determined pensioner
Photo Credit: Unsplash

A determined pensioner from Pheonix, KZN, got her first driver’s license at 68, inspiring her community and other South Africans to overcome their fears and do the same!

Pheonix, South Africa (02 May, 2023)— This determined pensioner decided to put her dreams first and has inspired others to do the same in the process. Despite not being able to afford a car, she got her first license anyway at 68 years young, simply because it was a milestone she wanted to conquer.

And did.

Shirley Chetty from Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal relished in the joy of getting her driver’s license recently, which she shares has always been her desire, per The Tabloid Newspapers.  

“This is a huge milestone for me as despite having gone through some hardships in life, one day I can look back and say I achieved something and I’m proud of myself.”—Shirley Chetty.

The grandmother of seven wanted her community to be inspired to take on the dreams they’ve put off or let life get in the way of, reminding us all that we can take our dreams into our own hands, no matter what stage of life we’re in.

Her story resonated with many people, who embraced Shirley’s mindset with open arms. 

A Traffic Jam of Kind Words from Locals

“I read &reread..looked at the pic.. looked again and then enlarged it to make sure if this is really true..This amazing 68yr old lady does not look a day over 50yrs..I’m so proud that she shows us that age is just a number & you can achieve anything if you are positive & put your mind to it…Well done & best wishes to her always!!” —Maggie Iyer

“Congratulations! Wonderful achievement and a motivation to others who yearn to be independent and drive themselves around.” —Krish Reddy

“47 years old, but through your inspiration and age I am not giving up.” — Selva Munsamy

“Just teaching us that one is never too old to accomplish something in life! Just put your mind to it and DO IT!”—Ivan Fredericks 

“Well done aunty, show these young [people], they can also accomplish.”— Rax Ishram 

“Well done you are my inspiration.” — Jane Gounden

“Maybe somewhere you inspire someone else. Many happy miles.” —Debbie Griffiths


Source: The Tabloid Newspapers; Facebook
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

About the Author

Ashleigh Nefdt is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Ashleigh's favourite stories have always seen the hidden hero (without the cape) come to the rescue. As a journalist, her labour of love is finding those everyday heroes and spotlighting their spark - especially those empowering women, social upliftment movers, sustainability shakers and creatives with hearts of gold. When she's not working on a story, she's dedicated to her canvas or appreciating Mother Nature.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *