Even with the South African Post Office under business rescue since 2023 – a process that, among other measures, required a reduction in workforce – there are still employees who show up with dedication and heart. One of them is Ronnie Seima.

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Found cycling with purpose through our many neighbourhoods, Seima begins his day at the Ferndale-based Randburg depot, where he prepares mail according to the streets he’ll be delivering to. He chose to become a postman 13 years ago – a role he was eager to fulfil, drawn by his love of meeting people. Over the years, he’s also come to appreciate helping customers who’ve lost their way. “As a postman, I get familiar with the surroundings where I deliver mail,” he said.

As one might imagine, the job comes with its share of challenges – from bicycle breakdowns to dogs with equal bark and bite, some days are hard to manage. A broken bicycle and the time it takes to fix it mean time lost from the tasks he hopes to complete on schedule. Even after more than a decade on the job, the sound of barking dogs still unsettles him.

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“The worst is when they run after you and try to bite you,” he described. Then there are the rainy days: “When it’s raining, it is difficult to do my job as I get wet and I have to keep the mail dry.” Thankfully, his protective gear helps make that task a little easier.

Delivering to complexes presents another hurdle. He’s often denied access by security, which delays delivery and adds to the day’s strain.

To ease the load, Seima looks forward to the rollout of GPS tracking and route optimisation software to streamline deliveries.

“We are not there yet, but we are getting there,” he said with hope. He believes the most important skills a postman can have are accuracy and attention to detail, especially when sorting letters, as well as a solid knowledge of the delivery area to avoid getting lost and missing deadlines.

Inevitably, Seima sees his job as vital. “I hope people see it as an important role because we connect communities.” It’s also a role that brings small moments of kindness, like the friendly customers who, on hot days, offer him a brief respite and a bottle of water.

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