Rachel John goes viral for Afrikaans and IsiXhosa TikTok
Scrolling through TikTok in South Africa often feels like spinning a lucky wheel. Every now and then, a clip pops up that feels instantly familiar, even if the face on screen is not. That was the case this week when Rachel John shared another get-ready-with-me-style video that had South Africans doing double takes.
In the clip, Rachel casually chats while getting ready, switching comfortably between Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. The reaction was immediate. Many viewers were convinced she had to be South African or, at the very least, had grown up here.
A GRWM that struck a local nerve
Get ready with me videos are everywhere on TikTok, but Rachel’s stood out for one simple reason. Hearing local languages spoken with ease in such a relaxed, everyday setting hit home for many South Africans. Afrikaans and IsiXhosa are languages tied deeply to identity, family, and place. Seeing them used together, without fuss or performance, felt refreshing.
Comments quickly filled with playful disbelief. Some users joked that she had been “exposed” as South African, while others praised her pronunciation and confidence. A few even asked which province she was from, convinced there had to be a local backstory.
Mistaken for South African, and loving it
Rachel herself appeared amused by the response. Being mistaken for South African was clearly taken as a compliment, and the lighthearted tone of the video matched the reaction it received. According to the response online, many viewers appreciated that she did not overexplain or turn the moment into a lesson. She simply spoke and let people react.
This is not the first time Rachel has shared content speaking local languages, but this latest video reignited the conversation. It also highlighted how powerful language can be on social media, especially in a country where multilingualism is part of daily life.
@racheljohnieIt’s the background giggles for me 😅❤️ I’m trying guys
Why this moment resonated so widely
South Africa’s online spaces are quick to celebrate anyone who makes an effort with local languages, particularly when it feels genuine. Afrikaans and IsiXhosa carry complicated histories, but they are also languages of humour, warmth, and everyday connection. Hearing them used naturally by someone who is not South African sparked both pride and curiosity.
On TikTok, where trends come and go at speed, moments like this stand out because they feel human. There was no big announcement or viral challenge. Just someone getting ready, talking, and accidentally reminding people how powerful language can be.
A small video with a big reaction
Rachel John’s GRWM video may have been short, but its impact was clear. It sparked laughter, debate, and a wave of comments from South Africans claiming her as one of their own, even if only jokingly. In a digital world often dominated by noise, it was a reminder that sometimes the simplest content connects the deepest.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: RTL Nieuws