- South <a href="https://absafricatv.com/how-african-photographers-are-redefining-cultural-identity/” title=”How African photographers are redefining cultural identity”>Africans spotted a striking resemblance between Rihanna’s former teacher andSkeem Saam‘s John Maputla after their video together went viral online
- It captured Rihanna warmly hugging her former educator, who showed her the ultimate act of kindness as a young girl
- The jokes were flying, with fans humorously asking whether Riri studied in South Africa, while others, including theSkeem Saamsocial media manager, joined in
PAY ATTENTION:Share Your Story on Briefly TV Life. Become Our Next Guest. Apply Now!
A heartwarming story about Rihanna and her former teacher took an unexpected turn when South Africans noticed something they simply could not ignore: the educator bears an uncanny resemblance to Skeem Saam actor Africa Tsoai, who plays thebeloved and dramatic John Maputla.
A collage circulating on social media placed Rihanna’s photos side by side with press images of Tsoai, sending both laughter and genuine confusion rippling through South African social media. The post also featured a video of Rihanna reuniting with her former teacher, the two sharing a warm embrace, with his resemblance to the fictional Turfloop businessman and educator somehow even more striking from behind his sunglasses.
The teacher behind Rihanna’s success
The backstory is genuinely touching. The educator reportedly showed kindness to a young Rihanna by buying her a pair of shoes when her parents couldn’t afford them, a small but meaningful act that clearly left a lasting impression.
PAY ATTENTION:Briefly News is now on YouTube!Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
Rihanna later repaid that generosity in a big way, reportedly purchasing a house for her former teacher as a gesture of gratitude.
It is the kind of story that should have had Mzansi reaching for tissues. Instead, it had them reaching for their keyboards.
See Rihanna’s posts below.
Mzansi sees John Maputla
The resemblance proved too powerful to overlook, and South Africans were utterly distracted from the emotional reunion at the centre of it all. In a move that cemented the joke, the official Skeem Saam Instagram page entered the chat with a comment that read, “Ruri (Really) John?” sending fans into a further frenzy.
Media personality Eva Modika played along, joking:
“John will blame Leeto for this!”
“I’m glad I found my people in here who saw what I saw! John Maputla.”
“I knew I wasn’t the only one seeing John Maputla.”
“Did Riri study at Turf University?”
Jackie Phamotse roasts Rihanna
In an earlier report, Briefly Newsshared online reactions to Jackie Phamotse roasting Rihanna’s singing.
The controversial author commented on Rihanna’s performance, and the singer’s American supporters came in guns blazing.
PAY ATTENTION:Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Moroba Moroeng (Entertainment editor)Moroba Maepa (née Moroeng) is the Deputy Head of the Entertainment desk at Briefly News, with nearly a decade of experience in South African media. A specialist in music and entertainment journalism, she began her career at Slikour OnLife before serving as Editor for HipHop Africa. A University of Johannesburg alumna and Google News Initiative certified professional, Moroba joined Briefly News in 2023, where she focuses on editorial excellence and leadership, merging her passion for entertainment with her love for storytelling.
Email: moroba.moroeng@briefly.co.za
