South Africans rally behind 18-year-old matric learner living alone in a shack

Jaydon, an 18-year-old matric student, posted a first-person tour of the corrugated-metal shack he has called home for six months
The teenager said he lives alone and described the judgement he faces daily, including for his appearance, while still pushing through his final school year
South Africans flooded his comments with encouragement, and Jaydon said the overwhelming response left him completely speechless

An 18-year-old matric student from South Africa gave the internet an honest look at his life on 21 October. Online users' responses caught him completely off guard.

A matric learner showed people that he is living alone in a shack — A matric learner showed people that he was living alone in a shack. Image: @jayyy2crazyyy
Source: TikTok

Jaydon, who goes by @jayyy2crazyyy on TikTok, filmed a selfie-style vlog inside the small corrugated-metal dwelling where he has been living on his own for the past six months. He introduced himself simply: his name, his age, his grade, and the fact that he is, in his own words, "kinda down bad."

The tour was brief but candid. Jaydon walked viewers through his modest space, describing it as a good enough environment to study and live in. He was careful not to complain, saying he could not really fault what he had.

What struck many viewers was how open @jayyy2crazyyy was about the pressure he carries. Finishing matric while living alone is no small thing, and Jaydon acknowledged the stress of it. He also spoke about the judgement he gets for his tattoos, something he said has been difficult to deal with at his age. Watch Jaydon's first vlog here:

Mzansi supports Grade 12 learner

The comments section quickly filled with messages of support from people across South Africa and beyond.

Jaydon himself responded to the reaction, writing:

"Thank you for all the kind words and support guys omds I'm so so speechless I never expected this at all im so so stunned, I can't believe this is happening, part 2 will most deff be out tmrw on my story, thank you all so so so sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much ❤️"

South Africans in the comments were moved by his honesty:

@Blackpetal wrote:

"Your situation does not define who you are as a young man Jaydon. You are so much more than the place you live in or the situation of your home. Be proud of what you have now and let this be your very motivation to achieve more."

@chadlovesfood._. said:

"Finish school, stay focused and chase your goals broski🔥 I'm rooting for you👊🏼🔥"

@Elvina Haupt shared:

"As a single mom to a 16-year-old son, I'm super proud of you. I pray God will guide your footsteps and open doors for you to grow."

@mbalenhlentuli17 offered practical advice:

"I just wanted to kindly encourage you to apply to universities now and for funding as well. Most universities don't take walk-ins at the beginning of the year."

@Wezi added simply:

"You are doing great!!!!!🫶🏾"

@Juna.K said:

"Hi big boy, complete your matric and stay focused. I am proud of you."

South Africans rally behind 18-year-old matric learner living alone in a shack

Mzansi supports Grade 12 learner

Other Briefly News stories about independent high schoolers