The Street Beggar
"Help me, I need food. It's been 2 days starving now." Mr. Dlamini turned his head and moved forward with his wife. At that moment, Mathokoza was left isolated. It was midday, people were watching soccer on the community sports ground, and the smell of food from the nearby vendors filled the air, making Mathokoza's stomach growl even louder.
Just as he was starting to lose hope, Mr. Dlamini stopped in his tracks and turned to his wife. "Wait," he said, and they walked back to Mathokoza. Mrs. Dlamini rummaged through her bag and pulled out a pack of cold distilled water, 500ml of cold juice, and 3 litres of new basin. She handed them to Mathokoza, along with E200.
"Take this," she said softly. "Get something to eat."
Mr. Dlamini nodded in agreement, and they walked away, taking one bottle of water each with them. Mathokoza watched them disappear into the crowd, wondering why they had helped him.
With newfound hope, Mathokoza quickly opened the juice and took a sip, feeling the cool liquid revive him. He then began to sell the water and juice to the crowd gathered at the sports ground. His entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and he quickly sold out. With the E200 note, he invested in more goods and started selling on the streets.
Days turned into weeks, and Mathokoza's business flourished. He saved up enough money to start a small stall, then a shop, and eventually, a big shopping complex in the community. He never forgot the kindness of the Dlaminis and often wondered what had motivated them to help him.
Years passed, and Mathokoza became a successful businessman. He married his long-serving fiancée, Sizakele Shiba, and they lived a happy life.
One day, Mrs. Dlamini fell ill, and Mr. Dlamini rushed to the nearest pharmacy to get her medication. To his surprise, he discovered that the pharmacy was owned by none other than Mathokoza.
Mathokoza welcomed Mr. Dlamini warmly and ensured that Mrs. Dlamini received the best medical care. When Mr. Dlamini tried to pay, Mathokoza refused, saying, "Your kindness to a stranger in need has been paid forward."
As Mr. Dlamini returned home, he asked his wife about the day they helped Mathokoza. Mrs. Dlamini confessed that she had lied about giving Mathokoza extra cash, and that she had actually told Mr. Dlamini that she gave him more money than she actually did. Mr. Dlamini was shocked, but to their surprise, Mrs. Dlamini's sickness began to subside after her confession.
The Dlaminis visited Mathokoza, and he forgave them, grateful for their kindness. From then on, the Dlaminis and Mathokoza became close friends, and their community benefited from their partnership and philanthropy.
As Mathokoza looked at the Dlaminis, he smiled, knowing that kindness can come full circle in the most unexpected ways.
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