Culture Craze

“Why Does South Africa Have KFC?,” IShowSpeed’s Viral Reaction Sparks Global Giggles and a Serious Reminder

Published

2 months ago

July 22, 2025

Chiraag

IShowSpeed shocked South Africa, KFC in Africa, GeoGuessr viral moment, South African TikTok response, Western stereotypes Africa, modern South Africa cities, fast food chains in Africa, South Africa 2025 image, Joburg ETC

“Why does South Africa have KFC?”
That one spontaneous question from American YouTuber and streamer Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, lit up the internet this week, sparking laughter, face-palms, and a wave of commentary across TikTok, X, and YouTube.

During a recent livestream while playing GeoGuessr, the popular global geography guessing game, the 20-year-old streamer found himself in a seemingly modern, urban setting. He clocked a KFC branch in the frame and confidently guessed he was in Canada.
“America doesn’t look like this… this has to be Canada,” he said on stream.

But when the game revealed he was actually in South Africa, IShowSpeed was visibly stunned.
“Whaat?! Why does South Africa have KFC?” he shouted.

And just like that, another viral moment was born, with layers deeper than chicken and chips.

It’s Not Just About Fast Food

While most of South Africa laughed it off, many also recognised the broader issue: a persistent gap between how Africa is and how much of the Western world thinks it is.

South Africans online have been quick to remind viewers that the country not only has KFC, it has over 960 of them, more than any country outside of China and the US. It’s not just a popular fast food spot; KFC is practically a cultural institution in Mzansi.

But the moment also reopened conversations about how Africa is still misrepresented abroad.

TikTok Reacts: “Do You Guys Have Running Water?”

This wasn’t an isolated incident.
Many South Africans who live or travel overseas have shared similar stories of ignorance and surprise from people abroad.

TikTok user @angel_0209 posted a video listing the strange questions she’s been asked as a South African, like whether she’s related to Trevor Noah or whether visiting a zoo “felt like home.”

Another creator, @yoitsram, went viral earlier this year for expressing disbelief at how modern and developed South Africa is, posting clips of the Joburg skyline with the caption:
“South Africa, I need an explanation!!”

Africa Beyond the Myths

Speed’s surprised reaction might seem harmless, and it’s true that it made for hilarious content, but it also points to how outdated narratives about Africa still run deep.

The idea that African countries don’t have fast food, paved roads, or functioning cities is rooted in decades of skewed media portrayals. South Africa is home to one of the most sophisticated economies on the continent, with major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town rivalling global hubs in tech, infrastructure, and culture.

Moments like this, while funny, are also powerful teaching tools. They highlight how much of the world still needs to update their mental map of Africa, and they give South Africans an opportunity to laugh, educate, and reclaim the narrative.

So yes, South Africa has KFC. We also have fibre internet, luxury cars, solar farms, skyscrapers, and a wicked sense of humour.