Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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In South Africa one is used to be hounded at every robot and stop street by a variety of hawkers. I admire anybody who is out working, especially in a dangerous position like that, rather than to resort to illegal ways of trying to get money. The tactic these days though appears to be to offer you something for free, in particular a hat.
It is a business model that obviously works on the law of reciprocation where anybody, with a conscience anyway, feels bad about getting something for free from someone who has so little. They explain to you how they like you so much that they have to give you something for free, like the hat, and apparently if you do think of taking it then they start asking you for money. It worked a charm in my case, because I felt terribly bad for the person and I gave him R10, but said that I did not think it was enough for the hat, and gave the hat back as well. In other words, I ended up donating R10, getting nothing for it and all because I made the mistake of winding down my window. They often get you to wind down your window by pointing to the front of your car and you think they are going to tell you that there is a flat tyre or some sort of problem, but I am going to learn to keep my window up in future, because it costs me money when I lower it! It is of course far less irritating than the “window cleaners” who exist on certain intersections and who can be extremely aggressive at times by throwing water on your windscreen.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Friday 09-Jan-15
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Comments
Jolene said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 05:00 PM
I dont wind down my window at all, they work together, the one come to your window trying to get your attention so that his friend can mash and grab you. I see a lot of people say they will only wind down their window when there is children involved. The parents of these children tell them to go and beg because people give them money more easily.
Jade said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 04:03 PM
Some of the stories that have been written in the comments are truly horrendous. Especially when real help in the form of employment or food are scoffed at. I very rarely wind my window down merely because I am so worried that I will be hijacked or mugged. You can never be too careful. I think the way to give back to society is through legitimate charities that uplift the community. You never know if that man on the side of the road is just using the money to buy alcohol or drugs.
I do respect the people that are really trying to make a living by selling something on the side of the road instead of just begging. But I still will not risk winding my window down.
Sinead said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 03:57 PM
I usually drive with my window open. As soon as I approach a red robot, I try to close it before stopping. Not only for hawkers selling fruits and earphones and pirated DVDs but also for Newspaper guys that think they can be your friend and start chatting to you.
I have also noticed the new 'It's free' thing but then they ask you 'Please don't you have something for me, my friend' It's really annoying...
Jessica said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 03:43 PM
I feel bad for the beggers yet, they still vote for corruption (ANC) so they need to learn if they really want change, they should change their votes for better progress in their situations. But I do like Anna's comment though.
Zindy said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 03:36 PM
Had a similar experience Ash, We gave loose coins to a little girl that was asking for cash at a shop,so she landed up kicking my mom and didn't want it, Although we had a good laugh after :) . They are becoming annoying! I agree even if you try and help no matter if its 50c or R2.It seems some are becoming ungrateful.
Angelique said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 03:18 PM
You shouldn't wind down your window even if you think someone is going to tell you about your flat tyre - as that is how they usually try hijack you or take something from your car. We can't feel sorry for everyone on the street but I admit I admire those standing in the sun selling their products but won't wind down my window unless I have a donation to give.
Ashleigh said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 03:15 PM
I do give when I can but really sometimes just get annoyed because they sometimes forget that people do not always carry cash or anything on themselves anymore because its not safe and they look at you like you're lying. Some have such bad attitudes that they think you owe it to them to give them money too. But I do remember that one day my mom gave bronze coins the one day because that's the only change she had on herself and the guy gave it back to her. It was quite hilarious but also cheek when every cent should count to someone standing and begging from people who work for what they get.
Lourien said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 02:50 PM
I have to say I feel so bad, when you see them and it brakes my heart to see so many people standing at Robots. It always makes me wonder what are their story and how did they end up their...But every time you give someone money they actually expect you to give them money every single time you drive past them and they tell you a different story every time. I actually don't draw money and I am so used to swiping my card these days that most of the time I don't have any money with me.
Joyce said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 02:27 PM
I think it is not safe to wind down the window for hawkers at the robot or at stop street and I think hijackers are also there to take their chances, but can donate only if it is safe to do so
Marisa said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 02:06 PM
i get frustrated with the beggers and the hawkers as there are 4 of them on each side of the road at an intersection, and i have seen a video where people plant hidden cameras and then follow the "homeless" and then they find out that person lives in a big house and has 4 cars and everything and when they get confronted then they say it is a friends house.. I try not to make eye contact but when they stand still next to my window while waiting for the robot to change then i get nervous as i have told them no as the got to my car and they keep standing, but they are just begging for no reason but then there are others that really need it but we so used to not giving as they are everywhere, but lets say you give one R 2.00 and the one at the next robot sees it then they axpect you to give them as well and tell us it is unfair that we give to that one but not him.
