Shop angel

Frances Mazibuko is a security guard here at the shopping center. Part of his job is to pass our businesses and with a special gadget, on the hour, click on the security tags outside our shops. He also ensures that customers' and workers vehicles remain safe in the parking lot. If there is any unsavory characters on the veranda, Frances ensures they're escorted out and off the premises. 

The other daytime security guard, Sandile Khanyese does this and only this. When Sandile is on duty, Frances is off. How I and the other occupants miss him on these days!

Frances is one of those people who goes the extra mile. He assists wherever he can (as long as it doesn't detract him from his duties) and with me, he initiated helping me set up shop on the veranda every morning, and if he's nearby when I start packing up in the afternoon, he helped me by carrying in the heavy stands and takes down the ones I hang on the veranda roof during the day. 

Earlier this  week, I had  "walk-in" guests who stayed overnight. This morning before work I went up to The Bunker, changed the linen and cleaned the bathroom and unit floors. I also brought the small bag of garbage which the guests left in the bin, down to the center in my car. Frances took this rubbish and placed it in the container behind the center for later garbage removal. 

Of a Sunday, Frances would ask me to take my car to the back of the building, where between his tasks as security officer, he has washed it and vacuumed the interior! Although he always says he'll do it for nothing I pay the going rate for cash washing. 

On Tuesday I posted about attending a Christmas in July lunch in the valley. And that during the Secret Santa game, I'd ended up with a copper, filigree photo frame. I was telling blogger friend, Madsnapper, Sandra that I wondered whether I should keep it for next year's lunch or whether I should give it to Frances. She suggested give it to Frances.

African people love photos and still use the old-fashioned hard copy of photo memories. So when Frances removed the garbage from my car this morning, I told him to look on the back


 I can't close the shop door when I need to use the restroom at the back of the building. Once again, Frances will come and stand at the rail on the veranda and if a customer enters the shop, he asks them to wait: that I'm coming in a minute.  

I've posted about the cosmetic, skincare range which I sell as one of my projects. Frances always takes a book and shows the products to friends and family back in the township. He often brings me good orders for which Arina, my supplier, gives him a gift.

On Tuesday I posted about attending a Christmas in July lunch in the valley. And that during the Secret Santa game, I'd ended up with a copper, filigree photo frame. I was telling blogger friend, Madsnapper, Sandra that I wondered whether I should keep it for next year's lunch or whether I should give it to Frances. She suggested give it to Frances.

African people love photos and still use the old-fashioned hard copy of photo memories. So when Frances removed the garbage from my car this morning, I told him to look on the back seat where there was a gift for him. 

He was thrilled!

Frances, holing the photo frame which he'll take home tonight. 

He says his wife will be thrilled

HAPPY THURSDAY TO YOU ALL !