THE Maphisa community is mourning the death of prominent businessman and community leader, Pilate Josiah Ndlovu, affectionately known as Topline or Mjanana.
He was laid to rest at his homestead in Mgadla on Saturday last week, following a long battle with a heart condition. He was 71.
Ndlovu, the founder of Topline Hardware, one of the first hardware stores established in Maphisa, was a pioneering entrepreneur whose influence extended beyond commerce to the heart of the community.
His business later grew to include a supermarket, cementing his role as a key contributor to the town’s development.
During an emotional send off that was attended by family members, local leaders and residents to pay tribute to a man described as humble, generous and dedicated to uplifting others, his wife, Joice, described him as a loving partner and pillar of strength.
“Thank you for the legacy we built together. I will treasure it with both hands for our children and generations to come. It will be hard to live without you, but by God’s grace, we will carry on,” she said.
His grandson, Bobo, described Ndlovu as a selfless family man who “was always supportive and will forever be missed”.
A third born in his family, Ndlovu pursued his education at Robert Sinyoka Primary School, St Bernard’s Secondary School and later Speciss College, where he studied business and accounting.
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He began his career at Cold Storage Commission. The late businessman later became a sales representative, where his passion for entrepreneurship took root.
His eldest daughter, Nkosilathi, described him as a man of firm character, whose strength was always balanced with warmth and generosity.
Maphisa Advisory Board chairperson Nelson Sibanda acknowledged Ndlovu’s instrumental role in shaping the town’s business landscape.
“We cannot talk about Maphisa’s development without mentioning Topline. Ndlovu helped to lay the foundation for the business community there,” he said.
“It is through men like him that Maphisa attained town board status. He leaves behind a legacy we can see and touch.”
Ward 25 headman Sibanda said the loss was deeply felt.
“Our knees are heavy because we have lost a man we have lived with for the past 23 years. He was in the process of building another Topline store here in Mgadla, that’s the kind of visionary he was,” he said.
Ndlovu is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
