Sometimes, the smallest gestures – a smile, R10, or a moment of kindness – carry the power to remind us that Christmas miracles are real and that angels walk among us.
Western Cape, South Africa (24 December 2024) – Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that remind us of life’s biggest miracles. A simple R10, a generous heart and a smile from a stranger are all it takes to turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Louise Tucker recently learnt this when she discovered that angels really do exist – and one of them works at Canal Walk.
Louise, a South African who has been working abroad for the past three years, knows all too well the ache of homesickness.
“From the minute the plane leaves SA airspace, I always feel homesick,” she shared.
Despite her years in the UK, Louise’s heart has never left South Africa. Returning home this December, she was overjoyed to be back on familiar soil but found herself caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities – from her son’s surgery in Somerset West to preparing for a family Christmas in Plettenberg Bay.
On the eve of Christmas Eve, Louise found herself at Canal Walk, ticking off last-minute items on her to-do list. After purchasing a toy for her grandson and doing some shopping at Checkers, she realised she needed cash to pay for parking but had left her South African bank card at home. Tired, frazzled, and unsure where to go, Louise asked for help at the Checkers customer service counter.
That’s where she met Babalwa Ntwana – a woman who would remind her of everything she loves about South Africa.
Babalwa greeted Louise with warmth and a radiant smile, listening attentively as Louise explained her predicament. Without hesitation, Babalwa offered a solution that left Louise stunned: she withdrew cash from her own personal account and handed over R50.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Louise said.
“She didn’t even hesitate – just smiled, listened to my story, and immediately took action to help me.”
When Louise initially declined, Babalwa insisted, saying she didn’t want Louise travelling back to Hout Bay without extra cash in case anything else went wrong.
“She told me, ‘It’s Christmas – you never know what can happen, and I don’t want you stuck,’” Louise recalled.
“Her generosity wasn’t just thoughtful; it was heartfelt and unconditional.”
Eventually, Louise accepted the R50 note on the condition that Babalwa share her banking details so she could pay her back. Even then, Babalwa resisted, insisting it was her Christmas gift.
“She didn’t want anything in return – imagine that! She said, ‘It’s my way of giving back this Christmas.’ Who does that in today’s world?” Louise marvelled.
As Louise drove home, tears streamed down her face. She was overwhelmed not just by the generosity but by the pure spirit of ubuntu that Babalwa embodied.
“I cried all the way home,” Louise admitted.
“I was just so blown away by her kindness. She didn’t know me, and she certainly didn’t have to help me, but she did. And not grudgingly – she did it with so much love and grace.”
When Louise returned the money to Babalwa, with a little extra, she also called her manager to share how profoundly moved she was by Babalwa’s kindness.
“I told her manager, ‘This young mom is the greatest ambassador their store has ever had, and perhaps ever will!’ I meant every word of it.”
For Louise, this experience was more than a random act of kindness – it was a reflection of everything she cherishes about her home country.
“This is why I love South Africa! It’s people like Babalwa who remind me that no matter how tough things get, there’s so much goodness here.”
She ended her story with a heartfelt wish for the festive season: “Babalwa embodies the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of South Africa. She made mine magical, and I will never forget her. Whatever your creed, colour, or class, please be a Babalwa to someone else this Christmas. That’s how we spread the magic.”
As we celebrate the festive season, we must remember to carry the spirit of giving with us – not just in grand gestures but in the small, meaningful ways we can touch another’s life. Let’s all strive to be someone’s Babalwa this Christmas, creating moments of magic and connection for those around us.
Kindness is contagious. Pass it on.
by 