VANDERBIJLPARK – A beloved petrol attendant is finally hanging up his overalls after spending four decades on the forecourt of the Saspark Auto filling station in Vanderbijlpark.

Petrus Mofokeng (66), a father of four from Evaton, has faithfully served motorists for 40 years, becoming a familiar and trusted face to thousands of customers.

What began as a simple job to provide for his family when he was just 26, grew into a lifelong career and a place he proudly calls his second home.

Throughout his remarkable career, the energetic employee, affectionately known as Phoka, survived numerous retrenchments, economic hardships, and even the Covid-19 pandemic.

These challenges only made the bubbly veteran even more committed to his work and his customers.

Mofokeng explained to Ster that he landed the job in 1986 after his brother, Esaiah, recommended him to the owners.

He said he has thoroughly enjoyed his stay at the filling station, which allowed him to put bread on the table and upgrade his family’s life.

He added that his children went to school using the money he earned and are now adults. While Mofokeng is retiring, his legacy will continue.

As a fitting reward for his dedication, his son has now taken over the reins at the very same filling station.

The owner of Saspark Auto, Magda Zietsman, expressed gratitude for the continued family ties, thanking God that the second generation of both families is now taking over the business.

Zietsman described Mofokeng as a humble soul who shared a special bond with his clients, despite speaking broken Afrikaans.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Petrus for his many years of service at Saspark Auto. He was a dedicated worker and truly the STAR of Saspark Auto,” Zietsman said.