Inspired by a man who shared only smiles and good vibes at a traffic light, Tristan O’Brien posted about Lebina Letsatsi, whose humble spirit has now sparked a nationwide effort to help him find a job!
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 September 2025) – There are those who vouch that having a positive attitude and extending kindness is everything. We’re one of them, and the story of Tristan O’Brien’s touching encounter with a friendly man at a traffic light only affirms that!
In a post shared on Facebook, Tristan opened up about a man he’d seen on several occasions standing at a traffic light near his workplace.
What stood out for Tristan was that although the man was likely going through a tough time like most South Africans, he wasn’t asking folks for handouts or money, just wishing them a good day with a warm smile.
Imagine that!
“At first, I thought it might just be a tactic, Tristan admits.
“But as the days passed, his attitude never changed. Rain or shine, he was always positive, never begging – just present and hopeful.”
Compelled to gain a little insight into the gentleman’s story, Tristan eventually stopped to meet him at a nearby petrol filling station.
“Without hesitation, he ran down to meet me. We had a short conversation, and I invited him inside to get something to eat.
“His first words were, ‘What’s the cheapest option?’. Which only confirmed the humility and integrity I sensed from the start,” Tristan explains.
From that moment on, Tristan would regularly stop and get the man a few essentials, often only after he insisted.
“That’s just the kind of man he is.”
Tristan came to know the man, Lebina Letsatsi, who is a skilled construction worker by trade. Moved by his genuine character, Tristan recently took to his platform to help Lebina find a job.
“If anyone is looking for help or has a potential opening, I would gladly vouch for him. He would be a valuable addition to any team – hardworking, humble, sincere.”
While Tristan acknowledged that he couldn’t change the world, he hoped he could at least change Lebina’s.
And in just a matter of hours after sharing Lebina’s story yesterday, Tristan has had the privilege of witnessing South Africa’s true spirit!
“This young man now has three separate interviews lined up. And thanks to the generous support from Bajaj, we’ve also been able to arrange transport for him.
“It’s incredible what a little love and kindness can do. It truly travels far.”
It truly does! Our hearts are warmed by how things are coming together for the best for Lebina, and it’s all thanks to another man who took a moment to hear his story and open the door to an overflow of life-changing kindness.
We salute Tristan and our fellow South Africans, as well as wish Lebina all the best on his journey ahead!
by 