Homage paid to local heroes

A total of 34 parcels, consisting of food and toiletries, were handed to the heroes.

August 12, 2021

Jane Ramaphoko 1 minute read

Kwa-Thema CPF and community members who volunteered and showed their bravery during the unrest and looting that affected some parts of South Africa, including Kwa-Thema.

Kwa-Thema – On Friday morning, Capitec Bank at Ekhaya Shopping Centre, with other stores and Meals on Wheels NPO, honoured the protectors of the centre during the recent looting.
It was evident not all heroes wear capes, as members of the Kwa-Thema CPF and the community dedicated their time to ensure no harm befell the shopping centre.

Packages that consisted of food and toiletries were given to the heroes who stood firm and protected the Ekhaya Shopping Centre from looters.

A total of 34 parcels, consisting of food and toiletries, were handed to the heroes.
Khanyisile Hleza, the centre’s Capitec Bank branch manager, said: “We lost 73 branches nationwide, with 35 branches damaged in Gauteng, due to the unrest.

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“We’ve suffered a huge loss and people lost jobs.
“Ekhaya was the only shopping centre that was saved because of our brothers and fathers who volunteered to protect it. We are grateful. We involved other stores in centre and they donated as well to make this event a success.”
Representing Meals on Wheels, Nthabiseng Masipa said people struggled a lot to get access to basic needs due to the destruction of shopping centres.

Irvin Khoza (left) received his package from Neptal Khoza, the head of Capitec Corporate Social Investments, as a token of appreciation for being part of the patrollers who protected the Ekhaya Shopping Centre.

Joy was seen recipients’ faces as they were honoured, thanked and given parcels as a token of appreciation for their bravery and time.
“When looting started, we came up with a plan to make sure no one touches our centre.“We did this expecting nothing in return. We value this shopping centre and as the CPF, safety is our responsibility,” said Njabulo Mbonani, Kwa-Thema CPF patrollers commander.

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“I’m so happy I contributed to saving the jobs of the people who work in this centre. Many lost their jobs during the unrest because the stores and the places they worked in were destroyed,” said Irvin Zulu, one of the patrollers who were honoured.