TRIBUTE TO BEATRICE NJEMLA

PASSED AWAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2010

I first met Beatrice or Mama "B" as she was affectionately known to many in about 1994/5 when I worked for Servcon, a government and bank joint venture to assist people who had had their houses repossessed by the banks.

We were looking for someone to supply refreshments for our monthly board meeting and B applied and was awarded the contract which she fulfilled with distinction.

Later on she approached us to assist with the establishment of a restaurant in her home in Orlando East. Such was the respect that she had built up amongst the staff that a number willingly assisted in the refurbishment of the premises and laminated historical Soweto news items on the tables to be used in the new "Museum Restaurant" bringing to life the history of the area.

She went from strength to strength in difficult times thanks to her vision and dedication.

Such was her prowess as a chef, that she won the national Ethnic Caterer of the Year award in 2004.

We in Servcon and later when I retired and became involved in tours of Soweto with KDR, were frequent visitors to and supporters of her restaurant and tavern where the greeting was always warm and the food superb.

One of my colleagues always used to say "never trust a thin chef" – well I am sure B wouldn't mind me saying that B was REALLY trustworthy, a "traditionally built" lady!

B's Place has become regarded widely as fun place, it really is.

I can clearly picture her greeting the guests with a calabash of Umqombothi at the entrance to the establishment.

We produced a play called Kwela, Gumboots and all that Jazz which ended at B's Museum Restaurant with a traditional "township" wedding with me (yes!) marrying B!

B was a lovely person in all respects who was mother, father, community worker, sister, political activist, business person, friend and inspiration all wrapped up in one to all who knew her, her family, friends and neighbours.

She had a tough life having to bring up her children on her own and to support the wider family at the same time. But she was always the epitome of an African woman, in every good sense of the expression- a true rock to her family, friends and community.

Like everyone who knew her I loved and respected her in every way. I will miss her so much. However her legacy will live on in so many ways through her daughters Nunu and Zoli sons Simpiwe and Fanana and 5 grandchildren and all those who were lucky enough to have known her. We can all be proud of her and what she has accomplished!

Denis Creighton: KDR Sports and Adventure Travel (Pty) Ltd

Some of the newspaper clippings that adorned the walls of "Bea's Museum restaurant"		Ma Bea making sure that nobody in the restaurant lacks nourishment