Ferndale flower man’s new hope
FERNDALE – Ferndale on Republic's flower man Ambrose Nkosi now has a branded flower cart to conduct a formal business from, kindly donated by the centre.
Frequent visitors of Ferndale on Republic, previously Brightwater Commons, will remember a man who always walked around the centre with a bunch of flowers to sell with a smile for more than 24 years.
With the recent redevelopment of the centre, many community members have been worried that Ambrose Vasco Nkosi would no longer have a place to support his small business.
Luckily, the centre has opened its arms to this well-known local businessman to provide him with a formal vending platform in the form of a branded flower cart, where he will be able to conduct his business in a regulated and legal manner.
According to the centre’s marketing manager Bernice Barnard, the centre will cover the costs of his cart, including stock for his opening weekend, branding on the cart and complimentary branded clothing for him to wear. “I am at a loss for words. What the centre has done for me is made me feel really special and honoured, I cannot begin to say what this will mean for me and my family,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi (62) hails from Katlehong and makes his journey to Ferndale daily. “I love the work that I do and nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on a person’s face after they receive a flower bought from me. There are some people that I have known for over two decades, and I have seen them grow, and they have always supported me.”
Nkosi sells mixed bunches of flowers, roses and even Proteas, and aims to expand his business with this boost.
Barnard also commented that due to legalities, safety precautions, as well as increased complaints from tenants and customers alike, the centre will no longer allow any independent vendors or beggars to enter the establishment or loiter on the premises.
The centre addressed and accommodated these concerns by coming to a sustainable agreement with Nkosi during a meeting on 20 September.
To show their commitment to ensuring the well-being and happiness of its community, the centre has endeavoured to re-establish this iconic retail landmark as a safe and secure, upmarket shopping environment, which has resulted in the creation of over 1 200 permanent jobs.
Details: AmbROSE 064 010 0332.
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