Uber drivers or therapists and wise old sages? After last week’s Uber rides, I am somewhat convinced that I was lucky enough to be in the company of the latter, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
After my little blue Smeg toaster (AKA, the Fiat 500) went in for a lengthy service, I found myself sitting in the company of wisdom.
My first thoughts on Ubering to get from place to place were admittedly quite cynical. Firstly, there was the large hole I knew Uber prices would burn in my wallet.Secondly, I am a woman and this is South Africa.
Quite frankly, despite how cautious anyone can attempt to be (checking the number plate a million times before stepping into the vehicle, sharing the trip with someone you trust, and even requesting to check the boot before getting in because I was not about to be the next instalment of the film Taken) you still don’t always know what kind of ride you’re in for.
However, the odds were my favour and I was lucky enough to have not only rides that were a breathe of fresh air in terms of safety (and admittedly the array of minty car air fresheners) but also ones that bought me a service I didn’t actually pay for. A therapeutic experience.
Here are some of the conversations I had with various Uber drivers in Cape Town that sat with me long after the trip, and might sit with you too, no matter the kind of ride life is currently taking you on.
1. The Uber driver who taught me about the beauty of being alone
Cruising on the highway to work on a gorgeous morning in the Mother City, my Uber driver casually asked me if I was in a relationship.
“No,” I replied with a laugh to which the Uber shook his head with a smile that I could see in the rearview mirror.
“That’s good, it means you’re learning about yourself in this world!” he said.
I asked him what he meant. “You know… self-worth comes when you are with you. When someone is always telling you who you are, who do you become?”
“Their image of you?” I answered, to which he gladly nodded.
“Alone gives you time to truly see.”
2. The Uber driver who talked about women empowerment
On another excursion to the office, after some phonic conversation, my Uber driver started telling me about his daughters. He spoke about how men cannot simply expect women to be the only warriors in the fight for gender-equality.
“It is our job not just to protect, but to help in the fight. To speak up!” he powerfully stated.
“One day, there will be no more crying for our girls, but not without the help of the boys.”
That part, “there will be no more crying for our girls,” sent shivers down my spine. Maybe it is possible after-all.
3. The Uber driver who taught me that sometimes we pay a high price for staying true to what we believe in
In a deeply political discussion on the way to Tokai, my Uber driver started talking about the state of our country, and all the corruption allegations that were currently happening. Our conversation ranged from the Zuma era to the Magashule and even Uncle Cyril.
My driver went on to talk about how selling yourself is cheap, and standing up for yourself is expensive.
“I told my wife, the day I take money to sell something I don’t believe in, is the day I have sold myself. Never sell yourself. If you believe in something, pay that price, but you will be free.”
4. The Uber driver who reassured me that those who care will always be there
My last therapy session came from a ride to Vredehoek. I was actually on the way to be reunited with my car at last, when I realised I couldn’t find the blue jelly-tot in the parking lot. Beginning to sweat a mild panic, my Uber driver saw my distress. He reassured me that he wouldn’t leave me until we had located the vehicle.
“Not everyone will leave when times are tough!” He laughed in a kind way. “The ones who care, will always help you search for peace.”
Picture: Unsplash