THE familiar sight of Nkimi Ngema, of the ‘Nkimi Express’ fame grabbed this reporter’s attention as he pushed his trolley full of firewood down Tanner Road, Empangeni on Tuesday afternoon.
The 67-year old Nkimi, a legend among locals for many years, has many times been in the headlines – including when he wad badly injured in an accident.
He was in the news again when a spanking ‘new’ bright red trolley was handed over by SA Breweries at the Zululand Observer offices in June.
‘The ‘express’ is still in tip-top condition; and right now I’m pushing my first load of firewood to Empangeni B Rank- for the mamas who need it to prepare food for their customers,’ Nkimi chirped among the din from passing vehicles.
After almost losing his life to a motor vehicle accident a few months ago, and spending months in hospital old Nkimi is finally back trudging the town roads pushing his spanking new, ‘four wheel drive’ vehicle to fetch firewood for his customers.
As other motorists passed him by, old Nkimi paused to take a breather, then again pushed his trolley towards Empangeni B Rank to eke his living.
