{"id":181226,"date":"2026-03-20T15:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodthingsguy.com\/?p=181226"},"modified":"2026-03-31T08:01:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T06:01:26","slug":"a-whole-school-parade-for-a-golden-security-guard-on-his-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodthingsguy.com\/people\/a-whole-school-parade-for-a-golden-security-guard-on-his-birthday\/","title":{"rendered":"A Whole School Parade for a Golden Security Guard on His Birthday!"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Pretoria primary school stopped everything to celebrate their security guard on his 54th birthday.<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pretoria, South Africa (20 March 2026)<\/em> \u2013 This story made our whole team smile, and we just had to share it!<\/p>\n

Jacob Maredi is the security guard<\/a> at Laerskool Pretoria Oos<\/a> in Pretoria. Has been for 28 years. Every morning he is already at the gate before the first bell where he greets kids by name, helps parents in and out, and even sorts the traffic when the robot goes out.<\/p>\n

Every day he shows up with the biggest smile and the best energy. He’s 54. He works long hours, locks up after night sports, and then still finds the time to go for a run afterwards! He\u2019s a legend.<\/p>\n

Two Grade 7 moms, Frances and Marna, decided his birthday this year wasn’t going to pass by without a big celebration. They started a WhatsApp group, parents piled in, and the idea just grew and grew until it turned into a full school procession \u2013 an \u2018optog\u2019 \u2013 on Thursday morning.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Frances Geldenhuys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cFrom pre-school all the way to Grade 7, learners walked together through the front gates \u2013 singing, cheering, blowing whistles, and holding handmade posters and banners.\u201d says Frances.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It was the biggest show of love for Jacob.<\/p>\n

The gates were done up with balloons and flags. Someone’s dad brought a portrait he’d painted of Jacob. Cupcakes for the whole school and beyond. Chocolates, vouchers, gifts from families who’ve been greeted by Jacob\u2019s smile every morning for years. Even people walking past on the street stopped and came over to wish him.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Frances Geldenhuys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, and he got crowned as \u2018The Golden Osie Security Guard\u2019 with an actual crown and sash to match!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Frances Geldenhuys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jacob had zero clue it was coming. When asked why he thinks people love him, he said that it could perhaps be his kindness. A man who knows its one of the greatest superpowers of all!<\/p>\n

“I did not expect it at all. I felt like I was flying. It was a very special day. I will never forget it.” said Jacob. “I love the children, especially the little ones. I enjoy working with them and helping them. I think people love me because I am friendly and helpful.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Frances Geldenhuys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Frances shared the note she wrote for him, which shows the genuine love and appreciation an entire school community holds for their Golden Osie hero. Originally, it was written in Afrikaans; we translated it.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Jacob,<\/span><\/p>\n

Your smile and kindness have greeted us (the Geldenhuys family) warmly for eight years \u2013 every single day at the gate. You have no idea what you mean to this school. You are the coolest guy in Roper Street \u2013 the place where we\u2019ll always find you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your kindness plays a huge role in the life of every child starting out at Osies. You teach them about respect and friendliness.<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to say thank you to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

We all hope you had a wonderful day and a great birthday, and that you enjoyed every moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

With much love from every Barefoot-Osie and Osie parent.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Frances Geldenhuys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
Sources: GTG Interview.\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
Don\u2019t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Google<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by\u00a0clicking here\u00a0<\/a>or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque \u2013 South Africa\u2019s very own\u00a0Good Things Guy<\/a>. He\u2019s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there\u2019s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you\u2019ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:<\/em><\/h6>\n