Anna said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 12:33 PM
I often give food to 2 beggars that I regularly find at the traffic lights on Mattie Road in Parkmore. I notice when they are not there.
Many people don't do enough for charity as far as I'm concerned. If you have plenty, why not give to those less fortunate than yourself?
Thabitha said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 09:53 AM
I will say I have respect for those who are selling things and making money even if its a small profit than those who are begging because if they dont get what they want theyll end up hurting or killing people.
Kaylee said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 09:15 AM
I think I am completely paranoid with hawkers ever since I was in a smash and grab. I generally drive slowly up to robots if there are hawkers and especially try to not stop at off ramps like Greyston off ramp. I noticed how mant hawkers we have in Johannesburg when I visited my parents, who live in Knysna. It was strange when I came back to have Hawkers again at robots. It really makes me anxious and worried when I stop at robots.
Mathilda said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:48 AM
This is my problem I can't say no even if I just give R5 or something and if it is a child well then its over...I'll always give money to them, I know it's wrong but its not their fault their parents are so insensitive to let them stand there and ask for money ..I know a lot of people wont agree with me but I know when the person looks dodge then I wont even look their way like the people who splash water on your window and just start washing it makes me so mad but I never open my window to shout or give money to them because you never know what he will do, so I just keep calm and dont even look at them.
Juliet said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:48 AM
I stopped giving when I had just bought a Steers burger and chips and had one bite and while it was still hot this guy on Main Road looked so desperate and he was begging me so I gave him the food. He walked straight to the dustbin on the side of the road and threw it away and was swearing at me. Never again.
Nicolle said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:45 AM
The tolerance, even blatant encouragement, of begging is hampering citizens faith in others humanity.
I recall a story last year where the MEC, Faith Mazibuko pleaded that citizens should not donate money to beggars at traffic intersections, even if it is a mother and child or children on their own. The streets may be filled with rapists, paedophiles, serial killers all who may take advantage of the child beggar. Needless to say, the beggar themselves may be criminals.
There are laws and bylaw that prohibit begging and it is about time that they are enforced by municipalities.
I understand that more often than not begging is a means to an end, however, programs of support should be provided to beggars once they are taken off our streets. Shelters, food, acquiring a skill so that they may become productive, contributing members of society.
Clare said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:45 AM
I feel bad for people all the time i have a week heart when it comes to these guys, or to even just a simple beggar, i feel so bad if i don't give them something, but i learnt long ago to not give anymore unless i really feel like i need to, the one day i was at KFC trying to get some food for my family and this guy asked for money so i said no then i felt bad so i ordered him something as well when i stopped to give the food to the beggar he chucked it back at me and said i wanted money. so i drove off.. I did how ever had on little boy ask me for food and i got him food he took it and ran to the back of the petrol station and he handed the food to his (looked like) baby sister. i cried for days about that.
Sally said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:37 AM
I never wind down my window and also do not support them. If you offer them a job they will tell you that they make more money standing begging and trying to sell goods next to the road then they will ever make a day having a proper job.
davi said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:34 AM
i generally drive with my window open, and a give a firm but polite 'no thanks'. The next question, once it is noticed that i am smoking, is to ask for a cigarette. I've been caught a few times, but now my standard answer is that they are for sale at R2-00 each. i've actually sold a few. nothing for free...
Nikita said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:19 AM
Personally I don't support people on the side of the road. I will go to the ends of the earth for an animal because there is nothing they can do for themselves.
Alexis said:
on Friday 09-Jan-15 08:10 AM
I will only wind down my window when there is a child involved. You feel bad for half of these people, but you also need to know that they make a lot of money doing what they do and most of them like doing what they do and would choose nothing else.
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 06-Jan-15 10:11 AM
I never wind my window down for safety reasons. Unfortunately in this country there is very little value on human life and for some criminals none what-so-ever so you have to be very careful where possible
Juliet said:
on Monday 05-Jan-15 10:01 AM
Never wind your window down and never make eye contact
Elektra said:
on Monday 05-Jan-15 08:25 AM
I never wind my window down, I also have tinted smash and grab windows, and try to avoid eye contact with the gentlemen on the street. The window cleaners on he other hand, I agree are quite aggressive and even if you avoid eye contact still splash water and start cleaning your window. I feel bad not giving them money, but firstly I never asked for the service and secondly opening my window to pay then opens myself up for an easy target to be robbed.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
