A South African man has sparked widespread debate after refusing money offered to him by popular philanthropist BI Phakathi.
In a video posted on Facebook on 17 August 2026, BI Phakathi approached the man, who was lying on the ground outdoors, and offered him cash to buy something to eat.
However, instead of immediately accepting the generous offer, the man firmly declined it.
“I want nothing. I don’t want anything,” he told BI Phakathi.
The man explained that he owned a trolley and used it to earn his own living. Despite BI attempting to explain that the money was simply meant to help him, he stood by his decision and refused to take it.
Man’s refusal earns praise online
BI Phakathi has become widely known for approaching struggling people and surprising them with food, money and other forms of assistance. His videos often leave beneficiaries emotional and grateful, making this particular refusal an unusual moment for his followers.
The man did not appear rude or ungrateful during the encounter. Instead, he calmly maintained that he could support himself and did not want anything from anyone.
To several viewers, his trolley represented more than an ordinary possession. It symbolised his independence and his determination to earn money through his own efforts.
His response impressed many social media users, who praised him for maintaining his dignity despite his difficult circumstances.
Raw Tshepo Makola wrote:
“I’m so proud of him, bro. Nothing is for free in this world. He proudly said, ‘Ke na le trolley’ — ‘I have a trolley.’ He works for his money.”
Others suggested that the man might have refused because he was suspicious of unexpectedly receiving money from a stranger.
Luvuyo Mdala commented:
“Most people have gotten in trouble by trusting the wrong people. This guy knows that there’s nothing for free in life.”
Some viewers believe he missed an opportunity
While some South Africans admired the man’s independence, others could not understand why he rejected BI Phakathi’s offer.
Tshilidzi Bobodi jokingly described him as:
“My first time seeing the enemy of money.”
Sonnicky Nakandjembo suggested that the man might have feared that accepting the cash would expose him to some form of ritual or hidden danger.
“He thinks maybe it is a ritual. He is scared. Poor him, he missed out,” the commenter wrote.
Another viewer, Mpho Mokome, admitted that the situation could have appeared frightening from the man’s perspective.
“I would be scared if someone threw money while I was sleeping,” Mpho said.
The unusual encounter has opened a broader conversation about dignity, pride, trust and survival. Some people argued that accepting help should never be considered shameful, particularly when it is offered sincerely. Others maintained that the man had every right to reject the money and continue earning his living through his trolley.
Whatever his reasons, the man’s firm refusal created one of the rare moments in which BI Phakathi’s offer of assistance was turned down. His response has left South Africans divided, with some celebrating his independence and others believing he allowed fear and suspicion to stand in the way of a genuine act of kindness.
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