A few days ago, returning from the shops, we turned into our driveway. A Xhosa man on the road saw us and followed the car. When we started climbing out, there he was. I had not seen him behind us; it was a surprise. He was obviously suffering and going to ask us for money and food — and he did.

My first thought in situations like this is how to part quickly and without anger towards us. I got him some bread and gave him what I had in my wallet, all of ten bucks. He left and we breathed a sigh of relief.

Today he was back, knocking on the door. What to do? I fear in the wind and rain I felt sorry for him. Once again I could not send him away with angry words. After giving him bread and a few coins, I know, I know, and making sure he left, I wondered who to call. Then it came to me: Dr. Greef and Yvonne. They are such fountains of knowledge, those two. Yvonne immediately knew what I meant when I asked her, "Where can I send someone like that?"

Her reply was, "To KAWS in Kleinmond. They give them blankets, clothes and soup!"

Magic. Now I know what I can say next time. I can be stern, refuse what is asked, but encourage him to go see KAWS.