BI Phakathi: The Faceless South African Good Samaritan Who is Inspiring The World

03/09/2021Last Updated: 03/09/2021

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BI Phakathi: The Faceless South African Good Samaritan Who is Inspiring The World

BI Phakathi, a motivational speaker, filmmaker and life coach is going viral for helping his random acts of kindness towards the underprivileged in South Africa.

He records his selfless actions and posts them on his Facebook page so that he can inspire others to do the same. However, Bi Phakathi does not show his face in the videos adding an air of mystery.

So touching and inspiring are his acts that he currently has 3.5 million followers on Facebook as of November 2020(up from 1.2 million in January 2020).

His videos get millions of views and thousands of positive comments.

What's even more impressive is the fact that his acts cut across the racial divide. He has helped whites, coloureds just as the same as blacks.

This is a big deal in a country like South Africa where racism is still a topical issue almost three decades after the end of Apartheid.

After walking Phakathi to his car, Leon is shocked when Phakathi hands over the groceries to him. Phakathi tells him it's his Christmas gift.

“Why did you buy it?” Leon inquires, a shocked expression on his face.

“I just bought it for you. I wanted to surprise you for Christmas,” Phakathi replies, handing over R200 to Leon.

He tells him the money is for transport and that he should keep the gift a secret.

Leon is still in shock as he reaches for his pocket, wanting to take Phakathi’s contact details.

“I want to phone you so I can buy you a drink, a beer or dinner,” Leon says, eager to return this act of goodwill.

Phakathi hands over another R100 as he notes down Leon’s number, promising to call him instead.

The two men share a hug before they part. You can watch the video below.

https://www.facebook.com/biphakathi/videos/559886844796623/

Phakathi, who has a verified Facebook page, also takes the time to interact with his followers on his page as he responds to his comments.

But who is Bi Phakhathi?

So far, Phakathi has been adamant about keeping his identity secret. Even his real name is unknown.

TimesLIVE attempted to contact him to find out more about him and his numerous acts of kindness.

He did not respond to requests for an interview.

The only Bi Phakathi interview that is known was done as far back as 2018 where he was hosted by Groot Fm. Even in that interview, Bi Phakathi does not show his face.

There are also very few pictures of Bi Phakhati online and in all those images his face is not clearly visible.

There is also no Bi Phakathi Wikipedia page for further reference.

It's not even clear what the Bi stands for. Indeed, some people mistake his name to be Bl Phakathi.

But what inspires Bi Phakathi to do what he does?

He says that Bahamian evangelist and ordained minister Dr Myles Munroe, who tells his followers to live a life driven by purpose, inspires his acts of love and kindness.

In another of his videos, Phakathi is seen giving cash to a man, who walks alongside Phakathi, telling him how he admires this faceless good Samaritan on Facebook, not knowing he is speaking to him.

“On Facebook, there's another guy, when he sees you suffering, he buys you groceries. Every time I look at his stories. God will bless that guy so much,” the man tells Phakathi.

“I wish I could see him too,” says Phakathi.

The two continue their walk through the mall until they arrive inside a shop.

Before they part, Phakathi reaches for his pocket and hands the man a couple of notes.

“Thank you, my brother, God bless you,” replies the beaming man, as again and again, Phakathi reaches for his pocket, handing over notes.

The receiver then puts one and one together.

“You're the guy on Facebook, right?” he asks him.

Phakathi replies: “You think I'm the guy? Maybe I look like him.”

“He doesn't show his face,” the man says, continuing to shower Phakathi with blessings and well wishes.

Watch that video here:

https://www.facebook.com/biphakathi/videos/439352450293078/

How Much is Bi Phakati Worth and where does he get his Money?

A lot of people have been curious to know about the net worth of Bi Phakathi and the origins of his ‘fortune'. However, in line with his secrecy, the details are not clear.

For all we know, Bi Phakhati may not be rich but is simply sharing the little he has. However, some publication has estimated his net worth to be $100k USD.

In one of his Facebook posts, Phakathi congratulates popular South African comedian Trevor Noah on buying a house worth US$20 million (roughly R280 million). He jokingly goes on to say that maybe he should also start telling jokes to increase his net worth.

It's worth adding that Bi Phakathi's house is unknown at this point.

BI Phakathi Foundation

So inspiring has been his work that well-wishers all over the world have asked him how they can also chip in and help.

This led to the setting up of the BI Phakati Foundation which allows people to deposit their donations. Should you want to also contribute you can do so using the details below:

Bank	Absa
Account Number	4095363996
Branch Code	632005
Swift Code	ABSAZAJJ

Another way you can contribute to his worthy cause is to become a supporter of the Bi Phakathi Facebook page. Learn more about that here.

Bi Phakathi Career

Bi Phakathi has directed several short and full-featured movies. His popular work includes Guluva, The Teacher, Kwaito Beef & NKALAKATHA. Phakathi has also directed some music videos such as Ricky Rick – Nafuwa, Nekama – Joale Leka Mehla.

It's not clear if Bi Phakathi runs any business outside of his film making and motivational speaking.

Bi Phakathi Latest News

On a sad note, Bi Phakati posted that he lost his biological Father on 28 July 2020. He went on to say that he was taking a sabbatical from the public to mourn and respect his late father.