Despite their crucial role in ensuring the safety of vehicles in parking lots, many carguards receive little to nothing for their honest work. A small tip can go a long way in improving their lives, many of whom have to endure long hours under challenging conditions.
South Africa (15 October 2024) – We see them nearly every day, whether we’re rushing to the store to stock up on weekly groceries or heading to the mall for a weekend outing with family and friends. They’re always in the parking lot, ready to help you manoeuvre into a tight parking space or lend a hand with your trolley.
Car guards are the unsung heroes of our parking lots, tirelessly protecting our vehicles. Despite placing our trust in their care, we often overlook the challenges they face.
A Good Things Guy reader recently shared how she was appalled to see about 30 cars leaving a Cape Town shopping centre with only about four drivers tipping the local car guard. This is despite him having helped them with their trolleys and parking.
Upon having a word with the kind man, she came to learn that was a typical day’s work for him. He also isn’t paid a salary by the shopping centre and therefore relies solely on the tips of shoppers to get by.
The woman also discovered that he’d tried to find another job, but as a foreigner, it was difficult for him to secure work.
Much like this car guard, this is a disheartening reality for hundreds if not thousands of car guards across the country.
According to a BusinessTech survey that had 4,911 respondents, just under half (43%) indicated that they tip around R5. Just over a quarter (26%) indicated that they tip R2, while 10% of the participants indicated that they tip R10 or more.
Now, this is not to make anyone feel bad. But can you imagine having to survive on such small change, nevertheless supporting a family?
These relentless men and women wake up every morning with the hope that they will make just enough to make ends meet.
Hopefully, this can serve as some food for thought and a little nudge to spare a few extra rands to give to the man or woman in your rearview mirror.
Your generosity could provide them with an extra loaf of bread, some money for their child’s school shoes, or just a sandwich to help them get through a long (and, at most times, thankless) day’s work under the gruelling sun or harsh winds while they watch over your precious car.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu
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