"So Refreshing": SA Man’s Goodnight Prank Challenges Masculinity and Inspires Heartfelt Reactions
- A South African man's heartwarming "Goodnight" prank to his male friends went viral on TikTok, sparking a mix of laughter and emotional reactions across Mzansi
- The video challenges traditional masculinity, inspiring conversations about emotional expression and male friendships in South Africa
- Social media users praise the man's gesture, highlighting its impact on normalising affection and mental health discussions among men
- Briefly News spoke to certified relationship Paula Quinsee about how emotional expression between male friends influences their relationships and mental well-being
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A lighthearted yet touching moment of a South African man has gone viral after he posted a TikTok video of himself calling his male friends to say “good night.”
Source: TikTok
Man's goodnight call to male friends
The wholesome clip has since sparked a mix of laughter, surprise, and heartfelt reactions across Mzansi.
In a video, which was shared under the handle @buli_makhubo, on June 5th 2025. The gent can be seen calling several of his male buddies, capturing their candid reactions ranging from confusion and shock to emotional appreciation.
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Some of the friends could be heard hesitating, unsure how to respond to such a simple yet unfamiliar gesture. Others were clearly moved, responding with warmth and affection.
He also went on to inform his friends that he loved them, and his wife, who was amused by the gesture, expressed the following in her caption:
"Apart from the shock, his friends are lovers."
TikTok users across the country were left both amused and inspired by the wholesome interaction. Many praised the man for normalising emotional expression among male friends, something often considered taboo in traditional masculinity.
Others admitted they were caught off guard by how touching the video turned out to be. @buli_makhubo's video generated many views along with thousands of likes and comments within a week of its publication.
The viral clip has since sparked conversations around male friendships and mental health, with many calling it a sweet reminder to check in with loved ones, even if it's just to say goodnight. In a world that often encourages emotional distance among men, one man's thoughtful gesture is breaking the mould, and Mzansi is here for it.
Watch the video below:
Paula Quinsee on emotional expression in male friendships
While speaking to Briefly News, certified relationship expert Paula Quinsee discussed how emotional expression between male friends influences their overall relationships and mental well-being, saying:
"When men share their fears, hopes, and pain, it opens the way for others to do the same, which builds a sense of trust and loyalty among men, which are seen as the foundation of genuine friendship. This emotional vulnerability helps to reduce isolation and the risk of depression, anxiety, and self harm as it provides support structures for men to lean into."
She added:
"Being open and vulnerable to each other helps men to break down toxic traditional norms, gives others permission to do the same and models positive masculinity (vs toxic masculinity)."
Man’s goodnight prank amuses Mzansi
The man's hilarious goodnight prank has captured the attention of South Africans, leaving Mzansi in stitches. The viral moment has social media buzzing as many took to the comments section to crack jokes while others shared their thoughts.
Mbalenhle Mbax said:
“That’s so sweet of you. Sweet dreams to you, too."
Choc'Cookie added:
"Emotionally mature men. Nowander, they are all married."
Love Faith wrote:
"Soft friendships."
C expressed:
"Sooo refreshing to see this side of this challenge."
Nozi commented:
"You have a healthy circle."
Source: TikTok
South African women prank their hubbies
- Briefly News previously reported that one woman and her hubby left many people cracking up in laughter over their amusing antics in a TikTok video.
- One married woman had time for games as she showed off how she pranked her hubby at 1 am while he was asleep.
- A group of women in South Africa left many people on the internet laughing over their hilarious antics.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Paula Quinsee (Certified Relationship Therapy Educator and founder of Engaged Humans) Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans, facilitating connection between individuals and organisations to create a more human-connected world. She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy educator and facilitator, NLP practitioner, PDA analyst, coach and trainer. Paula is also the author of two self-help guides - Embracing Conflict and Embracing No - as well as an international speaker, advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence.
