When Lockdown level five was announced, some industries were closed immediately, while others, as we all know was named essential services. Spar, as we know is an essential service. One of the many things that I noticed during this time, was that whenever I went to my local Spar, people would hardly greet each other, not even to mention look you in the eye. Of course, once again I don't want to generalize, so if you are reading this, and maybe you were one of the people smiling behind your mask with a 'hello' in passing, thank you. We are all still people and we all have different needs. This really had me thinking, in the midst of people buying groceries in bulk and stockpiling their cupboards, how was the employees feeling of a grocery shop like Spar? Greendale Spar gave me the opportunity to interview two of their employees. I had such a good conversation with Nontobeko Mkhize, as well as Desmal Mugasa, just finding out more about who they are. and what impact this time of Lockdown has had on them as two very unique and different individuals. We have all heard the saying in this time that we are all in the same boat, yet some of us have been going through bigger storms than others. Nontobeko Mkhize is a very well spoken, yet soft hearted person. She has ambition and many dreams. She lives in Mpophomeni and has a daughter in High School. She has been working for Greendale Spar for five years now. What has been your biggest challenge during lockdown? One of the biggest challenges for her, was that their normal working routines and hours had to be adjusted. Pesonaly, it has been a lot more costly having her daughter at home and not at school, to make sure that she has enough data to keep up to date with her school work. What has been your biggest fear in this time? 'My biggest fear has been contracting the Corona virus. In normal circumstances, we as staff would be happy if the shop is busy, and many customers are coming in, but in these times we realised we all need to be more cautious.' Is there anything that has been keeping you positive and full of hope? 'The fact that I still have employment has been keeping me positive, many out there are losing their jobs. I am placing my hope in that once this time can pass, we can bounce back to a more normal way of doing life.' What has been the most positive experience of lockdown for you? There has definitely been some positive things coming out of this time for Nontobeko. One of them has been managing her finances a bit better, and also learning how to budget. Lockdown has also allowed Nontobeko more time to think what else she wants to do with her future. She has a diploma in Human Resources and would love to potentially work in that field in the future. Another dream she has is to look at starting her own business. Desmal Mugasa is a born Zimbabwean. He came to South Africa to look for better opportunities. He is 29 years old and listening to him, I could hear this man will still achieve many goals he has set for himself in his life. He has ambition and a zeal for life. He really brings joy into a room. What has been your biggest challenge during the lockdown? It has been really difficult for him to feel 'locked-in'. Not being allowed to go out to your normal gatherings or visiting people has been tough. 'We all sometimes need to get out, and get our minds cleared.' What has been your biggest fear? Desmal's biggest fear has been contracting the virus, especially as he is a Zimbabwean. As he does not have immediate family in the area, it really concerns him that his family won't be able to help or assist him if he does contract the virus. What has been your most positive experience during lockdown? Desmal has been able to 'to put his mind down' and think what it is he wants to still achieve in his life. Spending just a few minutes with these two was really an encouragement to me. If there is one thing I have been able to pick up out of these interviews, it's that all of us, regardless of who we are, have been having moments of feeling overwhelmed. We all have been so use to a culture in our society where we can plan our lives, do what we enjoy and spend time with those we love.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the grocery shops in the Midlands area, and especially all the employees who have been keeping their heads above water and serving this community. You guys are awesome. Thank you Greendale Spar for allowing me to come in and spend some time in your shop and with your employees. We love our local Spar. Next time you go to your local Spar, maybe greet your cashier on his or her name and make their day. Nontobeko and Desmal, thank you for sharing with me to understand and get to know you guys better. I speak God's blessing over you guys and my all your dreams come true. The world is your oyster.
2 Comments
Jacintha Toohey
7/28/2020 08:53:44
I love what you are doing here Michelle...The humanity and beauty behind these stories speak of restoration...this virus has stripped millions of people. Continue with this beautiful work.. we need it.
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Michelle
7/28/2020 14:41:44
Thanks so much Jacintha! Appreciate your feedback!
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about me
I'm a passionate photographer based in the KZN Midlands - enjoying life to the full and spending time with my awesome family and friends... photo credit: www.peartree.co.za
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