Third-year BA student Mr Wandile Ntuli has been both surprised and overjoyed by the praise and support he received on social media after returning R9 000 mistakenly deposited into his bank account via e-wallet.

‘I spent about 15 minutes trying to find out who sent me the money without success until the sender called and asked me to please return the cash,’ said Ntuli.

‘I returned it without hesitation. Our church slogan is Thembeka Uze Ufe – isiZulu for Be Trustworthy until You Die,’ said Ntuli. ‘I gave the money because it wasn’t mine to keep – that’s the way I was raised at home and through my church.’

Since news of Ntuli’s good deed spread on social media he has received cash gifts from a variety of people to reward him for his honesty and social responsibility.

The relieved owner of the cash – who said he desperately needed the money to pay for his child’s hospital care – also rewarded the student.

‘I have been taken aback by the tokens of appreciation I have received,’ said Ntuli. ‘I didn’t expect such an outpouring of love and support – It was just something I knew I had to do.

‘My family heard about it in on the radio and read the reports on social media. It was a nice surprise for them and they are proud of me and the way they raised me.’

Ntuli says he will use the gifts to help finance his studies and hopes to soon start giving back to his community.

His message to all South Africans is: ‘Be loyal and trustworthy, God will bless you!’