Source: Zvishavane man’s life-changing sip ends in fast lane – herald
Sekai Manyere-Herald Reporter
FOR many people, buying a bottle of Coca-Cola is an everyday routine — a simple refreshment on a hot afternoon, a companion to a meal or a drink shared with family and friends.
However, for Mr Esau Maguva of Zvishavane, one purchase turned into a life-transforming moment he will never forget.
Standing beside a gleaming brand-new Hyundai vehicle worth US$15 000, Mr Maguva could hardly contain his excitement as he received the keys to what he described as his first family car through the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup promotion.
Surrounded by company executives, family members and well-wishers at a handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, the Zvishavane resident reflected on a journey that began with a simple decision to participate in a promotion.
What followed was a stroke of fortune that transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary chapter in his life.
“I am so excited with this brand new car and it marks my first family car,” he said, smiling broadly as he posed for photographs beside his prize.
For Mr Maguva and his wife, Ms Ulitar Sabawa, the vehicle represents more than just a means of transport.
It is a symbol of hope, perseverance and the possibility that good fortune can arrive when least expected. The couple admitted they never imagined that buying a Coca-Cola product would eventually lead to them driving away with a brand-new vehicle.
Their story has quickly become one of the standout moments in the ongoing Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup promotion, which has already rewarded hundreds of consumers across the country with cash prizes and other giveaways.
The promotion, launched by Delta Beverages and Coca-Cola, seeks to harness the excitement and passion associated with football while rewarding loyal consumers.
For a brand that has enjoyed a decades-long association with the world’s most popular sport, the campaign is about more than marketing.
It is about creating memorable experiences and strengthening bonds with consumers.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Delta Beverages corporate affairs general manager Ms Patricia Murambinda said the occasion represented the fulfilment of a dream for one lucky consumer.
“Today is about more than receiving the keys to a vehicle. It is about turning an ordinary consumer moment into an extraordinary experience,” she said.
The campaign taps into football’s unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds, cultures and generations.
“Football brings people together across generations, communities and borders,” said Ms Murambinda.
As excitement around the FIFA World Cup continues to build globally, Coca-Cola is using the promotion to bring some of that excitement closer to home by giving ordinary people opportunities to win life-changing prizes.
For Mr Maguva, the experience has been so remarkable that he now encourages others to participate whenever opportunities arise.
He believes that many people dismiss promotions as unwinnable, only to discover later that someone else has claimed the rewards.
His message is simple: take a chance.
“I advise the youth to take the 50 cents that they get and buy Coca-Cola and stand a chance to win,” he said.
But beyond encouraging participation, Mr Maguva also used the occasion to speak to young people about making positive choices and avoiding drug abuse, a challenge that continues to affect many communities across the country.
His remarks resonated with those gathered, turning what might otherwise have been a routine prize-giving ceremony into a moment of reflection and inspiration.
Meanwhile, Delta Beverages says the promotion is far from over.
Marketing executive Dr Claybough Mapfumo said consumers still have several weeks to participate, with weekly draws continuing until the end of August.
“The winners are going to win an A-tag and cash prizes ranging from US$100 to US$150,” said Dr Mapfumo.
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