Family Secretly Flies to SA
Photo Credit: Joyce von Ruben-Atkinson via Instagram / Canva

We’re not crying, you are! Or at least you will after watching this adorable video of a family who travelled across the world to surprise their family in South Africa with their new bundle of joy!

 

Cape Town, South Africa (08 September 2025) – If you’re a sucker for a good surprise, the ones that leave you happy crying, this video is for you!

An adorable post shared by Joyce von Ruben-Atkinson captures a glimpse of her husband leaving a busy airport before switching to footage showing him cradling their newborn daughter. He quietly opens the door to their home in South Africa, his eyes shining with anticipation.

They must not have told their family they were coming by for a visit because when the relatives locked eyes with the new dad and baby, their reaction was just priceless.

There were gobsmacked gasps, tears and smiles all around!

One of the relatives couldn’t believe her eyes as she kept pacing back and forth, unsure of whether to embrace them or not, before breaking down and grabbing the newborn baby filled with adoration.

“We secretly flew to the other side of the world to introduce our baby girl to the South African side of the family,” Joyce wrote in the video.

In their unexpected reunion, the love that binds families across continents was palpable!

The Dutch-based family shared their joy at being on SA soil and will be staying here for a month, giving their extended family more than enough time to bond with them and their bundle of joy!

The video has garnered over 105K views on Instagram, with tons of social media users gushing at the sweet surprise and others touched by the relatable emotion of living far from loved ones.

“No idea who you guys are.. but I’m in tears,” one person even joked.

What a wholesome post and an even more heartwarming moment for this SA family!


Sources: Joyce von Ruben-Atkinson 
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

About the Author

Nothando is a writer for Good Things Guy.
She's passionate about crafting stories that celebrate the triumphs of everyday heroes and the beautiful moments that restore faith in humanity. When she isn’t at her desk, she is sure to be found running after her bouncy toddler, exploring new food spots, or soaking in tranquil beach views.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

one × 5 =