South Africa isn’t just a country – it’s a living, breathing reminder of resilience, joy, and undeniable spirit. Despite our challenges, we are a nation that thrives on laughter, community, and an unwavering love for life.
Johannesburg, South Africa (22 October 2024) – Let’s be real: South Africa isn’t perfect. We’ve got our challenges – and plenty of them. But somehow, despite the ups and downs, we are an incredible nation filled with a unique kind of magic. Whether it’s the humour we use to laugh through tough times, our ability to “maak a plan,” or the warmth of our people, South Africans have something special that’s hard to match.
A tweet by ShellsPemBroke has been giving people all the feels. It’s a thread about why South Africa is so f**king great, and it’s still spreading like wildfire on X (Twitter). It’s the kind of feel-good content that makes you want to shout from the rooftops: “YES! THIS is why I love this place.”
Recently, Good Things Guy had the pleasure of sitting down with ShellsPemBroke, and if you think she’s proudly South African online, she’s even more so in person. She believes wholeheartedly that we are the greatest nation in the world… and we couldn’t agree more! Her tweet, which has become a movement of its own, started with just seven reasons why South Africa is so f**king great. But since then, people have jumped in, adding their own reasons, and the list has grown far beyond 100!
Here’s the original post that started it all:
“I am a South African. And I think we’re kinda f**king great. Sorry, but this is factual. I live in an underrated country. Here’s a thread of why I feel this way. Spoiler: you’re gonna hate some of these.”
Reason No 1: Us.
South Africans. That’s it. No sarcasm. No joke. We are THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. You can make friends with literally ANYONE you meet on a daily basis. We really like liking people. Accidentally compliment someone’s nails, and you’re basically in their will.
Reason No 2: Potholes.
Say what you want. We are some of the most cautious and observant drivers in the world. At no point do we feel comfortable feeling comfortable driving. The lack of infrastructure means we could and should be on the set of Mission Impossible.
Reason No 3: Comedy.
OMFG THE COMEDY!!! Who in the world laughs at themselves as much as we do? Honestly? The world may be burning, but we are toasting marshmallows. How are SA comedians not more popular???
Reason No 4: The scenery.
F**k ALL THE WAY OFF. I mean. Come on. My sister does the hiking stuff and every vid she posts makes me damp in my pants. It’s not just Cape Town. It’s f**king EVERYWHERE. Urban chic. Mountains for days. Animals the rest of the world drools over. F**king hell.
Reason No 5: Zombie-apocalypse-readiness.
Listen, you know we’re prepped to deal without electricity and basic public services. When the world goes to shit, the Saffas will be claiming the planet. I can filter my own water, thank you.
Reason No 6: Sportsball!
Never EVER f**k with a South African and a placement or a gold medal. We take this sh*t SERIOUSLY. And we’re GOOD at it! Respect our prowess!
Reason No 7: It’s us again.
We’re really the best. Seriously, your mate, your family, your car guard, your waiter: they are all the absolute best. Take some time and find out. South Africans make South Africa. And we’re so f**king cool.
The replies started rolling in immediately, with people jumping on the feel-good train and adding their own reasons. Here are just a few:
“It’s the people. We are so f**king cool.”
“Because… us.”
“Chesa Nyama.”
“Don’t forget the wine!”
“We are a family. South Africans are siblings in the true sense. We fight every other day amongst ourselves. But try one of us and find out real quick.”
“Despite our politicians, we are blessed.”
“If I bump my own toe, a stranger will say sorry.”
“Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie.”
“We are the best in everything.”
“Lalela!!! South Africans are the only country that starts a sentence in English and completes it in any of the other official languages. Kumnandi ukuba lana.”
“We have the ability to ‘maak a plan.'”
“South Africa is WAY underrated.”
“The food! All the food.”
“The Bokke.”
“We are free.”
“We know how to laugh.”
It’s clear that this list could go on forever. There’s just so much that makes South Africa truly unique. From our ability to laugh through the hard times to our deep sense of community, we’re not just surviving – we’re thriving. And despite everything, we remain a nation full of life, love, and spirit. The optimism in ShellsPemBroke’s tweet has sparked a movement of appreciation for this wonderfully complex, frustrating, beautiful place we call home.
So if you ever need a reminder of why South Africa is so f**king great, just take a scroll through this thread. You’ll find reason after reason to fall in love with the place all over again. And the best part? It’s growing every day – because there are just that many reasons to love South Africa.
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