THEMBA Shezi has become a much-loved member of the Westville community after spending 45 years working outside the Westville SUPERSPAR.

The 65-year-old sells brooms, mops, feather dusters and doormats outside the store and also helps out with moving trolleys and assisting customers, especially the elderly ones.

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Standing at the front of the store, chatting to the Highway Mail, Shezi, a familiar face to shoppers, is greeted by name by many of the customers who walk through the doors.

Sharing his journey, Shezi said he approached the store’s management many years ago to ask for permission to sell his goods outside the shop. “The owner did not hesitate and gave me the go ahead, and I have been here since,” he said.

In return for the opportunity, Shezi made it his mission to help wherever he could. “I push trolleys for the shoppers. Even if there is something left behind by mistake, no matter how small it is, I return it,” he said proudly, with a big smile.

Shezi speaks with pride when reflecting on his years in the Westville area.

“SPAR has been so good to me. They even sell my items if I am not around. They assist me with groceries at times. Eleven years ago, they gave me a uniform, which made me feel like a full member of the store. I do not even pay a cent.

“Customers have also been great to me. I can say I am loved in this place. Today I am a proud homeowner, which I built with the money I get here. I have customers who come from Durban and Ballito just to buy from me.”

Over the years, Shezi has become much more than a familiar face outside the supermarket. He said he is included in the store’s events and has a strong relationships with both staff and customers.

“I could say with no hesitation that this is my home. I have never worked anywhere else. I have done this work with love for many years and I do not see myself doing anything else,” he said.

Shezi said he remains grateful to the Westville SUPERSPAR for welcoming him into what he describes as a warm family when he was still a young man.

“Managers and staff have changed over the years, but the love is still there. I also wish to thank the customers for their support all these years.

“The money I make here has allowed me to be a present father who supports his children.

“I even built a house and I will forever be grateful. I do not know how my life would have turned out if I did not get a spot here,” he said.

He added that he would also like to extend a big thank you to former AmaZulu FC chairman, Patrick Sokhela, who paid for doctors to replace 10 teeth.

“I am so grateful. I smile with pride every day when I interact with customers.”

Store owner Rael Lurie said Shezi had become an important part of the SPAR family.

“He has been here the longest and we appreciate him. He is deeply loved by the staff and the customers. It is lovely to have him around. He is helpful and looks after our older customers.”

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