A group of Motherwell roadside car washers so impressed The Boardwalk’s corporate social responsibility manager Peggy Mokhatla with their passion and energy that she has helped them set up a business.
Start-up funding for Beachside Auto Detailing has been provided by The Boardwalk, and the new company has been given sole rights to provide a waterless car-washing service to guests and staff alike.
“I was inspired by their passion when I saw them at work alongside the Motherwell Road,” says Mokhatla.
Further investigation found that the initiative is designed to create jobs and take youth off the streets. “These are all the ingredients we look for when selecting emerging companies for enterprise development funding,” she says.
The Boardwalk provided fund to purchase special eco-friendly chemicals and to hire six WAVE trolleys, as well as vacuum cleaners.
According to Beachside Auto Detailing managing director Luthando Miliho, the only water used is for the frequent rinsing out of a cloth used to remove dust from the car before a layer of special wax is applied.
All the trim items are also cleaned and polished, as are the tyres. There are separate colour-coded cloths for each of the components.
A wash and detailing (R45,00) takes around 20 minutes, while vacuuming and cleaning the interior (R20,00) will take another five to ten minutes.
For a full valet service, which includes the cleaning and polishing of all trim, tyres and mag wheels, the cost is R70,00.
Washing services are being offered both in the underground and open parking lots. The chemicals have been designed for use in the sun, according to Miliho.
The services are available from eight in the morning to eight in the evening.
The Beachside Auto Detailing team – from the left: Luthando Miliho (managing director), Ntombizanele Fesi, Naledi Myemane (shareholder and head of administration), Lubabalo Shogole, Asemahle Mapeyi, and Bulelani Makana.
