South Africa: Smile the Beloved Country - How an Ice Cream and a Random Act of Kindness Made Us Feel Good Again

analysis

Last week a waiter at a fast food restaurant in Cape Town made headlines when he was spotted lovingly helping a disabled man eat his takeaway ice cream cone. This simple act of random kindness seemed to resonate deeply with weary South Africans seeking some respite from negative headlines and helping to restore a much-needed sense of community and hope. But should we really be surprised?

By Sunday night Tertius Gouws' post on the Wimpy SA Facebook page had been shared by over 2,000 people and had prompted about 10,000 comments. Waiter Vincent Mota's act of kindness at a branch of the food chain in the Canal Walk shopping centre - helping Richard Kitching to eat his ice cream, lovingly wiping his chin and embracing him - soon elevated the 26-year-old Motala to a mini citizen hero, inspiring the #vincentissharp and #needmoreVincents hashtags on Twitter and resulting him being interviewed on radio stations.

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