Cash As Back-Up

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Cash is still king. We were reminded of that last week, when technology went berserk and did not accept debit and credit cards.

The line for breakfast was long: writers like me taking a break from the writer’s block, teens backpacking in Canada, parents with kids in strollers, construction workers in their lime vests, health aide workers with people with disabilities, and pensioners taking themselves out for breakfast.
“Cash only please.  We are trying to fix the system,” said the cashier.

 I had a $20 bill on me, a miracle if you ask me. Some breakfasters left the line to rummage through their handbags for coins and dollar bills.  Others sat at nearby tables waiting for the restaurant to fix the electronic bug.  Some parents removed certain items from their trays, causing kids to pout and holler.
  
The scene reminded me of my cash only friend who did not have a credit card for a long time, despite offers from several banks. He sent his kids to school and did everything for his family using cash money.

The morale of the story is, cash as the king was dethroned by debit and credit cards, but it is still in the palace, our wallets. 
By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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