A bright yellow Mercedes

Riddha Dasa : On October 14th, 1975, Prabhupada arrived at Jan Smuts Airport, Johannesburg. He flew from Durban on a domestic flight with South African Airways, accompanied by Pushta Krishna Swami and Harikesa. On the forecourt outside, apparently unnoticed, our hired car was parked in the area reserved for dignitaries.

It was a bright yellow Mercedes - ideal for chauffeuring Prabhupada during his stay. It was not like Durban where they were very particular about such things. As soon as His Divine Grace stepped onto the forecourt, a white police officer saluted and respectfully opened the car door for him. It was all quite impromptu. 

Carrying the authority of an emperor, Srila Prabhupada's auspicious presence went beyond race and bigotry. It was apparent that this was something that even the police officer could understand, and in doing so he became blessed. Gokulendra then chauffeured Prabhupada to the temple.