The global phenomenon of TikTok has not bypassed South Africa, where Afrikaans TikTok, or "TiekTok", has also become immensely popular.
Showmax's latest documentary “Tiek Tok Boem” dives into this wild, chaotic online universe, capturing the good, the bad, and the utterly unhinged.
Live streaming on TikTok has become a breeding ground for drama, public feuds and shocking stunts. Users have been caught using profanity, making threats, exposing themselves, and even attempting suicide - for the world to see.
The internet has seen its fair share of shocking moments, but nothing quite prepares you for a viral clip where a user boldly declared, "Ek gaan vir haar met 'n tet moer" ("I'm going to beat her with one of my breasts").
If that’s not peak Afrikaans internet chaos, what is?
Journalist Mariska, who features in the documentary, initially enjoyed TikTok for the usual reasons - news snippets, hilarious videos and the occasional heart-warming clip. But she now warns that the app is "a disaster waiting to happen."
The documentary serves as a wake-up call, reminding viewers that people are willing to do anything for views, and that's a terrifying thought.
The documentary lays it all bare, sometimes literally. One of the most shocking moments highlighted in “Tiek Tok Boem” is a case where a user flushed their ex’s ashes down the toilet during a live stream.
No hesitation, no shame. The platform has created a space where extreme behaviour is not just accepted but rewarded.
Yet, despite the madness, “Tiek Tok Boem” also offers a glimpse into why people are so drawn to this digital circus. Many Afrikaans users see it as the new “7de Laan” - a daily soap opera that unfolds in real-time.
The documentary also looks at Terrible Tess, a 58-year-old Afrikaans TikTok sensation who shot to viral fame after an infamous live stream where she casually used the toilet - on camera.
In an attempt to prove to viewers that she was, in fact, doing her business, Tess angled her phone downward, leading to one of the most talked-about moments in local TikTok history.
The result? A mix of shock, memes, and a whole new level of notoriety.
The documentary also dissects the fiery feud between Afrikaans TikTok stars Queen Amelda and Leigh Pascheka.
Filmmaker Rian van Heerden admits that he was shocked by the level of cruelty directed at these TikTokkers. “It almost felt inhuman,” he says.
Perhaps one of the most serious cases featured in Tiek Tok Boem is the ongoing investigation into controversial TikTokker King Binlaken.
Ultimately, “Tiek Tok Boem” is a gripping, sometimes terrifying, deep dive into the reality of Afrikaans TikTok. It’s also a harsh reminder of just how far people are willing to go for likes and views.
∎ “Tiek Tok Boem” is streaming on Showmax.
**** a standout documentary with exceptional qualities.