Instead of lamenting over the effects that the Wilderness roadworks are having on his business, Van Heerden became pro-active. "I could not just sit and watch 10 people lose their jobs," he said.
Once the effect of the N2 Wilderness Stop/Go on his business was known he called a meeting with all his staff. Here Van Heerden explained the difficult 10 months that lay ahead of them. "We realised that it would be inconvenient for our customers to turn off the N2 after waiting for 20 minutes in the stop/go, and then to wait a further 20 minutes to get back into the traffic. After discussing va-rious ways of survival, we decided to take the business to them."
Once permission was received from the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) and the construction contractor, Asla, Van Heerden and his team set their new business plan in action.
"Thanks to Coca-Cola, Simba and Ola ice creams and Sweets Galore, we were soon back in business."
Instead of pumping fuel, the forecourt attendants climbed onto their mobile kiosks and served customers with their same enthusiasm and friendly smiles. "This is definitely a team effort. Everybody got involved, from stocking the 'kiosks' to ordering the products. It was wonderful to see the admin staff, shop assistants and the petrol attendants all pulling together to lessen our losses," said Van Heerden.
Now that they have weathered the storm, the entire Caltex The Waves team are looking forward to their next venture, their Lavazza Coffee Shop, which opens its doors to the public at the beginning of December.
"Our season clicks into gear on 6 December and before that date, I am taking the entire staff to the Spur where they can have as much as they want to eat and drink. I will be running an open tab as a small gesture of my gratitude," said Van Heerden.
After celebrating their survival of the Wilderness roadworks, the staff will be given one day to recuperate before facing a bright busy season and a better year ahead.
If everything goes according to plan the road should open to two way traffic for the festive season on 13 December and roadworks will only recommence in the new year.
.These jubilant staff members and owner of Caltex The Waves, Wilderness, showed the true meaning of initiative in braving the effects of the N2 roadworks. From left: Sonwabile Landu, Edward Tas, Samantha Matwan, Thobeka Fanteso, Xolisani Matyeni, Charlien Stoltz, Robert Keswart, Gawie van Heerden (owner), Thobile Ludidi, Khanyisa Nqwenefha, Archie Naki and Daniel Tshona. Front: Wiseman Fula, Zolani Mdala and Zakhele Booi.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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