"An Absolute Gem": School Security Guard Wins SA Hearts by Memorising Pupils' Names

• Security guard Mpilo at Virginia Preparatory School won hearts after a video of him warmly greeting pupils at the school gate was posted on 28 October
• The footage showed Mpilo calling children by name and welcoming parents arriving on foot at the residential gated entrance
• South Africans flooded the comments praising Mpilo for making every student feel seen and special each morning

A school security guard from Virginia Preparatory School has become an unexpected source of joy for parents and pupils after a feel-good video captured him doing something remarkably simple: greeting everyone by name.

The video, posted on 28 October, was filmed at the school's gated entrance and security checkpoint. In it, Mpilo can be seen warmly welcoming pupils and parents as they arrive, calling each child by name and making them feel noticed before they even step through the gates.

The clip by Virginia Preparatory School quickly spread, with viewers moved by how such a small act could mean so much. His dedication extends beyond the gate. Community members noted that he is often seen sweeping the stairs early in the morning, well before the school day begins. Watch the video that has South Africa talking:

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The response to the clip was overwhelmingly warm, with South Africans eager to share their appreciation in the comments:

Fiona Hoareau said:

"He also sweeps the stairs early in the morning when I drive past. Legend!"

Marshall Security wrote:

"This is what it's all about! 🥹 Mpilo, you're an absolute gem! It's the little things that make the biggest difference."

Zandile Mazandi Khumalo added:

"Parents teach your kids to greet back with a smile 😃. Well done buthi Mpilo [Well done, brother Mpilo]."

Jules Courtenay shared:

"He amazes me how he knows all the parents too and shouts for the kids when he sees their car pulling up! ❤️🙌👏"

Other Briefly News stories on security guards

• A Wolf Security guard on duty in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, posted on social media after filming an emotional plea for assistance upon encountering a family, including a mother, siblings, and an infant, sleeping rough near the Uvongo SPAR.
• Renowned South African musician PJ Powers took to social media to commend an honest Fidelity security guard named Hector, who stood watch over her car at Fourways Mall in Sandton after she inadvertently walked away, leaving the door wide open.
• A British-South African content creator named Morgan Sahadow (@morgansahadow) captured a touching homecoming exchange showing his father effortlessly conversing in fluent isiZulu with a security guard at a KwaZulu-Natal toll booth.

Source: Briefly News