On the 13th of August 2024, the community of Hluvukani gathered to celebrate a significant milestone—the handover of the fifth house out of six under Region 2 Stores by Laduma Hardware Hluvukani branch. The newly renovated and extended home was officially presented to Kokwana Matalinah Mongwe, who was visibly overjoyed by this life-changing event.
The ceremony was a well-attended affair, graced by several distinguished guests, including Pastor Lawrence Mhlongo, the builder Mr. Crecious Ndlovu, Ward Councillor Ms. Emeldah Mabunda, and Zane Nkosi representing the Mnisi Traditional Council. Ms. Connie Ubisi, the winner of the 2023 Region 2 Car competition, was also present to celebrate the occasion.
Pastor Lawrence Mhlongo, a long-time loyal customer of Laduma Hardware, expressed his gratitude for the generous gift bestowed upon the Mongwe family. In his heartfelt speech, he emphasized that the gesture extended beyond the Mongwe family, impacting the entire Hluvukani community. He urged the community to continue supporting Laduma Hardware Hluvukani, which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back.
Ward Councillor Ms. Emeldah Mabunda echoed these sentiments, recounting her experiences with Laduma Hardware’s fulfilling promises. She fondly remembered the excitement surrounding the car handover to Ms. Connie Ubisi, an event that underscored the company’s reliability and community focus. Ms. Mabunda praised Laduma Hardware for delivering on its promises once again by providing the Mongwe family with a more spacious and decent home, highlighting the store’s ethos of reciprocity encapsulated in the phrase “xandla famba, xandla vuya.”
Zane Nkosi, representing the Mnisi Traditional Council, reflected on the humble beginnings of Laduma Hardware in the area. He noted how the store had grown by providing essential building materials to the Hluvukani community, reducing the need for costly trips to neighbouring towns like Acornhoek. He also lauded the excellent service provided by the store’s staff and the company’s philanthropic efforts, which have greatly benefited destitute families in the area. Nkosi encouraged the community to continue supporting Laduma Hardware, which has proven itself to be a business with a heart.
Branch Manager Zanele Mathonsi, who has been with Laduma Hardware Hluvukani for 13 years, shared her experiences of the positive changes she has witnessed under the leadership of Mr. Imtiaz Patel, the Region 2 Area Manager. She highlighted the impact of initiatives such as the car competitions and Corporate Social Investments (CSI) projects, which have solidified Laduma Hardware’s reputation as a good corporate citizen. Mathonsi proudly noted that both the winner of the 2023 car competition and the beneficiary of the latest CSI project are from the Hluvukani area, further strengthening the store’s ties to the community.
The celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the official handover of the house keys to Kokwana Matalinah Mongwe, a tour of the new home, and a lively session of ululation, dance, and gifts for the VIP guests. The event also featured a free-will offering from the audience, further contributing to the Mongwe family’s new home. Kokwana Mongwe’s smile throughout the event reflected her deep gratitude, as her life and that of her family were forever changed, thanks to the generosity of Laduma Hardware Hluvukani.
