The parable of the two bus drivers

One night they were sitting in one of the bukkas drinking their palm wine quarrelling as usual.  “Ok,” said the first, “we should settle this once and for all.  Now is the start of the rainy season when the road is bad and driving is difficult.  After our next journeys let us ask all the […]

One night they were sitting in one of the bukkas drinking their palm wine quarrelling as usual.  “Ok,” said the first, “we should settle this once and for all.  Now is the start of the rainy season when the road is bad and driving is difficult.  After our next journeys let us ask all the passengers who is the best driver, finish!”  “Ehen!” said the second, and the competition was on.
In fact, that week it was the second guy that was due to drive first. His passengers packed their loads and squeezed into the battered machine and they set off.  It was raining and gloomy but the road was manageable until they came to a bridge that had been washed away by the water.  The driver explained they would have to take a detour but “not to worry, as I know my road”.  After a while, bouncing on the muddy track he called out ”just to let you know that this section is through the thick forest, it gets very dark but don’t be alarmed”.  Sure enough the sky disappeared and the way became one of deep shadows but the women had been warned and though they were afraid they were calm until the bush receded and the way was light again.  Then the driver called out, “be careful, this section is very bumpy and the bus will rock so hold on tight and don’t worry”.  Sure enough, the potholes were deep and the vehicle bounced like a ship on stormy waters but the passengers were prepared and they held on to each other and no one was hurt until the road improved.  For a third time the driver hollered, “Please my customers, we are about to pass through a village of beggars and lepers.  They may bang on the windows but they are not violent so no vex, no shakin’.”  Indeed, as he had warned, as they passed this village slowly in the rain many beggars rushed at the bus, banging on the windows with their disfigurations.  Inside the bus the passengers trusted their driver and all was calm.
Eventually they reached their destination.  The journey had taken twice the normal time but they were still there in time for the set up of market.  The women and traders were a bit tired but grateful for their safe arrival and ready to do business. They thanked him for his consideration.
By the time of the next journey to market, the other driver thought, “it is still raining but I will not allow this journey to take so long, I will drive fast and make the usual time”.  He and his passengers set off at speed until they came to the swollen river.  “No worry” he thought to himself and turned off.  Suddenly the road turned into the dark and his passengers were sore afraid “wetin ‘appen?”, “comot, I cannot see” were the cries of the women amongst their prayers.  “Stop your complaining” called the driver.  Soon they reached the bumpy road.  The bus pitched and bounced and the passengers banged their heads on the side and fell into each other.  Their baskets were tossed around and the goods were spilled and mixed up.  “Na wa o” they shouted, “na re wa!”.  “be quiet, shouted the driver, “stop your noise and let me continue.” Finally, they came to the village of beggars.  To the shock of the travellers withered fingers scratched at the windows and distressing faces pressed against the glass.  “O God” screamed the women. “save us from the demons and ghosts of the bush!”.  Eventually the bus arrived at the market.  Sure, it was not late as the driver had made good time but his passengers were angry and stressed.  Some of them had visible bruises and some of the tomatoes were squashed and the fruits mixed up.  “Useless man!” they abused the driver. “Comot, we give you dirty slap for dis your wahalah journey!”  They were not happy, at all.
I don’t have to tell you who won the bet to be crowned the best driver and who enjoyed his palm wine the most that evening!
The meaning of the parable?  It is possible to ‘make haste slowly’, to reach your destination in a longer time than you might have wanted but yet still to have met your objectives if you explain yourself and carry your passengers with you.  Communication. As a wise man told me, “A leader who understands proverbs reconciles difficulties”.
This piece also appeared in Business Day. Keith Richard can be reached by email [email protected]. Twitter @outsiderinside1