Back-to-School Chaos: South African Parent Uses KFC Bags to Cover Books

As the summer holidays come to an end, parents across South Africa are diving into the familiar frenzy of back-to-school preparations. From lengthy stationery lists to shopping trips and, perhaps most daunting of all, covering school books, the season brings a mix of excitement and stress.

However, one clever and resourceful parent has turned what is usually a mundane task into a viral sensation. Caroline (@carolinerathabe) recently shared her inventive way of covering school books on the social media platform X, using none other than recycled KFC paper bags.

Done covering the books, a di bulwe dikolo pic.twitter.com/EccQBAKdot

— Caroline (@Carolinerathabe) January 8, 2025

Turning “back to school” into “back-to-back Buckets”, now that’s how you #BoxClever 😭🍗📚🫡 https://t.co/12iQamC8ZP

— KFC South Africa (@KFCSA) January 8, 2025

In a tweet accompanied by pictures of the neatly covered books, she proudly wrote, “Done covering the books, a di bulwe dikolo (let the schools open),” signaling the completion of her back-to-school preparations. The sight of the iconic chicken brand’s packaging wrapping the books quickly garnered attention from netizens.

The creative and eco-friendly approach to book covering has resonated with many South Africans, generating an outpouring of admiration. Comments flooded in, with some calling Caroline the “Queen of recycling.” Others joined in with playful remarks: “Looks finger-lickin’ good, well done,” said one user, while another joked that Caroline’s children might end up with names like “Streetwise 2” and “Streetwise Pap.”

finger lickin books😔 https://t.co/h4N7Tgjof8

— Don Tony (@KeitumetseTonyy) January 8, 2025

While Caroline’s method was applauded for its ingenuity, it also sparked a conversation about recycling and sustainability. Caroline’s playful yet practical solution serves as a reminder of the creativity that South African communities often embrace in the face of everyday challenges.

Beyond its humorous twist, this viral moment highlights how necessity can breed innovation. Amid the back-to-school rush, Caroline’s unique approach is a perfect example of how even the most ordinary tasks can be transformed with a little imagination and resourcefulness.

We mark the book , we don’t judge ❤️ https://t.co/IzMjU9lcFE

— ITUMELENG (@ItuMadiege) January 9, 2025

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