“Link Up With BI Phakathi”: SA Loves American Man Paying for South African Strangers’ Rent

• A popular content creator from America, Steven Shapiro, went to Khayelitsha, Cape Town, to pay for people's rent
• The young man's TikTok video showed him giving two older women stacks of notes, which they appreciated
• South African members of the online community loved Steven's generosity and hoped to see him in their neck of the woods

Steven Shapiro, an American content creator with a big heart, travelled to the township of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, where he blessed a few people with money to pay their rent.

Sharing a snippet of his YouTube video, which he posted on 27 July, 2025, on his TikTok account, Steven is seen asking one of the residents:

"Is it expensive to live here?"

While the unemployed woman shared that she didn't know the answer to the question, she stated, through a translator, that she lives in a shack in an area with a high crime rate.

Read also

"These kids are lying": Costs of matric dance outfits leave SA in disbelief

Steven pulled out a stack of R200 notes from his pocket, surprising the stranger. Regarding the second woman he blessed with cash, she was also speechless and showed gratitude through her actions.

Mzansi appreciates US man's generosity

Several local internet users loved the act of kindness they saw on their For You Pages and thanked Steven for showing the strangers love. Some people also urged the young man to visit their areas to assist.

@ziyaad888 said to the public:

"The lady taking the money with both hands... that shows gratitude."

@thera316 shared in the comment section:

"Thank you, bro. I never thought you would visit South Africa. I’m a huge fan in East London. Keep up the good work, and stay blessed."

@christophermichae61 wanted to show Steven the same love he showed the strangers, sharing:

"Steven, if you should happen to have Port Elizabeth on your itinerary, I'd love to bless you with a cup of coffee or a meal just to pay it back for what you're doing."

Read also

"This is amazing work": Good Samaritan blesses hungry man sitting in rain, SA moved

@mkhehla_luthuli advised the young man:

"Beautiful. P.S.: Put the money in an envelope for our mamas. Subtlety is a symbol of respect."

@dude10760 added in the comments:

"Steven, we appreciate you, bro. We have so many who can afford but can't even try to look out for those who suffer in South Africa, but you showed up with your kindness. Salute, king."

@ngoho.marvin.nets referred to another generous soul and wrote:

"You should link up with BI Phakathi. Great change can come from the two of you."

Take a look at the TikTok video below:

3 Other stories about Good Samaritans

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a man helped a student who was hesitant to buy herself a packet of noodles.
• Quick-thinking people rescued a toddler and a father after a tide swept them away. South Africans were appreciative of their heroic efforts.
• Well-known philanthropist BI Phakathi left an elderly woman emotional after he blessed her with cash when she least expected it. People online praised the man for opening his heart and wallet.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News