A South African mountaineer answers a telemarketer mid-climb, and has us all in stitches. A little patience can go a long way, literally!
South Africa (03 August 2025) – Josh Crickmay, a mountaineer, filmmaker, adventurer, author and ranger, has South Africans giggling after sharing how his friend took a telemarketer’s call – mid-climb, on the side of a mountain.
In a video shared to Instagram on Wednesday, Crickmay had his followers in stitches after friend Chris Johnston answered the unexpected call with humour and a whole lot of grace. With over 12,000 likes and counting, the clip is equal parts relatable and ridiculous, because let’s face it, telemarketers really do have impeccable timing.
From work meetings to toilet trips, there’s no place off limits when it comes to those persistent calls – and apparently, not even mountain summits are sacred. If anything, their uncanny knack for catching us at the worst possible moment should be considered a professional skill.
In the heat of it, most of us opt for a quick “Sorry, can’t talk,” or ignore the call entirely (thanks, Truecaller). But Johnston? He took the high road, quite literally.
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Answering with the kind of politeness reserved for Sunday lunch with gran, Johnston listens patiently to an insurance pitch, despite being halfway up a cliff face.
“If you saw where I am, darling, my premium would be incredibly high,” he quips, with signature South African charm.
And after hearing her out, choppy signal and all, he gently delivers the most gracious of declines:
“I’m going to have to respectfully decline the opportunity. Thank you very much though.”
The video struck a chord not just for the absurdity of the moment, but for the small life lesson it delivered. In a world where it’s so easy to snap, Johnston reminds us that a little patience, even mid-ascent, can go a long way.
Followers flocked to Josh’s comment section, praising him for keeping his cool and reminding us that manners matter!
“Respectfully decline the opportunity” while hanging off a cliff — this just made my day!” wrote @nicky_lundin.
“His accent and manners — so wholesome.” – said @artesanavisualjurema.
“Next time ask for a Zoom meeting!” joked @bhejane_nature_training.
“So kind though. Great manners on the phone.” – wrote @iamadarkerdreamer.
So the next time a telemarketer calls at the worst possible moment, maybe, just maybe, we’ll remember Josh and Chris, and answer with a smile, even if we’re hanging off a mountain.
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