Powering through to their ruby wedding

Willie and Mercia Power live up to their surname, as they have gone through 40 years together, with lots of power and success.

They met at her 21st birthday party.

“We were official from more or less that moment and three months later, we got married,” said Mercia.

The couple moved from Johannesburg to Blythedale in 1978 and they have been on the North Coast ever since.

“We started business with a little electrical shop opposite where Eat Local is now. Back then it was a fire station.

“My friend and I ran the electrical shop. I fixed electrical appliances, which nowadays would just be thrown away,” she said.

From the electrical shop, their business plans grew and they bought bigger shops and eventually built their own building in the Business Park.

“When we started Build It, the first business in the Ballito Business Park, people thought we were crazy, because they did not think there would be a need for such a big building supplier,” said Willie.

“We are always working, even now when we are supposed to be retired, we are still working,” said Mercia.

Willie described how their working partnership has been key to their success,

“I could not have done it without her. She always makes a plan when we are in a tricky situation,” he said.

The powerful couple have raised three sons, who have always been involved in the community.

Quentin Power is well known for his work with the Specialised Rescue Unit.

When the Power couple are not working or busy with the family, they enjoy travelling, which they have done extensively.

“I loved Argentina, the ambiance and the people were wonderful,” said Mercia.

“Paris was quite disappointing and not very romantic,” said Willie. His favourite was Vietnam.

“Other than travelling, my hobbies are cooking, cleaning and feeding him,” said Mercia, laughing.

The hard working, but fun loving couple have had a great time growing their businesses and bringing up their children over the past 40 years and hopefully they will now have some time to pursue new hobbies such as playing a game of bowls.