A friend of ours, Carinda Vd Westhuizen, had the following experience at a small supermarket in Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, yesterday (14 July 2021).

She is a generally apprehensive person and prefers to limit risk and to stay away from danger as far as possible. She had to buy some items and went to the Supermarket. As she approached the Supermarket, she saw a Taxi behind her.

She thought nothing of it. As she stopped in the parking area, however, she just saw a whole line of taxis pull up opposite the road. With no easy escape, she decided to stay in her vehicle, to lock the doors, and to “sit it out” with her heart beating with anticipation.

She had no idea what the sudden presence of all the taxis and people meant. She decided to lock her door and to just “sit it out,” fearing that the unrest gripping the rest of South Africa was about to unfold with her right in the middle of it.

But no, it turns out…

A man came to her window and knocked on the glass.

“Ma’am. You can go to the shop. We are all here to protect you. Come. I will go with you. Please don’t be afraid. My name is Thepo, and I am from the Taxi Association. Come.” She was led into the store and back out with the Taxi Drivers around, escorted by Thepo from the Taxi Association, to the shop and back to her car, where he saw her on her way, safely.

Today, after seeing how much hope this story has given so many, she returned to the same shop – adamant to go and find Thepo. And guess what? He happened to be at the same store again! Not only did she go to thank him, once again, but they also got some photographs together, which she forwarded to me.

Thank you to our Taxi Association and its members for proving to us that racism is not a real problem any longer, it is only a political tool. Thank you to Tsepo and our Taxi Drivers for keeping our friend safe, for reassuring her, and for ensuring that she, and others, can shop and move freely, without fear.

I also went to see Thepo today, and I wanted to get a photograph of the hero of the day and to interview him personally (full interview to follow). It turns out that Thepo Chabalala is from the Hartbeespoort Taxi Association and that they decided that they would not tolerate looting in our town.

They are constantly patrolling the streets and looking after our shops, businesses, and communities. they believe in discipline and will report any irregular activity or gathering crowds to the South African Police immediately.

This is the South Africa I want to live in. The one I am proud of. The one that is within reach, if only we can stand together!