SA Man Goes Viral for Living the Luxurious "Soft Life" in His Humble Shack, Challenging Stereotypes

• A young man from Mzansi has gone viral for showcasing his luxurious "soft life" in a humble shack, defying stereotypes about informal dwellings
• His shack is surprisingly neat and organised, featuring a clean bed, a well-laid table with fresh fruit and a roasted chicken, and other finer things in life
• The video has sparked admiration and important conversations about dignity, lifestyle, and appreciating what one has, regardless of housing circumstances
• Briefly News spoke with architect and interior designer Erwan Kabwita, who shared tips on styling and decorating shack homes with affordable yet beneficial items

A young gent from Mzansi has taken social media by storm by showcasing how he lives a luxurious “soft life” in the comfort of his humble shack.

The video, which went viral online, left netizens in awe of his cleanliness, organisation, and ability to enjoy life’s finer things despite modest surroundings.

Many people in South Africa live in shacks, also known as informal dwellings, due to a combination of historical and ongoing socio-economic factors. These include the legacy of apartheid-era forced removals, rapid urbanisation, high unemployment, and the inability of many to afford formal housing. However, this gent is proving that even with the little he has, he is enjoying his "soft life" in his humble abode while flexing it online.

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Gent showcases how he lives a soft life in his shack

In the clip, posted by the man under the handle @derrick.mayengani, the guy’s shack is neatly arranged with a clean bed dressed in crisp white linen, complemented by flower-patterned pillowcases. The soft and inviting setup stood out to many viewers, challenging the stereotype of what shack living looks like.

What truly stole the spotlight, however, was his well-laid table. A small brown table in front of his bed in his room boasted an impressive spread of fresh fruit, including a banana, three oranges, an apple, an avocado, and a pear, all beautifully arranged on a plate. Alongside that was a generous salad and a whole roasted chicken. @derrick.mayengani also had Hennessy, Nando's sauce, and various other things on his table. He even had a second fruit plate with the same selection, complete with cutlery ready for use.

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Mzansi peeps could not believe the type of lifestyle that @derrick.mayengani lives in his shack as they praised him in the comments section, with some commending the man's efforts to create a peaceful, abundant lifestyle.

The clip, shared on 19 May 2025, has not only inspired others to appreciate what they have but also sparked important conversations about dignity and lifestyle regardless of housing circumstances.

His video proves that comfort and joy don’t always come from expensive surroundings; sometimes, they’re found in a spotless shack and a perfectly roasted chicken.

Watch the video below:

Erwan Kabwita shares tips for decorating shack homes

While speaking to Briefly News, architect and interior designer Erwan Kabwita shared tips on styling and decorating shack homes with affordable yet beneficial items by saying:

"When decorating a shack, prioritise functionality and creativity. Don't be afraid to repurpose and upcycle materials to add character. Keep it simple, yet stylish, with a mix of textures and colours."

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The architect and interior designer added:

"Make the most of natural light and add plants for a cosy touch. Most importantly, make it yours by incorporating personal touches that reflect your style and story."

Here are the tips Erwan Kabwita shared with the publication on how to style your shack:

• To style a shack, maximise space with multi-functional furniture and vertical decor. Add vibrant colours and textures through rugs, throws, and pillows.
• Utilise natural light and mirrors to create an illusion of space.
• Incorporate plants and eclectic decor to bring personality. "Consider repurposed materials for a unique, eco-friendly aesthetic that reflects your style."

SA reacts to the man's stunning shack

People in South Africa flooded the comments section with jokes, while some simply gushed over the man's living space.

TanyahMuherawashe said:

"Being able to afford what you want without bothering anyone is a soft life. Enjoy yourself when we talk about soft life, people think we must have millions, but it's wrong."

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Sra.U cracked a joke saying:

"The economy is doing wonderfully."

Suzan Tlaba added:

"The house is so neat."

Mamello_Makhetha replied:

"The real luxury is being able to afford what you want without bothering anyone."

Shania Sibiya commented:

"Soft life."

Young women flex becoming homeowners

• Briefly News reported that a woman in South Africa beamed with pride as she showcased her impressive achievement to the world, inspiring many in the process.
• This Mzansi queen just hit a major life milestone as she moved from renting to owning her very own home.
• A local woman has headed online to celebrate the purchase of her brand-new car as well as her first-ever property.

Source: Briefly News