South Africans on social media, particularly on X, expressed open shock and mockery over the condition of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after a video of their national football team, Bafana Bafana, arriving in Kenya went viral.
The criticism intensified after footage shared online on Saturday, November 14, 2026, showed the South African delegation’s arrival, with clear potholes visible on the airport premises.
Many South Africans appeared stunned that a major international airport could be in such a state, repeatedly questioning how a gateway of that level could have potholes around its facilities.
One South African user, Green Lantern, questioned how an international airport could have potholes, casting doubt on Kenya’s readiness to host AFCON next year.
“Eish, our boys arrived in Africa. Potholes in airports, how much more on normal roads? Lack of hospitality. Pitso not impressed.”
He later addressed Kenyans directly, clarifying that the reaction was not meant as an insult. He described it as culture shock.
“Dear Kenyans, we are not insulting you; don’t take it personally, please. We are just shocked as South Africans to see an International Airport in this state. So forgive us; it’s culture shock, more than anything. Otherwise, we still love you, and we hope for the best,” he wrote
“What kind of airport has potholes? 😭😭 Are these people really gonna host the AFCON next year?” he posted.
In another post, he wrote:
Other South African users joined the discussion, with some comparing JKIA to a local taxi rank.
A user identified as @ReleGlo wrote:
“The airport in Kenya looks like a taxi rank….. Potholes everywhere 🤣.”
Similarly, @vincentthendo7 commented:
“Your airport looks like a local taxi rank.”
Kenyans encourage South Africans to keep speaking out
One notable aspect of the online discussion was how some Kenyans supported the South Africans’ remarks, with several encouraging them to continue drawing attention to the airport’s condition.
A Kenyan user, Oyofrah Francis, thanked Green Lantern for speaking out and suggested that the criticism could help push for improvements at JKIA.
“Thank you wena! Throw those stones without ceasing. We’ll need them to build a new airport. Tag @WilliamsRuto,” he wrote.
Another user, Shikuku Jr, seemed to agree with the criticism, joking that Kenyans weren’t disputing the allegations.
“Press on, we ain’t refuting the allegations 😂😂,” he commented.
Zeph Liech also encouraged the South African to continue speaking out, writing:
“Press harder, we are with you on this.”
Meanwhile, Lutomia Goddy recalled the popular slogan “Adani MUST GO”, which became associated with opposition to the proposed involvement of India’s Adani Group in the management and expansion of JKIA.
Other users offered a different perspective, with one claiming that the section shown in the video was an old terminal mostly used for domestic arrivals.
Why Bafana Bafana are in Kenya
Bafana Bafana are in Kenya for the return fixture of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Harambee Stars.
The two sides first met in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13, where the match ended 2-2 before travelling to Kenya for the second encounter scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium.
The matches have attracted additional attention because Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, is facing his home country.