Sinky Ngomane: the deaf cashier that attracts crowds

MBOMBELA – Mr Sinky Ngomane radiates joy. This deaf cashier at Builders Warehouse has not allowed his hearing impairment to limit his means of communication. Without saying a word, he makes those around him feel inspired.

This man was placed under the spotlight after Ms Cheryl Myburgh took to Facebook on Wednesday to share how Ngomane made her shopping experience a wonderful one. “He helped me fill out a form for pensioners and showed me my discount,” she said and described him as a friendly chap. Her post was liked more than 300 times and many locals agreed that he is one of their favourite figures in town.

When Lowvelder caught up with him last Friday, he grabbed a pen and paper and answered the paper’s written questions enthusiastically. “Do you realise that people admire you, respect you and love you?” His written one-word answer – yes – was accompanied by a 1 000-megawatt smile. “I just want to make the customers happy,” he added.

Ms Sharlene Williams Zinserling, another one of Ngomane’s happy customers, said dealing with him was always a pleasure. “I’ve never seen him grumpy,” she said. “When he spots us in the queue, he always waves and smiles.”

“The amazing thing about Sinky is that he is always friendly. Happiness is his natural state and his joy is infectious,” said Builders Warehouse manager, Mr Eric Kobrinowski. According to him, Ngomane’s deafness has never prevented him from performing like anyone with normal hearing would. “We’ve given him various tasks over the years and he excelled in all of them – administrative work, computer work and dealing with customers all fall within his scope of abilities,” said Kobrinowski.

“I was born deaf, but I use my smile to express my joy,” Ngomane said. He learnt sign language at the Filadelia School in Pretoria, but few people understand this form of communication. Nonetheless, customers make a point of looking out for him when they visit the store. A quick “hello” from this man has lightened the moods of many Lowvelders.

“He is an asset to our store,” Kobrinowski said. “Customers adore him – they literally queue to see him,” he added. “Sometimes, we’ll have a row of available cashiers, yet people would rather wait their turn and be served by Sinky,” he said.

Since his arrival at Builders Warehouse in 2009, his colleagues cannot remember him ever having a grumpy day. “He is loved by his colleagues and is really one of them. Through the years, Sinky proved that a warm heart and a genuine smile connect people like no words can,” said Kobrinowski.

Ngomane has chosen to have a positive attitude at all times and lives this choice daily. When faced with challenges – like the 90-minute bus drive he has to embark on every morning and evening to travel between his Clau-Clau home and his job – his positive outlook on life makes him go the extra mile with ease.

He is grateful towards both the deaf and hearing communities. “I am proud to be part of these communities and am thankful for the way that people treat me every day.”
Ngomane, a humble man, appreciates his clients’ compliments, but doesn’t boast. “I just want to try my best every day,” he kept saying.