On 9th July 2024, Mkhuhlu Laduma hardware celebrated a heartwarming event as they handed over a brand-new house to an overjoyed Kokwana Maria Ndlovu. The occasion was marked by overwhelming community support, with notable attendees including Induna of the Hoshane Traditional Council Mr. T J Mkhonto with his entourage, Councillor M.P Mane, long standing customers of Laduma Hardware Mkhuhlu, Mr. Makamu and Mr. Mbambo and numerous community members, including neighbours of Kokwana Ndlovu.
The atmosphere was electric as Kokwana Maria Ndlovu received the keys to her new home, from the Assistant Area Manager of Region 2 Stores, Mr. Suresh D Nair. Her joy and gratitude could not be hidden, bringing tears of joy to many who witnessed this joyous event. The mixed emotions of tears amidst smiles and outbursts of laughter could be expected as her family had for many years stayed in a badly dilapidated shack, with very little hope that their lives could be changed sustainably so with the provision of a proper decent house. This initiative by Mkhuhlu Laduma Hardware is a testament to their dedication to community upliftment and support.
When given the opportunity to speak, both Mr. Makamu and Mr. Mbambo, long standing customers of Laduma Hardware Mkhuhlu, both expressed appreciation of the customer service that they received from the store. They both echoed sentiments that you cannot give what you do not have. Furthermore, they applauded Laduma Hardware Mkhuhlu for ploughing back to the community that they serve and alluded to the fact that at least they can see where the hundreds of thousands of their moneys spent buying from Laduma Hardware goes to. Unlike other competitors in the area, Laduma Hardware had demonstrated to being a business with a heart, by taking into consideration the plight of Kokwana Ndlovu and making such a remarkable change in the family’s life through provision of a basic need, shelter.
The event was graced by the presence of Induna TD Mkhonto and the local Councillor, both of whom expressed appreciation for Laduma Hardware’s commitment to community development. The local Councillor, M.P Mane challenged community members to work together in unity, to move away from self-centredness and to copy from the good example delivered by Laduma Hardware Mkhuhlu. He expressed his deep appreciation for what the business has done and concluded that indeed “Xikwembu xi endle masingita”. Induna TD Mkhonto of the Hoshane Traditional Council also spoke highly of this initiative, noting how such acts of kindness strengthen the bonds within the community. He further confirmed that the plight of the Ndlovu family had been known since 1980s, when the stand was allocated to the family and noted that no one had come to offer a helping hand since then. He applauded Laduma Hardware Mkhuhlu for bringing back dignity to the Ndlovu Family and further urged other businesses to make a meaningful contribution to develop the community. In concluding his speech, he expressed his gratitude, “nga ku rhandza ka Xikwembu ku endlekile” noting that within 4 months of promising, Laduma Hardware had delivered a beautiful brand-new house to Kokwana Maria Ndlovu and her family.
Kokwana Maria Ndlovu, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. “I am so grateful to the Management of Laduma Hardware, to the Store Manager, who was on the ground executing the project together with her team, the Induna, the Councillor, the builder and all of my neighbours. This new house is a testament that indeed God has heard my prayers. With teary eyes, she informed the guests that for many years she kept declaring xiyimo xa mina Yehova utaxihundzula”. Indeed in 2024, the life and that of her family has been changed.
Mkhuhlu Laduma hardware, known for its dedication to service and support the community has once again demonstrated its commitment to making a positive impact. The company’s generosity in building and handing over the house to Kokwana Maria is a testament to its core values and an example to be copied by other businesses.
“We are incredibly proud to be part off such a loving and supportive community, said Florence Shabangu, the Manager from Mkhuhlu Laduma Hardware. “Seeing Kokwana Maria’s happiness and the overwhelming support from everyone here today reminds us of why we do what we do. It’s all about making a difference in people’s lives”.
