Coming clean
Ex-cons turn lives around with car wash at former dumpsite
Three childhood friends who found themselves on the wrong side of the law at a young age have found each other again and started a business from a dumpsite.
Mzwandile Zayedwa, Thandile Tom and Mzukisi Dutoit, who are from Dimbaza, have all served time in jail.
After being released and struggling to find jobs with their criminal records, they put their heads together and have started a car wash business at what was a dumpsite.
For the friends, eGadini (garden in isXhosa) Car Wash is an opportunity to turn their lives around, and redeem themselves in their community.
The friends said they were grateful to the community for having embraced their efforts and given them a chance to redeem themselves.
Zayedwa said they had realised they needed to turn away from crime and find positive ways to improve their lives.
After years of trying to figure out who they were and what they were passionate about, they realised that entrepreneurship was the answer.
The three friends are now in their 40s, Zayedwa being 41, Tom 43, and Dutoit, 47.
Zwandile said with their criminal records, it was difficult to find decent work.
After coming up with their idea to start a carwash, they approached the area’s councillor about the dumpsite, who did not hesitate to allow them to open their business there.
“With our criminal records, it was hard to be hired. Every door we knocked at we would be turned away, and the establishment is more like a second chance to life.”
It has been more than 13 years since they were released from jail, during which time they had to “hustle” in whatever
way they could to make a living. Their carwash business had renewed their hope, they said.
They also have big plans for the business, and hope to legally buy the land and expand it into playgrounds for children.
Zwandile said: “We saw a dumpsite and discussed how it could be a great location for us to have a car wash.
“We have two machines that we usually use to cut grass for people, and saved the money to start the business, and our efforts paid off.”
While the business was intended to turn their lives
around, it has also played a significant role in Dimbaza, offering a place for people to relax and enjoy themselves while having their vehicles washed, and providing work for
five unemployed men. Zayedwa said because of their personal experiences, they felt compelled to play a role in helping to reduce crime in the area by providing job opportunities for local people.
“When we started the business, the community didn t look at our history, but rather supported us because of the idea that we had,” he said.
In about August 2020, the three men welcomed Nomusa Ngwenya as a business partner.
After joining the business, Ngwenya said she felt the need to officially launch the eGadini
Car Wash, and with the community’s support, it was a success.
“I encouraged them to have an official launch, which was made possible by community members who offered a donation, some of whom donated our uniforms.”
Ngwenya cooks and sells food at the car wash, adding to the business offering.
“I started cooking at home and brought food to the car wash and few would buy initially, but now it is part of the business,” she said. DispatchLIVE
The community didn’t look at our history, but rather supported us because of the idea that we had