I got my licence, legit! [Letter to the Editor]

Thabazimbi – As a woman, I’ve experienced an interesting phenomenon when it comes to car guards. Whenever I drive with my husband or brother, I notice that the car guards don’t help them to reverse out of a parking bay. On Saturday 8 July 2023 I went to do some necessary grocery shopping on my own. I parked my car, and there was no car guard in sight. I finished my shopping, and as I was about to leave, the guard miraculously appeared behind my vehicle and decided for himself that I needed assistance with reversing. I should mention that has happened to myself and some of my friends many times. So, because I am a woman, does it automatically mean that I don’t know how to reverse, or what is the reasoning? I should also mention that I would not be driving a car if I did not pass my driver’s licence—which included testing my ability to reverse. 
Don’t get me wrong, car guards can be very helpful, and everyone is entitled to earn a living. But at least give me the chance to ask for assistance when it comes to reversing—don’t just assume. What I have found is that such unasked-for assistance actually obstructs my ability to reverse as I can only reverse as far as the guard—who is standing right behind my vehicle—allows. Also, what happens when I don’t have a R5,00 to reciprocate the assumed assistance? I then feel like a bad person and have in the past received a glare. 
#AllowMeToAsk!