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Copyright © 1999 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers. |
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September
1999
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Good Samaritans Still Exist Having your truck break down in the middle of nowhere is part and parcel of the overland experience. Fortunately, the drivers of these trucks are well versed in dealing with such incidents so it seldom presents a huge problem. However, if it weren't for a good Samaritan, FleetWatch correspondent Graeme Addison would have got a real taste of what they face. This is a tribute to that Samaritan. The town of Patensie in the Eastern Cape on the outskirts of the rugged Baviaanskloof mountains is not the place to break down late on a Saturday night. The place is quiet and deserted. Fortunately there are people like Fanie Liebenberg who will go out of their way to help a stranded driver. Fanie sells Mercedes-Benz trucks and cars in nearby Humansdorp and lives in the rural town of Patensie, which lies at the heart of a lush agricultural district. When FleetWatch roving correspondent Graeme Addison had a spot of battery trouble with his 4x4 Suzuki Vitara, after a week exploring the Baviaanskloof, Fanie Liebenberg leapt to the rescue. The Suzuki was totally immobilised with a Gauteng-special anti-theft and anti-hijack system that made it impossible to push-start the vehicle. Graeme was standing, totally at a loss in the dark main street of Patensie when Fanie pulled in with a cheerful smile and a once-in-a-lifetime offer. "My wife drives a little Suzuki," said Fanie, "we’ll give you the battery from that!" In the photo, Fanie is seen doing a quick bit of home garage work. In no time Graeme was back in action and was able to return to friends in the kloof who by this time were frantic as to his whereabouts. There have been farm killings and ambush attempts in the Patensie, so all is not as peaceful as it may seem – even to a hardened Gautie. Next morning, a Sunday, Fanie produced a difficult-to-get new Suzuki battery after a round of calls to local suppliers and the farmer’s co-operative. Graeme and friends were able to drive off, with many thanks, after Fanie once again wielded a spanner. According to fellow Mercedes staff at CBF Motors in Humansdorp, Fanie is well-known for his helpfulness. The garage doesn’t sell as many trucks as it used to – only a half a dozen a year as opposed a couple a month a few years ago – because farmers can’t justify the capital outlay and now make more use of cartage contractors. However, motor salesmen keep smiling because the car business is buoyant. "Most of the trucking business has moved to the bigger centres but we still get local authorities buying emergency vehicles, removal trucks and sewage suction trucks," said a staffer. Said Graeme: "People like Fanie make travelling to remote places the pleasure that it is. He knows what it means to have a breakdown in the wrong time and the wrong place, and I’m still thanking my stars that he stopped to help me." Well done Fanie Alternative Articles |
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