In a moment that had South Africans collectively clutching their Streetwise Twos, American streamer IShowSpeed went viral this past week — not for his gaming skills, but for his surprise at spotting a KFC on the streets of Pretoria.
The video, shared to TikTok by turbo_x_speed shows the streamer playing a GeoGuessr round when he spots a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in South Africa.
“Why is there a KFC in South Africa?” he asks, genuinely bewildered.
The location, confirmed by locals to show WF Nkomo Street in Pretoria West, not far from Quagga Shopping Centre. A normal stretch of urban South Africa – complete with traffic, signage and retail – mistaken for something extraordinary.
To the young streamer’s credit, he looked genuinely stunned. To South Africans? It felt like yet another reminder of the outdated and often harmful stereotypes that continue to shape how parts of the Western world view Africa.
The idea that a modern city in South Africa could be home to global brands, paved roads or public infrastructure still seems to catch some off guard. It wasn’t just the surprise at seeing a global brand in Africa — it was the implication that we shouldn’t have one at all.
Once again, Africa was being painted with the broad strokes of poverty, primitiveness, and other tired tropes – despite decades of globalisation, urban development, and tech access. On the internet. In 2025.
When it comes to the plain facts, South Africa has had KFC since the 1970s. It’s not just common here – it’s a staple. With more than 1,000 outlets across the country. In fact, Pretoria’s KFC is older than IShowSpeed himself.
South Africans wasted no time schooling the streamer in the comments.
“This level of ignorance is embarrassing,” wrote one user.
“Wait until he sees we have McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks and fibre,” added another.
Others simply pointed out how tired they were of being cast as a stereotype: a continent of jungles, huts and wild animals. “He probably thinks we ride elephants to school,” one user joked.
While the clip might seem like harmless fun, it exposes something deeper: a continued disconnect between how some Americans see Africa, and how Africa actually is.
The moment also offers an opportunity — a reminder of how far global perceptions still have to go, and how vital it is to tell stories that reflect the full picture. More accurate representation, better education, and greater curiosity about the world beyond one’s own borders are essential in reshaping the narrative.
Compiled by Savanna Douglas
First Published: Getaway
