“The country needs me right now.”
These are the words of Thami Konza, a Khayelitsha branch manager who features in Shoprite’s new television commercial.
“As a representative of the frontline workers in our supermarkets, I wanted to impress upon people how serious this pandemic is and that they must obey our government’s regulations,” he says.
“I’m very honoured that I was given this opportunity to speak to millions of South Africans.”
Mr Konza pushed through his initial fear in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic to serve his fellow citizens.
Every morning Mr Konza gives his colleagues a five-minute motivational talk and reminds them of the government as well as the company regulations in place during the national lockdown.
The father of two is inspired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his call to each South African to do their part. “My community is very proud of me, but I want them to stay at home so they don’t put those of us who must leave our homes to serve them, in danger of catching the virus.”
In a statement the group said it saluted all its frontline employees – the thousands of individuals like Mr Konza who are working tirelessly to ensure South Africans are provided with food and household essentials during this unprecedented time.