Publications
Partners
Everyday has its own moments and through them, we learn something new. A good day is a day where you have learnt something that’s heart-warming. Something, that’s put a smile on your face and taken you to another level of wonder, wondering into something beautiful.
And I had that encounter today. Travelling a very short distance in a taxi from Fourways to Paulshof. It had been a long day. As I approach, the taxi is about to take off, but the driver pulls. I pump pace. It’s full but because, am not going far, I jump in, very much aware, that I shall stand.
It takes off and I try find my balance standing. I don’t really mind standing. It’s only for ten minutes max. At that very moment, there is a beautiful girl in full school uniform seated right next to the seat, am standing by. It was the words, she would say, that warmed my heart. “Please, I will stand, and you can sit here” she says, already half way up her seat. “Thank you very much, I will stand”. I respond in a humble manner that’s acknowledging the courtesy shown. “Are you sure?” She inquires. “Yes, I am” I respond. We both laugh.
I stood there feeling happy in my heart, to know that, such courtesy and kindness is alive in the learners of today. Those old school basic manners, also referred to as Ubuntu. This girl was coming from school. She probably also had a long day. She was tired. And more, importantly, she had a right to that seat. She came first and that’s it. But in the back of her mind, or rather at the core of her heart, something triggered her and she remembered whatever she was taught pertaining to such scenarios.
I can commend her school for teaching their learners basic manners. I can even commend her parents for instilling such good manners in their daughter. And I do. Well done to the both. But above all, I commend, the girl for applying those manners at her own discretion when nobody who knows her is there to witness. You can be taught whatever necessary but the liberty remains upon self to subscribe to such or not. This is more than just about what she was taught. It’s about who she is which was evident from the radiant smile she wore when she offered her seat. Giving it up would’ve been her pleasure. She wouldn’t have done it with a sulking face, reading, ‘omg, I guess I gotta move now’ vibes.
I believe with all my heart, there is definitely good hope for the future. She afforded me a glimpse of it by showing me kindness. I decided to ask her name and which school she goes to. Her name is Jessica. She goes to Fourways High. I assume, grade 10 or 11 or 12. I didn’t want to probe that further.
Thank you Jessica. You have also taught me. I will never sit down when someone older than me is standing.
