Things are ‘pumping’ at new Caltex garage in Manaba
It was a special time for the owners, guests and staff. The service station has added value to the area. Locals and tourists are certainly going to enjoy its benefits.
THERE was a vibrant atmosphere at the official opening of the revamped Caltex Garage and Fresh Stop franchise in Manaba last week.
For a start, Ugu mayor Tolomane Myayiza, who was one of the guests of honour, was an hour early, which had everyone on the hop. Not that they minded.
The garage is busy, that’s for sure. Customers flooded in to fill up at the top-notch premises.
They didn’t just fill up on fuel. Some of the hungrier stopped in at Fresh Stop and were blown away by what was on offer, including fresh produce, and coffee from Seattle Coffee Co.
Customers and guests enjoyed taking in the festivities that were taking place. Clearly, there was a certain buzz that could not be ignored.
The service station has a long and proud history on the South Coast. Who knows how many locals and visitors have filled up there over the years?
It was fitting, and indeed a revelation of the quality of the current owners, that past owner Rina Wiggill was invited to cut the ribbon with the mayor.
Mrs Wiggill is now living in Harrismith, but made the trip especially. Her daughter Rene was also in attendance. “It brought back a lot of good memories,” she said.
The business manager, Raymond Maingard, addressed guests.
He hoped the wonderful new garage would serve as a ‘rising tide’, bringing a boost to the under-pressure Margate area.
Indeed, if you have not driven through the area lately you will find that you can’t help but be impressed with the changes.
There’s been some construction on the go and that part of Marine Drive, perhaps previously bordering on ‘ugly duckling’ status really does look fantastic now.
Jobs have been created for close to 60 staff.
Mayor Myayiza spoke at first in English to the guests in general, congratulating the owners on the revamp, and thanking them for the vital role they play in the local economy.
He then spoke in Zulu to the staff, encouraging them to work hard and play their part in uplifting the area by being excellent employees.
The launch also signified a changing of the baton, with Adnaan Moosa now at the helm.
No doubt he will have the calm wisdom of his father Younus to draw on, but he appears more than ready and up to the task.
After the speeches it was time to cut the ribbon, cut a cake, take photos and watch some of the staff put on a dance.
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