POLOKWANE – The ever jolly Strydom speaks Sepedi, which he learned from growing up on a farm. He said that he learned the language so that he could break barriers and adds that it has helped him in the long run because customers are more receptive when he speaks vernacular and he has become popular with regular shoppers.
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He has been a car guard at NJ Fresh Produce and Butchery for the past two years and previously worked at Savannah Mall. The 47-year-old said that he ended up working as a car guard because he was unable to find work in Polokwane.
“Before I started this job, I tried to find work but I just couldn’t. That was when my two friends and I decided to take the initiative and create our own work. This is legal and I have something to eat at the end of the day, so I have something to be grateful for,” he said.
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He is a man of faith and stated that he does everything with God by his side. He said that through the years, he has learned to be grateful for the things he has because some people are worse off than him. Even with his happy vibes, he adds that the job has it’s challenges. “Sometimes I help people park their cars, and push their trolleys and pack their shopping for them but then they just leave without a leaving a tip. That does get frustrating, but it is the reality that we face. I don’t demand that they pay me, I let the person use their discretion on what they feel they can give me,” he said.
He shared that he’s no spring chicken and doesn’t have many prospects in terms of employment but for the rest of his time working as a car guard, he intends to give the best service and keep out of trouble.
