This morning, I had to visit the traffic department. I walked out 8 minutes later.
As humans, we’re wired with a negativity bias. It’s survival. Remembering where the lion was matters more than how beautiful the sunset was.
But sometimes, we need to pause and focus on the positives and small wins. It doesn’t just give us a more accurate view of the world – it literally rewires the brain.
Here’s the full story.
The Dreaded Task
After moving back to Cape Town, it was time to relicense our cars.
A change of address and two renewals with a change in province… I expected a schlep, to say the least.
Instead, I booked online, was greeted at the door, given a ticket, and helped before my appointment time.
No chaos. No queues.
Welcoming, helpful and friendly staff throughout.
I was shocked – in the best way.
When Things Actually Work
Like any country, we have our challenges. But sometimes… we really do get things right.
You won’t find this experience in many so-called first-world countries.
The efficiency, the courtesy, the seamless process – it all came together in a way that genuinely surprised me.
Conclusion
This experience reminded me that while it’s easy to focus on what’s broken, there are systems and people working hard to get things right.
Sometimes the most ordinary interactions can restore a bit of faith in how things can work when done well.
Kudos City of Cape Town and Geordin Hill-Lewis!