Caught Napping Like An Owl

Caught Napping Like An Owl

Waking up and going to work has always been an exciting moment for me – writing pieces, engaging with media, colleagues, counseling with those that are having a bad morning for whatever reason and looking forward to the glorious end of the day where I would engage with my sacred space – giving motivational speeches to my own: the disabled community. Indeed the thought of this daunting but welcome day is one that one would cherish and look forward to! However, on that fateful Monday of 25 June 2007, that never came to pass.

South Africans are known for their kindness, good of spirit, hospitality and attention to goodness. However, like any other nationality across the world, our country is definitely not alien to infection by the scourge of rogue discipline, cowardly deeds, violence, theft, robbery and utter disregard for life and possessions of fellow mankind. I am of the opinion that I represent but a minute fraction of what does happen when these elements are let on the loose.

Driving along a busy highway destined to work, I was pulled off the road by a car reminiscent of that of unmarked law enforcement agencies (with a blue light blazing). Of the three extremely (seemingly) respectable occupants of the car, two got out save for the driver. In true military precision, I was asked by the two, who accosted both sides of the car to get out. I explained that it was impossible to do so as I was disabled and in the use of a wheelchair, which I usually put away in the trunk so not to bring attention to my vulnerability (not that I am ashamed about my disability).

In good kindness and gentlemen hood, the “policeperson” that was providing patronage to my door, politely demanded of me to open the trunk so that he could assist me to alight. Returning the gesture and upholding my regard for the law I humbly obliged these wishes and indeed my forever loyal wheelchair was offloaded and brought to service. At just that moment the accomplice drew a pistol (I never saw one that close) and demanded that I leave the car without touching anything. I then knew that indeed I was caught napping like an owl!

The gentlemen got into the car, started the motor and gently cruised away, leaving me and my humble wheelchair stranded in the midst of frenzy morning highway traffic. My dreams, plans, anticipation and longing for a beautiful day came crumbling down just that instant. My cell phone, money and other possessions where in the car and I had no means of alerting anybody about my plight as nobody imagined what a disabled person would be toiling for, in the middle of a busy road.

After two hours of hailing cars and none taking me seriously, the police, passing by, saw this lunatic – the lunatic dressed in a tie and suit while parading on the highway! They stopped and wryly demanded an explanation as to my motives. After having explained my circumstances, I witnessed something that made me to be truly South African, in spite of those obtaining circumstances – I saw a police officer cry! Indeed, it was just very fitting to cry along.

I had to cry because I put in months of savings to be able to buy that R40 000 (with adaptations to suit my needs) car, I cried because the transportation in the South African industry is not geared towards or ready to accommodate a wheel chair bound customer for convenient transportation to a preferred destination. And I cried because my glorious hour, where I hold court with my fellow disabled community has been severely given a blow – as a disabled community we have learnt that no matter what, society prefers to keep us in the margins, prefer to believe that we are lesser citizens and allow us to find solace in each other’s tiers.

However, I will continue to do what I am called for to do – write, council with the downtrodden, pray with the sick and Accept that – I was Caught Napping Like An Owl!