By Muhammad Omar
Many must have seen the clip on social media where a collision involving a Kia and an expensive Range Rover that rolled over and killed an innocent person standing at the intersection.
Sadly, in Durban, there has been an increase in the number of beggars standing at traffic intersections, often posing a danger to themselves and motorists. Many occupy the centre lane and often kneel.
Do not be fooled by such gestures – begging is a career choice with many being professionals and nothing more than parasites relying on sympathy.
Those who donate increase the number of beggars, making traffic intersections more dangerous.
Some beggars even bring children along who never seem to grow up. Their ages are the same for years.
This is a public hazard.
As for helping, I talk from experience. There are lots of people who collect cardboard and metal cans to resell. Cardboard collectors often make around R100 a day. No begging, quietly collecting waste and keeping their dignity intact. I have a lot of respect for such people.
Then there are those who search your household waste to recycle or take your leftover food. Many people, even in restaurants, let tons of good food go to waste.
They should separate this and give it away. There is no shortage of takers. Your household dirt is scanned by about four to five people before being taken to the dump.
Make the effort, look for the people collecting cardboard and give them something (only when it’s safe, and be wary if you wearing jewellery). Many a time I have made a U-turn and given such people goodies and cash.
Please do not give to beggars at traffic lights. This is making the areas dangerous for all road users.
The Star