When a mother and her two children were left stranded in the middle of the road after their car ran out of petrol, a nearby security officer couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to help – even using the only money he had on him to ensure they returned home safely.
Durban, South Africa (13 October 2026) – A lot can be said about how one chooses to respond to the plight of another, especially a stranger. There is the easy option to look the other way, or the courageous choice to reach out, recognising that our shared humanity connects us deeply, and that everyone, at some point, needs a little help in a dark hour.
An Excellerate Security officer recently displayed the latter when he used the last R100 in his pocket to help a family stranded on Sarnia Road in Durban.
According to his employer, the officer, Goodson Mseleshe, had just finished a night shift when he came across a mother and her two children whose car had run out of petrol.
“He bought fuel to help them continue their journey. When the mother offered to repay him, Goodson declined. He wanted to know they had made it home safely,” the security company said.
According to further reports, 49-year-old Goodson, who is stationed at the Bellair Municipal Swimming Pool, said his biggest concern was that the car had stopped in the middle of the road on a sharp turn, where another vehicle could easily have crashed into them.
“But what touched me most was that this was a woman with two small children. People have turned into monsters. What if someone came along and robbed or injured them? I would not have been able to live with myself,” he told the Highway Mail.
It was his concern and act of humanity, regardless of any inconvenience it might have caused him, that ensured no harm came to this stranded mother and her two children. With the only money he had on him, a family was able to return home safely, turning a rather scary situation into a heartfelt moment of relief they will likely never forget.
His employer said his concern for the family reflects respect, one of the core values at the heart of the company.
“It is also a moment worth recognising under our Code of Honour: Celebrate Every Win. Goodson, who has been with Excellerate since 2002, will receive a Distinguished Conduct Award for his actions. We are proud to recognise him.”
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A Mourning Mother’s Community is Collecting Oximeters to Save Babies with Down SyndromeAnd we are just as proud. True to his name, Goodson proved not only that good people still exist, but that they can make a world of difference when it matters most. We thank and salute this incredible hero!
Sources: Linked Above
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