A University of the Witwatersrand student has set social media ablaze after posting a TikTok video titled “Food I eat as a rich student”. The clip, which contrasts sharply with the popular “What I eat as a broke student” trend, has sparked a national conversation on class, privilege, and student realities.
The student, known online as Thalukanyo, showcased her daily meals, mostly restaurant takeouts and home-cooked dishes that many say are far beyond the reach of the average NSFAS-funded student. Her caption, “Is part two needed, or do you get it?”, added fuel to the fire.
While some viewers applauded her confidence and authenticity, others accused her of flaunting wealth in a space where many students struggle to afford basic groceries. One commenter wrote, “People are mad because you’re rich. Yho, poverty is too romanticised”, while another added, “Rich kids don’t brag about food”
The video has since racked up thousands of views and over 2,000 comments, with reactions ranging from admiration to criticism. Some users defended her right to share her lifestyle, while others questioned the timing and tone of the post amid ongoing student protests over financial exclusion.
This isn’t the first time Wits students have gone viral for content that blurs the line between satire and social commentary. Earlier this year, another student’s luxurious res room tour also drew mixed reactions online.
The broader context includes rising frustration among students over NSFAS delays, housing shortages, and the high cost of living. For many, the video served as a stark reminder of the economic divide that exists even within university campuses.
Still, others saw the post as harmless fun. “She’s not pretending to be broke. She’s just showing her truth,” one user commented. The debate continues, with some calling for more empathy and others urging influencers to be mindful of their platforms.
Whether you see it as tone-deaf or empowering, one thing is clear: the video has struck a nerve, and it’s got South Africa talking.
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