Despite being hit and injured by a taxi in 2022, car attendant Charmaine David is always ready to help customers park their vehicles at Derby Place.

David (60), who has worked as a car guard for 20 years, said she chose the job because she could not find employment and had to support her family.

“I just decided I should give it a try so I can make a living. I earn enough to put food on the table and support my family,” she told The Witness.

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She is from Copesville and works every day because she enjoys her job. David is always at her post. She can be found with her lunchbox and often has a five-liter bottle of water next to her.

“I’m here at 8 a.m. or 9 p.m. and then leave in the afternoon so I can take a taxi home. I’m here every day, except when I have to accompany my sister to the hospital,” she said.

She added that the amount she earns guarding cars fluctuates daily. “Some days I earn R50 and some days R100. We are always happy with what we get from the clients because they have their own problems too.”

Some customers sometimes help us with food and other things and we are really grateful for their help

David said she will not stop working because she believes it is important to be able to earn a living, but after being hit by a truck near Mysore Road, she fears she will never be able to work again.

“I couldn’t work for eight months. I had to stay with my sister and she took care of me. I recovered and was able to return. I thought I couldn’t return, but I’m back.”

She was praised for her loyalty and her constant willingness to help customers.
Stall owner Logan Govender said David was not the type to give up easily.

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“She is always in her place helping people. The only time you don’t see her is when she is filling her water bottle. She is the epitome of ‘don’t give up’,” Govender said.