise at Spur.

Source: Briefly News