In a country full of miserable ginger haggis-eaters I imagine the title of ‘Scotland’s happiest lollipop man’ is one to be very proud of. Nkosana Mdikane, a 74-year-old South African man living in West Dumbartonshire was just that – a school crossing patroller who sang, danced and high-fived the wee lads and lasses as they made their way to school.

Alas, in what can best be described as red-tape bureaucracy at its finest, Nkosana has been instructed not to high-five the kids due to safety fears. This from News24:

The council said in a statement that all patrollers are instructed to remain static with one hand on their stick and the other stretched outwards while children cross the road. This ensures that they are seen and also provide a barrier between pupils and traffic.

Now they should know better than to mess with a country chock-full of angry letter writers, as locals have come out in force defending Nkosana. The Saffa emigrated to Scotland in 2003 with his wife and came out of retirement two years ago for what he calls the best job he has ever had.

Locals have rallied behind the much-loved figure on Facebook and an online petition, which reads as follows:

Our Lollipop man has been told to stop giving our kids a high five when they are crossing the road to school. The kids are so disappointed with this decision…

A few years ago he was in the press as Scotland’s Happiest Lollipop Man! We want West Dunbartonshire Council to reverse this stupid decision.

Sometimes local councils just need a stern talking to. Maybe a good toyi-toyi outside their offices will do the trick, with a healthy dose of high-fiving for good measure. Amandla.

[source:news24]