I saw something beautiful today, an expression of true leadership, at a crowded domestic airport restaurant.

The Springbok Rugby Captain, #SiyaKolisi the athlete who led the team to win the recent Rugby World Cup, sat facing away from the crowds, trying to have a peaceful breakfast.

I counted. Twenty five people of all ages — in groups and alone — asked for selfies, autographs, books to be signed, and for photographs with their children. He hugged, laughed, chatted, and gave time to people, especially the young lads wanting to engage. At one point fans began lining up.

The gentleman was a model of grace and kindness, expressing zero frustration or annoyance at the multiple interruptions to his breakfast and the phone calls he was apparently trying to make.

Kolisi was the perfect contrast to the baseball hall-of-fame star I witnessed chase a child away with “I don’t sign autographs” to a young man whose face I saw light up on seeing his hero.

Jennifer Arthur (my sister) – meets the Double back-to-back Springbok winning Rugby World Cup Captain.

Kindly contact Shirley@ShirleyWilliams.co.za in the if you desire to attend one of multiple events I’ll be participating in next week.