Kind Motorist Inspires Positive Vibes in South Africa

When mining engineer Rian Gilfillan stopped to help a motorist on a road in South Africa, he didn’t realise he was about to bring a smile to not only her face… but to that of thousands around the nation.

Rian’s simple kind gesture – to change Sanah Mabelane Mkhonto’s flat tyre – has been a welcome reminder to South Africans of the true uBuntu that exists in the hearts of SA people.

Tshwane resident, Sanah, had broken down on Thursday 3 May 2018 when Rian came to her help.

Afterwards she wrote on Facebook: “Not everything is negative in SA; this morning I had a problem with my tyre and this guy here stopped when other drivers were passing me and asked me if he could help… his name is Rian.

“In the middle of the unrest he still decided to stop and he said ‘I just thought if this was my wife I would want someone to help her’ #see a human and not the colour.”

Thousands have since shared her post; and here are just some of the reactions:

Trent Trent wrote: “Wow Rowan, subconsciously you have today brought south Africans of a different culture, of a different belief & of a different colour – yet of the same country and of the same sky – together. So often we read of everything that is going wrong in our country, and we choose a side that we feel at best with. And then we choose never to help ppl or to be inhuman to ppl… Which we do out of fear and is a little right… but what you have done today, no government has been able to do, past & present. Riaan today SA calls u a hero.”

Shiloh Shalom said: “This happened to my sister in law on her way from EC to Potchefstroom and a truck driver kindly helped her with changing her tyre… WELL DONE TO REAL MEN… THEY EXIST!!!”

Sipho Mkhabela pointed out it’s not always that simple: “Proud of you Rian for helping a siste. I tried some years ago to assist a young white lady on the Swaziland, Carolina roads and she locked herself in the car as her car was over heating. But I helped her any way put water in her Golf and briefed the fan so she could go back to Carolina. To my amazement we met at the border two days later and she thanked me and she acknowledged how stupid she was. But thank u Rian hope God Blesses u.”

Sue Bremner said: “We have the most amazing country – if only everyone living here could behave in this wonderful manner. So good to read this – well done Rian.”

Victoria De Klerk wrote: “S.A belongs to people like this… well done Riaan for having compassion and respect for a woman… God bless u!!!”

Bruce Mckeown said: “Amiable Interaction and assistance between races happens daily in our country but is conveniently “ignored “ by politicians who prefer to sow racial divide, as it fills their pockets. Is that not the truth? Well done for posting this Sarah.”

#SeeAHumanAndNotAColour