The absolute dread of missing a flight is a feeling familiar to many so when Rich Mulholland asked his way to the front of the line to catch his flight after being late, he found yet another reason to love South Africa.
South Africa (29 September 2023) – Nobody likes being late or missing a flight but sometimes life gets in the way and it happens. That was the case for Richard “Rich” Mulholland, who found himself asking to be let into the security line at the airport on the verge of missing his flight home. What happened next absolutely blew him away.
Rich was giving a talk at The Saxon which ran late and meant he was really cutting it close on his flight home. As a professional speaker and inspiring thought provoker, Rich is no stranger to seeing the best in people. He’s written books, spent time on various radio and TV shows and has also started a YouTube channel that is quickly gaining traction. In fact, a recent video of his has been viewed over 21 million times!
Knowing full well he would probably miss his flight, Rich tried something that inspired an entire line of people to respond in kindness and joy. He asked the person in front of him if he could jump ahead of the queue.
South Africans embody Ubuntu in the best ways and so naturally, the person told Rich to go ahead. The next person heard and offered their spot up too. Before long Rich had worked his way to the very front of the security line and so close to reaching his gate and catching his flight. However, he had to stop and say thank you, so he raised his arm and waved to everyone that allowed him to get to the front.
“Feeling embarrassed I said “I’m really sorry, but…” the person in front of me smiled and said, “Go!”, and so did the next person, and the next. People started cheering me on, everyone smiled, people were patting me on the back and offering best wishes that I make the flight. I was saying thank you over and over again, it was honestly surreal. When I got through security I turned and waved, and people waved back. Again, I was skipping the queue… and they cheered me on. Honestly guys, only in South Africa, living in this country is amazing, but it’s also a co-operative game. And it shows in the attitudes of the citizens.
All the love and gratitude to the people who let me through today.”
Rich was greeted in return with cheers and applause from the crowd, who were all eager to see him get home.
And that is how Rich found yet another reason to love South Africans. In fact, that is yet another reason we can all love South Africans. YAY Us!
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