In the middle of rush hour chaos, Joburg motorists reminded us that compassion is still alive on our roads.
Johannesburg, South Africa (30 August 2025) – Johannesburg traffic doesn’t often inspire warm, fuzzy feelings, but every now and then, a moment happens that reminds us why South Africans are extraordinary when it comes to looking out for each other.
Sarah Britten, a friend of Good Things Guy, shared a heartwarming post on LinkedIn after witnessing something simple yet powerful on the Cowley Road bridge in Bryanston. It wasn’t the usual chaos of rush hour that caught her attention but rather the way strangers chose kindness over convenience.
“During rush hour yesterday afternoon, I witnessed something interesting on the Cowley Road bridge in Bryanston. Traffic heading toward Rivonia was bumper to bumper, unusual on that road. It turned out that there was a broken-down taxi on the bridge,” Sarah explained.
The taxi had stalled in such a way that it blocked the opposite lane. Cars in Sarah’s lane could easily have kept moving, leaving the trapped drivers to fend for themselves. But that’s not what happened.
“Every single driver in my lane stopped to give a vehicle stuck behind the taxi enough space to get past. Every single one, without exception. Joburgers, all probably keen to get home, chose to inconvenience themselves in order to do something considerate for a stranger.”
It didn’t stop there. The kindness spread like a ripple. One person gave way, the next followed suit and soon everyone in the queue was doing the same.
Sarah herself let an SUV through…. “The driver raised a hand in acknowledgement, and I returned the gesture.”
Yes, the congestion on 12th Avenue was horrendous, snaking all the way back to Rivonia Road. But it could have been far worse had people in Sarah’s lane chosen indifference. Instead, drivers showed patience, respect and empathy.
“One taxi causing chaos is nothing new,” Sarah added, “but it was refreshing to see Joburgers being considerate of others. I see appalling behaviour on our roads every day, but, for once, we chose to be kind to each other. May we see more of this.”
Her post sparked a wave of comments from South Africans who felt uplifted by the story. One person beautifully summed it up.
“I think the beauty is that it most likely started with one person doing this and kindness spread and lasted long after they had left.”
“In a world which feels increasingly scary, chaotic and sometimes all seems dire I love it when the good in people (society) is highlighted — and it needs to be celebrated. Well done everyone (Yay Jozi!!) on choosing kindness!” another social media user wrote.
And a simple but heartfelt reminder from another: “We need good news stories. Thank you for sharing.”
It’s true. In between the gridlocks, frustrations, and everyday pressures of life, kindness still has the power to break through. All it takes is one person choosing to make space for someone else. And suddenly, an entire community moves differently.
And that’s the good news South Africa needs more of.
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