The prompt from Bhala Writers was “Write a story that begins with I was convinced it was over between us… ”
Thank you for coming tonight. Everyone who is here has been a key part of Langa and I’s journey. This is our fifth restaurant and it also marks five years in business together. What a journey! Tonight, I want to celebrate the wonderful Langelihle Khumalo. Phenomenal business partner, amazing friend, extraordinary businesswoman, the most organized hun in the world and all around badass.
Langa, I was convinced it was over between us the day we had our first meeting with our business accountant. Thulani; he should be here today. Ahh, there he is. Thulani, you’ve seen us through so much! We were barely breaking even. I was ready to close shop and find a 9 to 5. I am glad sanity prevailed and we took the risk. I didn’t have a choice, Thulani and Langa were convinced that we’d succeed. It’s kinda insane how much faith and hard work has gone into building Nethezeka. Look at us now! Look at all our dreams coming true.
And then there was COVID. Well, it’s still here but you know, the madness at the beginning. Noone knew what we were doing except Langa. The pivot she made. Impressive! When the industry was closed for sit in meals, Langa immediately pivoted operations to include meal prep services and curbside pickup. The transition was seamless. We remained profitable, more profitable than we’ve ever been. Guess what I wanted to do with the money. Yeah, you know me, buy shoes, travel during a global pandemic. But Langa did the right thing and raised the wages of our staff and bought a staff bus to take everyone home at the end of the night. Man, I need a separate speech for our staff. What rockstars! Building this business with you has been such a pleasure. Remember that month we were serving alcohol out of tea pots — crazy times!
How do you make everything look so easy? Langa man, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You saved my life, you know. You elevated my craft. I make the best desserts in this city, thanks to you. Remember the nights we’d spend perfecting our pastries. A desserterrie was a natural next step in our journey. And the name, Nethezeka — it embodies everything we are. Black women in luxury. You treat me with so much love and kindness and are so patient with me. I’ve always wanted to be fully known and loved. And thats what I have with you. Your love is so pure, so nourishing. Being your business partner is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Beyond that, I am grateful for your friendship and sisterhood.
So what do I do in this business? My best. I be fighting for my life, chile. If you’re in the industry you know customers aren’t the easiest to work with. The amount of trifling. I have seen it all. Dill pizza, a request for carb-free, gluten free, calorie free pasta. And you guys will put peanut butter on everything. Lobster dipped in peanut butter, peanut butter on tiramisu. I judge all y’alls food choices. Like what do you mean you want fried ice cream. Clearly, I’m also the comedian. Please don’t believe Langa, I am the funny one.
Please stand and raise your glasses, I would like to make a toast in honor of Langa. I am so thankful we get to celebrate you today. To Langa, a woman of few words, a fountain of wisdom, an ocean of love. To Langa! Cheers.
Langa, sengathi ungathokozela ukunethezeka zonke insuku zokuphila kwakho.
