Two weeks ago, the name David Sejobe would have meant very little to me. I would probably have turned to Google to find out who he was. It is a sad irony that I only came to know this remarkable man after his life was tragically cut short.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
On Monday, social media was flooded with videos of a cheerful, energetic security officer at MultiChoice – a man who clearly left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. In each clip, David was jovial, entertaining and unapologetically himself. At first, the sudden wave of videos was confusing. Only later did I learn they were tributes to a man who had died the day before.
David lost his life on Sunday morning after being struck by a car while cycling to work. It was a hit-and-run. The driver did not stop.
In a single moment, a life full of warmth, kindness and quiet influence was taken away.
Since 2015, David had been a front-house security officer at MultiChoice’s Randburg headquarters. But to describe him only by his job title would be to miss the point entirely. He was a welcoming presence, often the first smile people saw when they arrived at work. His role went far beyond security. He made people feel seen, acknowledged and valued.
The depth of his impact became evident in the days following his passing. Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends and public figures, all sharing personal encounters that spoke of a man who uplifted others effortlessly.
Ironically, our office is just down the road. Our offices are on the same street as the MultiChoice building. Yet, due to the route I take, I never pass their gate, which is just a few metres away. Despite such physical proximity, I never had the privilege of meeting David. Yet his story still reached me.
David’s kindness extended well beyond the workplace. In one widely shared video, he spoke candidly about losing everything, including the home he had built and lived in for more than 20 years, after placing his trust in the wrong person. Despite this devastating experience, he chose not to live with bitterness or hatred.
That choice alone is a powerful lesson.
In 2022, David completed a 600-kilometre charity cycling journey in honour of his late father. The feat drew admiration and highlighted a man committed not only to personal wellbeing, but to uplifting others through action rather than words.
What David Taught Us About Resilience
So why should this story matter to farmers?
The farming community is currently facing immense pressure due to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This situation has driven many farmers to the brink, as they deal with significant financial losses, movement restrictions and uncertainty that leave deep emotional scars. In addition to FMD, there are several other challenges, including swine fever, volatile markets and unpredictable weather conditions. In some cases, the pressure has become so overwhelming that farmers have considered giving up, and tragically, some have taken their own lives.
Farming is not just a business. For many, it is a legacy, a livelihood and a way of life passed down through generations. The weight of keeping it all afloat can be overwhelming.
David Sejobe’s life offers a quiet but profound reminder: While we cannot always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.
A positive mindset does not mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is fine. It does not mean becoming a motivational speaker or leading a pep squad. It simply means choosing perspective. It means recognising what is still working, what is still worth fighting for and what we can be grateful for, even in difficult seasons.
Constantly focusing on problems breeds stress, fatigue, anger and resentment. Shifting even a small part of that focus towards gratitude and purpose can help build resilience, something farmers know a great deal about.
David Sejobe may never have set foot on a farm, but his life carries lessons that resonate deeply with agriculture: resilience in loss, generosity in hardship and the power of showing up every day with kindness.
Sometimes, the most powerful teachers are those we never meet.
May his soul rest in peace.
Also read:
From our editor: The world is watching – Why unity matters in SA’s FMD fight
From our editor: Confusion, contradictions and the hard truths of SA’s FMD crisis
From our editor: FMD strategy needs more than good intentions
From our editor: Our farmers deliver every year; can government do the same?
