Viral Professor’s Salary Video Has South Africans Rethinking Their Careers and Eyeing a PhD
- A viral Facebook video shared a professor’s payslip, showing a basic salary and net pay that left many stunned
- The clip highlighted the financial rewards of achieving a PhD and working in academia, further impressing netizens
- Many were surprised by the figures, sparking career reflections and interest in advanced qualifications
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how individuals facing financial challenges can prepare to negotiate better wages
South Africans are buzzing after seeing a professor’s payslip with a net salary of over R100,000, inspiring many to rethink the value of a PhD.
Source: Facebook
A Facebook video showcasing the payslip of a university professor has gone viral, leaving many South Africans reconsidering the value of advanced academic qualifications. Shared on 27 July 2025, by career content creator Boni Xaba, the video highlights the earning potential of a professional with a PhD in the academic field.
The payslip featured in the clip revealed impressive figures. The professor’s basic salary exceeded R87,000, with total allowances pushing the taxable income to over R171,000. Despite a significant P.A.Y.E. deduction of around R48,000 and total deductions exceeding R77,000, the net pay still came in at more than R100,000 per month.
South Africans inspired by professor’s earnings
These numbers have caught the attention of social media users, as they demonstrate the financial rewards that can accompany years of study and academic dedication. In a country where salary discussions are often a source of curiosity and debate, the professor’s earnings stand out as a reflection of the value placed on highly qualified professionals.
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Boni Xaba’s content has become popular for showing the realities of various careers in South Africa, providing insight into the financial outcomes of different career paths. This video, in particular, resonated because it revealed that a career in academia, though demanding and often underappreciated, can deliver significant financial benefits for those who reach the highest levels.
The viral clip has fuelled interest in academic career paths and prompted discussions about long-term career planning. For many viewers, it served as both motivation and a reminder that the journey to advanced qualifications can lead to tangible rewards.
Source: Facebook
Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha on how individuals with limited financial resources can effectively prepare to negotiate higher wages or improved job offers. She explained:
"The key to negotiating better wages lies in demonstrating the value you bring to your role, consistently delivering high-quality work, and being willing to have honest, and sometimes difficult, conversations with your employer."
Mzansi reacted to the video
Vincent PapaKatlego Molele joked:
“So the professor taught me to earn more money than him?”
Lusanda Lulu Vongwe shared her view:
“I’m just watching the broke-broke guys complain that it’s little. Anything above R30k is real money. Stop with the nonsense and be for real.”
Kgomotso Makhubela added:
“I like how people complain that R100k is small, yet we know only 2% of the country earns six figures. You’d swear they’re on R300k per month, ai!”
Nhlamulo Rikhotso was inspired, writing:
“Yaaa, next year I have to enrol for that Master's, the sooner the better!”
Fhulufhelo Mahlangu Tshisa asked with humour:
“Where can I get a PhD?”
Nchadi Moradi Oa Esaya informed others:
“Yes… and per student that you supervise, you can get R60k.”
Vena Khaya joked:
“Can he give me a director’s allowance? I’ll be fine.”
Tshepiso Mokwena concluded:
“A person with a cybersecurity certificate and 15 years of experience earns way more than that!”
Check out the Facebook video below:
Becoming a professor in South Africa usually takes around 13 to 15 years after starting your university studies. You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, honours, master’s, and a PhD, which can take up to 10 years. After earning your PhD, it normally takes another 8 to 10 years of publishing research, teaching, and supervising students to be promoted to full professor. The timeline depends on your academic achievements and the institution’s requirements. It’s a long journey, but a structured one.
3 Briefly News stories about salaries and payslips
- A Bachelor of Science graduate's monthly salary was a hit on TikTok, with a video showing the details of their earnings.
- A lady flaunted the pay slip of a community service dentist, and people went wild over the woman's revelation.
- The salary of a gardener in South Africa shocked many people on the internet and sparked a buzz.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Gloria Masia Gloria Masia is a Human Interest Writer at Briefly News. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA and a Diploma in Journalism from Rosebank College. With over six years of experience, Gloria has worked in digital marketing, online TV production, and radio. Email:gloria.masia@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
