Power failures force Alberton business to close
Rolling blackouts and constant power failures have left the 91-year-old family business, Lala Bro's, no option but to close its doors.
Established in 1931, Lala Bro’s 91 years of hopes and dreams have been dashed as they have to completely close down the business.
The business is closing because of power failures caused by the high volumes of load-shedding in the area and how ‘dodgy’ the town has become.
The late founder’s wife, Prabha Lala, commonly known as Pat but widely known as Mrs Lala, said that as much as it saddens her to let go of the family business, it is always good to leave while you are still respected and loved.
“Our customers were more of a family. I truly enjoyed meeting them daily and rendering our services to them. “However, the time has come to let go. We have faced more challenging times, but power failures are the worst enemy we have to face daily as it kept taking us back and forth,” said Mrs Lala.
Lala Bro’s store initially started as a school uniform-selling store and found its feet in the area as the years went by. It later started selling curtains and other sewing products to serve the community of greater Alberton.
Mrs Lala told the Alberton Record that her husband would go all out to find something for individuals who came to the store to buy something which they did not offer.
Lala Bro’s manager, Praful (Prof) Lala, said that he once had a coffee shop in Alberton but had to close it to help his mom manage the family business as it placed him where he is today.
“I am one person who is not easily triggered by emotions, but in this situation, it is sad to believe that we are closing the business. As much as it is not easy, we are waiting for new opportunities to help us put bread on the table,” said Prof.
Furthermore, Prof said that they were legendary and well-known. It is a very sad farewell with lots of beautiful memories with special people from all walks of life.
The business is officially shutting down at the end of November.
Michael Nyirenda, a tailor who has been working there for over seven years, said that he did not expect it to close down. He was expecting to work at Lala Bro’s for the rest of his life due to the level of loyalty he received from the Lala family.
“I plan to continue being in the field of sewing, but if nothing comes up, I will have to look for any general job because I am the provider in my family,” said Michael.
Ever since the store announced that it is closing, it has received a positive response from many different customers wishing them well.
According to Mrs Lala, the most touching letter they received from an Alberton resident told them that the shop made life simple for her family because it provided good quality school uniforms for the fourth generation of her family.
“I don’t have enough words to express our gratitude to customers, family, friends and relatives, to tell them how grateful I am for the support. They’ve supported me when I needed support through a trying moment and words of inspiration.
“To you all, you have no idea how much your support meant to me. Thank you, everyone and God bless,” Mrs Lala concluded.
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