The owners of the Limpopo Mirror, Zoutnet, rewarded two of their loyal, long-serving staff members at function held at Swadini Forever Resort, outside Hoedspruit, on Saturday evening.

Thohoyandou office administrator Selinah Muthaphuli and correspondent Frank Mavhungu could not believe their eyes; both received a gift for serving the company for more than 15 years each.

Mavhungu’s name is synonymous with Mirror and he has worked for the paper since November 1990. His unique style of sports reporting and deep insight into sports has earned him respect among the readers, which has seen him winning several awards. Muthaphuli has been manning the Thohoyandou office for more than 15 years and she is instrumental in the development of the paper. Her dedication, love for the people and ever smiling face has turned the Thohoyandou office into a home for the advertisers, newspaper vendors and the general community.

Zoutnet director Anton van Zyl says the company is impressed by the dedication and loyalty displayed by the two employees. "We also want them to know that we recognize what they are doing for the company. They did not work in vain for all these years and that is why we decided to honor them in this fashion. We are very proud of them, because they displayed loyalty, hard work, perseverance and dedication."

The editor of the Limpopo Mirror, Mr Wikus Lee, applauded the two employees for sacrificing their time, energy and social responsibilities for the development of the company. "I have known both of them for many years and their loyalty is the wealth of this company. They are always committed, eager to complete their tasks and they do their duties without constant supervision. I am very proud to have special people like them in this company. We are thankful for them because they are part of our big family."

The jubilant Frank Mavhungu said: "It just came as a surprise and I did not expect to receive such royal treatment from the company. However, I again pledge my loyalty and I will serve them with respect, faithfulness and dignity. Our relationship comes a long way and I will never leave the Limpopo Mirror as long as I live."

Selinah did not have enough words to express her gratitude. She only said: "Thank you, Mirror, a thousand times. God is good."