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For Sameer naik 
2h ago
Johannesburg – Bi Phakathi has no intention of revealing his true identity.
Despite a growing campaign on social media to expose his identity, Phakathi, who has earned a reputation as a hero to the homeless, refuses to give in by revealing his identity.
Their reasoning is simple.
“In my book, a real hero is someone who hides his identity and does good deeds without any kind of recognition.”
Videos of Phakathi helping the homeless in the country have gone viral on social media.
Thousands of videos have been uploaded to the “Bi Phakathi” Facebook page, which shows a man handing out money and food to the less fortunate.
He’s also paid for homeless makeovers, paid college fees for students who can’t afford their fees, and even helped reunite a homeless family.
His Facebook page has reached more than a million followers and continues to garner support.
But he never reveals his identity.
“I understand that being a public figure you end up being seen as a celebrity, but I am not a celebrity. What I do is humanitarian work, good works must be a priority more than the messenger.
“The homeless, the families I help, and the partners who make this work possible know who I am. For me, being invisible means that everyone is inspired that if a man without an identity can help everyone, so can I and I have seen people sharing their stories and showing credit to the figure of BI Phakathi.
“I have chosen not to reveal myself because it can divert attention from the purpose, which is to share good news and inspire people to help other people. If we can do more good as South Africans, then the world will be inspired to lift up the poor as well, ”he said.
More recently, Phakathi shared another clip of himself helping a homeless man named Peter Smith reunite with his family. Smith had not seen his family in years due to his debilitating drug addiction. Says it’s clean now.
In the clip, Phakathi is seen talking to Smith, who wants nothing more than to reunite with his daughter.
After buying him some food, Phakathi hands him some cash to travel back home, where his daughter and family await him.
Phakathi says that knowing his identity is not important.
“I have nothing special to celebrate and I don’t sell merchandise or have musical talent to buy. All I want to see is everyone loving each other, helping each other and showing the world that it is possible to live together and share what little we have as a global community. “
He’s fascinated by the number of people on social media who want to know who he is, but he’s not giving up.
“It doesn’t surprise me and it doesn’t even bother me because I understand that when you’re famous people want to see you, where do you live, where did you study, who do you know, how much is your net worth, you’re married.
“That is too personal for me. I’m just a good news messenger, not a celebrity. “
Phakathi has been quite busy over the past few months traveling the country to continue his work.
“I have been traveling through most of the provinces helping with wheelchairs, assisting families who are struggling and also helping students pay their fees. It has been quite a journey and I would appreciate any support to make this work possible.
“I have seen the public being more responsible and more Bi Phakathi are growing all over the world doing what I do and it is a great thing.”
When asked if he would give the public a clue as to who the man behind Bi Phakathi is, he replies: “I am not Mr. Nobody. I appreciate love but I am no bigger than the work we have to do.
“People need help, more people are suffering. With layoffs, people are losing their homes and hungry. Let’s encourage more good works instead of turning it into a one-man show. This work should continue even when I am gone. “
Phakathi says his inspiration came from his faith as a Christian.
“It is my mandate as a law-abiding Christian citizen to help my neighbor. I have been blessed, therefore I need to be a blessing. Every penny I earn helps me keep spreading the good news. My biggest drive is the smiles of people and those who are inspired by what we do.
“We need more stories like this. The pandemic is destroying our normal lives, we must take care of each other and that is my goal ”.
He adds that the greatest reward for him is seeing his mother’s reaction to everything.
“My mother loves what I do, and it blesses my heart to see someone who gave me life to see what it is like to have a child following her purpose to help people.”
Phakathi says he hopes to remain anonymous forever.
“I would appreciate if I could remain anonymous, even now it is difficult as most people recognize me in stores when I am outreach.”
“We talk and share stories that touch their hearts, but anonymity helps make the job possible.”
Saturday’s star
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