Family Business
, Namibia
, Jun 2002
5
Once on the side of the road in Twyfelfountain, a tiny settlement of scattered houses in the Naukluft National Park in Namiba. Ancient rock carvings depicting bushman life draw tourists out there into the barren land of the Namib desert. A family operates a healthy business model where they offer digging services to those unfortunate travellers who manage to get stuck with their rental car. The particularly tricky dip of loose gravel could have been their headquarters.
Jakob, head of operations and carries out the price negotiations with the inept drivers, which seem to resolve quickly due to his mature sales skills, his friendly nature or the lack of any other shovel in the next 50km.
He then oversees the progress from under the shade of a nearby tree as his sons then go about the digging. His wife and daughter finally help pushing out the stranded vehicle. The cheering upon success of freeing it is a complimentary part of the job. The work life balance in this enterprise seemed to be incredible as the team seemed to really enjoy themselves and the big bright smiles were free of charge to everyone.
As I witnessed the car infront undergoing the 'treatment' Jakob, from under his tree, suddenly shouted across to us and pointed back into the bush where a elephant had appeared. All digging activities ceased and with wild gestures the rare event was discussed loudly until the elephant eventually left out of sight.
The wonder if it somehow was part of the premium package of Jakob's enterprise.
No Comments
Add a comment: