Home Affairs ‘hero’ goes viral

AN EMPLOYEE from the Scottburgh Department of Home Affairs, on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, has become an overnight social media sensation after her exemplary work ethic garnered her community praise and a special visit by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Siyabonga Cwele.

Nosipho Mkhupheka made Facebook headlines last week when she stayed after normal office hours to help 40 people who had been waiting in line. This was after all her colleagues had left.

Taking to Facebook, resident Marius Botha praised Mkhupheka for going beyond the call of duty.

“Mrs Mkhupheka stayed and helped the last 40 customers all on her own, and with a smile on her face!!! You are my hero. South Africa needs more people like you. Thank you. We salute you,” read the Facebook post, which has been shared 12 000 times.

Speaking during the visit, Mkhupheka said that when she left her house each morning, she put herself in the shoes of the people who visited the Home Affairs office.

“I greet them and regularly communicate with them.”

Mkhupheka has been the supervisor at the Scottburgh offices since 2012. She acknowledged that she would not be able to serve the way she did without the support of her team and managers.

Even ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula praised Mkhupheka on Twitter, saying “give her promotion minister good work”. |