events
You Know You’re at a South African Event When…
By Thando Mokoena•December 2, 20250
Exploring the hilarious stereotypes you’ll find at every South African event — from cooler-box warriors to TikTok dancers and braai masters. A lighthearted celebration of Mzansi culture.
South African events have their own unique flavour — a blend of chaos, charm, and characters you’ll find nowhere else on earth. Whether it’s a music festival, a comedy show, a rugby match, or a food market where everything is either deep-fried or artisanal, you’re guaranteed to spot these iconic SA stereotypes living their best lives.
Let’s take a fun look at the people who make every event feel like home.
Let’s take a fun look at the people who make every event feel like home.
The Braai Master Who Brought His Own Tongs
He didn’t need to bring them.
He just wanted to.
He’ll stand near any open flame and immediately adopt a supervisory role. Even at food stalls. Even when the staff ask him to step back from the grill. If you listen closely, you’ll hear him say:
He just wanted to.
He’ll stand near any open flame and immediately adopt a supervisory role. Even at food stalls. Even when the staff ask him to step back from the grill. If you listen closely, you’ll hear him say:
"“Ag no man, that wors is gonna split. Move it to the side there.”
The Cooler Box Commandos
They travel in packs.
They move with purpose.
They know the exact rules of the venue — and exactly how to bend them.
Inside that cooler? A combination of:
They move with purpose.
They know the exact rules of the venue — and exactly how to bend them.
Inside that cooler? A combination of:
- 3 types of drinks
- Ice that somehow lasts 12 hours
- A single yoghurt no one ever eats
Spot them dragging their cooler across the parking lot like it’s a newborn child.
The “My Cousin Works Security” VIP Bluffers
They don’t have VIP tickets.
They have confidence.
You’ll hear lines like:
They have confidence.
You’ll hear lines like:
- “My cousin is on shift tonight. We’re basically family here.”
- “No stress, we’ll get in by the side gate.”
Spoiler: they never do.
The TikTok Dancers Blocking the Walkway
They’ve choreographed three routines before the opening act even starts.
They know the angles.
They know the lighting.
The rest of us are just trying to pass without photobombing.
They know the angles.
They know the lighting.
The rest of us are just trying to pass without photobombing.
The Proud “I Was Here First” Blanket Campers
Usually spotted at outdoor festivals.
They arrive at 7 AM.
They lay out a surface area equivalent to a small township.
Even if the headliner is at 9 PM, they will not move.
This is home now.
They arrive at 7 AM.
They lay out a surface area equivalent to a small township.
Even if the headliner is at 9 PM, they will not move.
This is home now.
The “Just Here for the Food” Crew
They haven’t watched a single performance.
Not one.
But they have eaten:
Not one.
But they have eaten:
- 2 boeries
- 1 giant koeksister
- A suspiciously spicy samoosa
- A gourmet-looking burger priced like a deposit on a house
They will attend again next year solely for the chow.
The Vibe Catching Aunties
They didn’t know the lineup.
They didn’t care. '
They came to dance.
These queens will out-dance half the crowd, make 12 new friends, start a conga line, and leave at 10 PM because they “don’t want to drive late.”
They didn’t care. '
They came to dance.
These queens will out-dance half the crowd, make 12 new friends, start a conga line, and leave at 10 PM because they “don’t want to drive late.”
The Event Dad
You don’t have to be someone’s parent to be an Event Dad.
All you need is:
All you need is:
- A backpack full of “just in case” items
- A torch
- Tissues
- Plan B, C, and D
- The natural instinct to shepherd strangers across crowds
He will also remind everyone where the car is parked — repeatedly.
The Flag Bearers
Any event.
Any occasion.
There will be a South African flag in the crowd.
Sometimes small and cute.
Sometimes the size of a double bed sheet.
Sometimes worn like a cape by someone who’s definitely having the time of their life.
Any occasion.
There will be a South African flag in the crowd.
Sometimes small and cute.
Sometimes the size of a double bed sheet.
Sometimes worn like a cape by someone who’s definitely having the time of their life.
The Uber Philosophers
At the end of the night, there’s always that one person who suddenly develops deep wisdom while waiting for an Uber.
You’ll hear gems like:
You’ll hear gems like:
- “Bru, life is like a festival — sometimes you must just go with the vibe.”
- “Imagine if we all just lived with love, hey?”
Ten minutes later, they’re asleep in the car.
Why We Love These Stereotypes
Because they’re ours.
Because they’re familiar.
Because they turn every event into a uniquely South African experience — warm, chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.
No matter where you go or what you’re watching, these characters remind you that the spirit of Mzansi shows up every single time.
Because they’re familiar.
Because they turn every event into a uniquely South African experience — warm, chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.
No matter where you go or what you’re watching, these characters remind you that the spirit of Mzansi shows up every single time.
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Thando Mokoena
Event Specialist
Thando lives for the buzz of a live crowd, the soundcheck rumble, and the confetti drop at the final encore. As Computicket’s go-to event guru, she’s your inside track on the hottest shows, music festivals, comedy nights, and cultural happenings across South Africa. Whether it’s a local house party in Joburg or a secret set in Stellenbosch, Thando knows where the vibe is — and how to get tickets before they’re sold out.
Table of Contents
The Braai Master Who Brought His Own TongsThe Cooler Box CommandosThe “My Cousin Works Security” VIP BluffersThe TikTok Dancers Blocking the WalkwayThe Proud “I Was Here First” Blanket CampersThe “Just Here for the Food” CrewThe Vibe Catching AuntiesThe Event DadThe Flag BearersThe Uber PhilosophersWhy We Love These Stereotypes
Article Info
5 min read
December 2, 2025
596 words
Status: published