Sex workers take time off

2007-12-21 09:20

Richard Roberts

Port Elizabeth - People who face a lonely Christmas and want to have some sensual fun will have to plan carefully, because sex workers are also going on holiday.

Bernie*, originally from Durban, has been in the "adult entertainment industry" for 14 years and says December is a very busy month, with five or six clients a day. But from this coming Sunday to December 30 she plans to take time off.

"I'm a busy lady and I need a break," she explained.

The former owner of the Girls from Heaven 24/7 escort service in Mount Croix says the seven women in her employ used to take off from December 15 to January 3 each year.

"They were all women between 30 and 45 and usually spent holidays with their children," she said.

Lee* who's from Sydenham and has been in the profession for four years, said she would only be out of circulation on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

'Just like the emergency services'

Otherwise she'll "continue to serve, just like the emergency services".

But does the demand rise with an influx of holidaymakers?

"It's not too bad, but there's not much difference in the number of clients who come knocking," Lee said. Sonja*, who hails from Newton Park, said this was probably because most of the regular clients stayed home because Christmas meant more family time. "Most men spend the festive season with their wives," she said.

But there were sex workers who said their clients didn't deviate much from their regular pattern.

"It depends on how you treat your clients," said one.

Meanwhile it was a matter of making do.

One cut her interview short with "I've got a call coming through babe, got to go", when her client grew a bit impatient at being put on hold.

Plenty of clients

André, a male prostitute, was one worker who intended to keep at it right through Christmas and until after New Year.

"The industry only really started to buzz this week. I can't complain. There are plenty of clients who phone me."

But it did seem to be busier this year, he added: "Maybe because of inflation."

But for broke (or frightened) thrill-seekers, there were always sex toys.

The manager of Port Elizabeth's Adult World, Anne-Marie Smith, said sales usually improved at this time of year.

* Not their real names

- Die Burger