Domestics thrilled at jet-set jaunt to Jhb
“It was wonderful, we really enjoyed it, although we were both nervous as it was the first time either of us had flown in an aeroplane.”
Those were the words of a beaming Margaret Maphumulo, as she described her and Thembinkosi Shozi’s trip to Johannesburg on Saturday, 15 March.
The domestic worker and gardener were spoilt with the trip of a lifetime by their employer, who preferred to remain anonymous. When he heard Margaret and Themba had never flown in an aeroplane before, he arranged to fly them to Johannesburg to have lunch and fly back.
When the employer mentioned his plan to two friends, who also employ Themba, they also decided to get in on the goodwill.
“We left King Shaka Airport at 8am,” said Margaret. “It was the first time we had been in an airport. It and the aeroplane were much bigger than we imagined. Going there, I sat at the window and we swapped places coming back. It was very scary when we took off and landed.”
Once they landed at Lanseria, the pair were picked up by a Monte Casino courtesy vehicle, a black Mercedes, and driven to breakfast.
“We felt very special, like VIPs. The service was good and Monte Casino was lovely. After breakfast we walked to the casino and I tried my luck.” Margaret was quickly separated from the R300 pocket money her employer had spoilt her with, while Temba opted to keep his money safe and rather spend it on his children back at home.
After a scrumptious lunch, they winged their way back to Durban, elated at the unbelievable day they had spent.
“A big thank you to my boss and everyone who made this trip possible,” said Margaret. “I don’t have the words to explain how much this meant to us.”
