A simple question could save a life

Asimple question from a complete stranger, asking ‘how are you?’ is what saved a Gqeberha woman who was contemplating suicide. The wholesome story of how e-hailing driver Bartho Dick noticed that one of his passengers was not feeling well and decided to park on the side of the road and give her a hug touched the hearts of Bay residents this week.

Though this incident took place four years ago, it came to light at the weekend when Natasha Mulusa posted on Facebook that she was trying to find the man who had unwittingly saved her from suicide during their chance encounter in his vehicle in February 2020.

In the post, she explained how she was at her lowest, trying to hide her true feelings, and how she had misgivings when Dick stopped the car to console her.

“I remember this driver asking me: ‘How are you?’ And man, I don’t know what happened that day, but I just burst into the loudest cry.

“I remember how he told me to calm down and asked me kindly if he could stop somewhere.

“I never shared much details about what was ... happening in my life but he gave me a word from God.

“I don’t remember his exact words but I remember very well that it helped and healed me so much.

“He may not know it but on that day I was ready to commit suicide,” Mulusa said.

After her post went viral, Dick and Mulusa managed to connect via a video call on Monday, laughing and crying together a heartwarming conclusion to an extraordinary encounter.

This story touched the hearts of many because it demonstrates the power of ubuntu and compassion.

It speaks to the importance of seeing the humanness in people and not shying away from caring about your fellow neighbour. An act of kindness or simply asking ‘how are you?’ can make the world of a difference to someone who feels as though they are drowning.