• Thabile Mange writes:
The other day I bumped into a famous town businessman at Key West Mall in Krugersdorp. He is 72 years old and still going strong. He is a fitness fanatic and runs long-distance marathons such as Comrades, Two Oceans and the Soweto Marathon.
Bra Luki, as we fondly call him, runs a funeral parlour in Kagiso. He has been in this industry for more than 40 years. When his father passed away many years ago he took over. Under his leadership, the business has grown.
Tlhloloe Funeral Parlour was the first in Munsievielle and Kagiso – both townships are more than 100 years old, with the former being the oldest. So, the Tlholoe family has been in this industry for more than 60 years. And the business is still standing.
The funeral parlour business has mushroomed in our community and country. In almost every corner there is a mortuary, just like Pakistani spaza shops. But some mortuaries are not legit and the authorities (including inspectors) are doing nothing about it. What’s new?
Tlhloloe has business experience and offers a good customer experience. With his easy-going character, he makes everyone feel at home. He also treats his clients with respect and dignity. Add to that: he is honest. Hence, he is still in business.
His excellent customer service has lured customers from outside and within the country. He has clients in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Thanks to his top-class service, which has made his funeral parlour a business of choice.
Lastly, bra Luki has done a lot for the community. He has helped many poor families bury their loved ones. He has also supported poor but deserving students financially. Not only that, he supports township economy. In my book, that is Ubuntu personified.
