As Stellenbosch University (SU) campus security guard Masixole Wellington Ngqubungu, mostly just known as Wellington, becomes a TikTok sensation, students across campus cannot stop talking about him. Over the past few weeks, he has gone from a familiar face atthe gate between the residences Monica and Harmonie to a campus celebrity.
In just one month, Wellington has gained more than 4,000 followers on TikTok and recentlylaunched an Instagram account. What started as light-hearted dance videos has now earnedhim recognition across Stellenbosch and opened doors to exciting opportunities.“
The other day, even in the city, students recognised me. My kids and wife were excited,” Wellington says proudly.“
“So many people come to talk to me, and I wanted a place where they could comment andcommunicate with me,” Wellington adds, explaining how he came up with the idea to startposting online. “I was thinking about it for around two weeks, and then I went to talk to mywife and later decided to do it. Lize has been a very big help as well.”
Lize Archer, a fourth-year LLB student living at Monica Residence, has known Wellingtonsince she moved in, in 2022. When he mentioned his wish to start a social media account, she was fully on board. “I thought it was just going to be for him, but everyone loves him,” she says. “He has so many ideas and always comes to me to film more content.” She alsoencourages other students to engage with him — whether that is snapping a photo, filming ashort clip, or simply stopping to chat — because “it brings him so much joy.”
For now, Archer handles the posting, but the hope is that a new phone with a better camera will soon allow Wellington to take over. “All the video ideas are his, and I am so happy as he is having so much fun,” she says. “Maybe Wellington will take over, if his company is able toget him a new phone.”
Originally from Mangweni, a village near Centane in the Eastern Cape, Wellington moved to Stellenbosch in 1997. He began working as a security guard in 2018 and has since becomea well-known and much-loved figure between Harmonie and Monica residences. “I started on 1 February 2018. Since then, I’ve been here. Monday through Friday,” he shares.
To many students, Wellington is more than just a security guard. Neri Jordaan, a first-year B(Accounting) student, who is a resident in Monica as well, says he is an essential part of her day. “Every morning, he has the biggest smile. It really brightens up my day. I am so glad henow has the chance to widen his network and reach more people — on campus and beyond.”
And widen it, he has. Just two weeks ago, Wellington was awarded the title of Brand Ambassador by his employer, Pro Events Security, for promoting both the company and therole of security guards through his uplifting content.
That recognition was followed by one of his proudest moments yet: standing alongside theplayers and mascot at the FNB Rugby finals last Monday. He not only danced with Pokkel, the university mascot, but also stood next to the team while singing the national anthem before kickoff. “It was very special — especially singing the national anthem and having people off the field recognize and dance with me,” he says.
He was given the chance of a live interview on MFM 92.6, the campus community radiostation, on Monday, 21 April, which he “really enjoyed answering the community’s questionsand further talking about his experiences and thoughts“.
If you would like to follow Wellington along his journey, you can find him on Instagram andTikTok under @Wellington_844 — or simply stop by his post for a quick chat.
By Lilja Flohr
