The video animates the six-meter bronze statue at Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Square, a 2004 landmark symbolizing post-apartheid triumph, grooving with flair to local house music.
It spread from TikTok to X today, with Hlovo’s post joking ‘We don’t respect our leaders 😭😭’ gaining over 1,900 likes and DJ Shimza laughing ‘Ahh Madiba! 🤣’. While most enjoy the fun, some urge respect for ‘Tata Madiba’, questioning if the deepfake crosses a line.
We don’t respect our leaders 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/oya6p7XtH8
— Hlovo (@hlovo_) February 21, 2026