Following a fine for "illegally" running a car wash on Albert Road, Mbulelo Nxelewa, will appear in the magistrate's court on Wednesday.

Nxelewa says that after the municipality noticed his operation opposite the Raglan Road Multi-purpose Centre they told him to stop it because the road is a public place and that the water will damage the newly-built tar road. "When I refused to stop I was given a R100 fine or to appear in court on 8 September, and I'll argue the fine in court," he said.

Ward 9 councillor Mxolisi Ntshiba said he had told Nxelewa on several occasions that he should stop running a car wash on the road as he is damaging it. He added that there is no alternative place for him to do his place but that he has to wait for the ongoing Heritage, Tourism and Urban Renewal project which may include the construction of a car wash facility.

The Heritage, Tourism and Urban Renewal project is meant to green and upgrade the sidewalks in the taxi route from the Egazini Memorial Precinct to the Indoor Sports Centre.                              MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Makana Municipality spokesperson Thandy Matebese declined to comment saying that a meeting to discuss the project will be held soon. He said that he would be in a better position to comment after the meeting.

"I have managed to create employment for the local youth and [something which] makes them so busy that they can't be involved in criminal activities," says Nxelewa. He said he has applied for the registration of his Sisionke Car Wash through the local Small Enterprises Development Agency office.Nxelewa saysNxelewa says 

After matriculating in 2007 Nxelewa went to study computers at the Port Elizabeth-based Computer Training Institute but did not finish due to financial constraints. He came back home and worked as a contract employee for different construction contractors.

After his last job he decided to buy materials which are used to clean and wash cars and started a car wash. "I was involved in criminal activities and was lucky not be sentenced to do time in jail," he added.

Nxelewa started his business in May and employed five temporary workers. He charges a car R25.00 for a thorough clean and wash. "I wash more than hundred cars per week and I pay my workers about R100 after three days but when the business is doing good they get more," he said.

He said he gets a profit of about R900 per week on average. He said he has managed to buy three vacuum cleaners but his business does not have access to electricity.

He said he will be happy if he can get help on materials, uniform and electricity.