What began as a chance meeting on a dusty South African road has become a global story of compassion, with more than 4,000 people contributing to a GoFundMe campaign that has now surpassed the R2 million mark.
Global (05 August 2026) – What started as a chance encounter between a young South African and a content creator who “deals in kindness” has inspired thousands of people from around the world to open their hearts.
Millions have now watched the videos of 14-year-old Wernand, the young South African who was seen collecting scrap while rolling a tyre along a dusty road. His story, shared by BI Phakathi, touched the hearts of people across continents and what followed was an extraordinary outpouring of generosity that continues to grow. According to the fundraiser, more than 4,000 people have contributed, with the campaign now showing over $127,035 raised, the equivalent of just over R2 million before platform fees and currency conversion.
BI Phakathi has become one of South Africa’s most influential digital storytellers, building a massive online following through videos centred on kindness and helping people in difficult circumstances. His content has inspired millions of viewers and, in Wernand’s case, helped mobilise an extraordinary wave of support from around the world.
The fundraiser was created by Logan Mayberry in the United States after meeting Wernand and learning more about his family’s circumstances. The campaign outlines hopes of helping provide housing, education, food and other resources that could give the family a more secure future.
“A few days ago, we met Wernand, a 14-year-old boy, while filming. The video ended up gaining a lot of attention, so we went back to find him again. What we discovered absolutely broke our hearts. Despite receiving money for food just two days earlier, we found him back in a junkyard collecting cans and scrap metal to recycle. Not because he wanted extra spending money, but because he felt responsible for helping provide for his family. At just 14 years old, Wernand has become the man of the house.
He then took us to where they were living. The structure had major portions of the roof missing, sections of the floor completely gone, no electricity, no running water, and conditions that honestly shocked me. We met his mother and newborn sibling and spent time hearing their story. The part that hit me the hardest was learning that this young man spent much of his childhood in an orphanage and later experienced homelessness while still a child. Yet somehow he continues to fight every day for his family. I truly believe we have a chance to change the trajectory of this family’s future.
The funds raised will help Wernand and his family with housing, school fees, food, and other general resources. This support will provide them with stability, safety, and hope for a brighter future. Your support will change this family’s life in a BIG way!”
Thousands of people, many who will never meet Wernand or his family, chose to believe that one act of compassion could help change the course of a young person’s life. That collective decision has transformed a South African story into a global act of kindness.
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