Months after an act of compassion, a bus driver with the Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) is being praised for looking after a seven-year-old boy, who accidentally travelled far beyond his intended destination.  

The child’s mother, who asked to remain anonymous, shared her heartfelt appreciation for the driver with GABS. 

She said her son had fallen asleep on the bus while travelling from Claremont to Harare and only woke up when the bus had reached Langa en route to Cape Town. 

The driver remained in contact with his mother throughout the journey and ensured he was safely reunited with her. 

“Your bus driver took a very good care for my child like he treated him like his own child, he even bought him some lunch and a cooldrink from his own money,” read the mother’s testimony.  

She said that when she was reunited with her son, he was very happy, instead of being in distress because he was lost.  

“It was like he was on a tour instead of being lost… He made me trust Golden Arrow Buses even more,” she said.  

GABS spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer confirmed that this happened back in February. 

She said despite the months that have passed, the company believed it was a story worth sharing. Dyke-Beyer said the incident shows how drivers become trusted and familiar faces ingrained in the community and sometimes in the families of locals.  

“At Golden Arrow, our drivers are much more than drivers… They see the same passengers day after day, year after year, and over time those relationships grow into something really special,” said Dyke-Beyer.  

Dyke-Beyer said the driver’s actions provided much-needed relief in current times. 

“We’re incredibly proud of this driver because this act of kindness reflects the compassion and humanity that we need in the world right now. It’s a reminder that even in the busiest of moments taking the time to care for someone can make all the difference,” said Dyke-Beyer.