The aftermath of the inferno which swept through Bela-Bela’s Waterfront last Saturday 25 August has triggered panic with regards to job security.
By Monday 27 August, The BEAT was scrambling around to ascertain how jobs would be affected at the broader Waterfront and individual businesses sub-letting space at the burnt out facility, and elsewhere.
A brief questionnaire was dispatched to NJ van Heerden, son of the owner of the Waterfront, Fred van Heerden, who responded swiftly, against the backdrop of massive mopping up operations at
the Waterfront.
We asked to be provided with details of how many workers were affected by the devastation of the fire at the thatch-built complex, parts of which have gone up in flames twice within a period
of months.
In his response, Van Heerden offered cautious optimism about concerted round-the-clock efforts to save jobs, and source any other support from the community.
For instance, he said Century 21 was able to identify an existing building which was not damaged by the fire, adding operations at the company would immediately be moved to the said building.
Some of the workers were to be re-deployed at other company operations beyond the Waterfront.
Van Heerden warned, however, that the future was still uncertain with regards to workers at most of the burnt-out tenants’ premises.
He said a loose alliance of the affected businesses, working in tandem with the broader community, had closed ranks to explore job openings for affected workers.
Engagements were ongoing with all affected parties in this regard.
“Many community members have assisted us with all kinds of support so far, ranging from food for the animal farm to clothing and even emotional support. Some even offered to raise funds for those who lost their jobs. We are of course very grateful for that and thank every single person for the amazing support we received. There are no words to describe it,” he said.
Dr Peter Swanepoel from the Dental Studio, said he planned to relocate into the central business district, and that he had no plans to leave Bela-Bela.
All Waterfront principal and owner, Fred van Heerden, could say immediately was that the fire destruction at the complex was likely to have an enormous impact on the town’s economy.
By Monday week complex officials were still gathering information as to the cause of the fire.
Jordan’s Hair & Nails manager, Eugene Sterckx, said five people were employed at the outlet.
He said it would take about six weeks for the insurance claims to be settled.
Sterckx said operations would be relocated elsewhere in the meantime.
Heinrich du Preez of the Golf Car SA branch said the business lost over R2-million from the fire, and that he would be looking for alternative premises.
Marinda Willemse, the owner of Ticky Box Collectables & Antiques, said workers at the store would be relocated to the company’s other operations in the central business district.
Riez Briel, co-owner at Rodeo’s, said personnel at the burnt-out outlet would receive salaries as insured for a period of three months, adding it would be appreciated if the broader community
considered to assist the employees in whatever way.
De Dekke Restaurant owner, Frans Van Zyl, said the company’s insurance would pay out for the destroyed equipment, and also three months’ salaries for his 14 waiters and 12 other workers.
A waitress at the charred De Dekke Restaurant at the Waterfront, Kamogelo Phora, said she was shocked that the fire broke out just ahead of the holiday high season.
She said the managers at De Dekke were in touch with employees about developments going forward.
Marietjie de Budé of Waterfront Car Wash said operations were to be moved to the company’s premises downtown.
— The BEAT
