Publications
Well-known taxi owner and businessman Petros Dumse was laid to rest in Dutywa in the Eastern Cape in December.
His long-time friend and business partner Archie Klaas, Overberg District Municipality councillor and former ODM deputy mayor, recalled that Dumse, who moved from the Eastern Cape to Zwelihle in Hermanus in the early ’90s, started his career as a photographer.
“He started small and then bought himself a bicycle. He was very innovative. He would take photos of people on the beach and then rush to have the film developed so people could get their photos later that same day or the next day. Dumse also sold fruit and vegetables. We became friends and business partners.”
Klaas describes Dumse as a shrewd and clever businessman who could discern the best opportunities to make money. This led him to expand his photography business by buying a special camera with which he could take ID photos.“From there he bought an instant camera and we went into business together,” said Klaas.
Dumse convinced Klaas they should complete their matric at the Zanokhanyo Finishing School in Worcester. The pair erected a bungalow opposite the Home Affairs office, from where they ran their booming photography businesses.
“When I finished school would relieve him, and at night I would help him with our homework,” Klaas recalled. “By the grace of God we passed.”The pair studied at Peninsula Technikon (now CPUT) before Dumse dropped out and started his taxi business. As the years went by Dumse expanded his taxi business and went into real estate. Later in life he established Overberg Towing, which he sold to En Route Towing. He also owned a storage facility and buses and bred dogs. He also started buying livestock and moved back to Tsomo in the Eastern Cape to farm.
“He started having black-outs and no longer drove,” said Klaas. “The last time we spoke, he said he wanted to come to Zwelihle for Christmas.”Dumse and his driver were involved in a fatal crash on 21 December. On Thursday 29 December residents of Zwelihle held a memorial service to pay tribute to the respected businessman and pastor who also played a pivotal role in restoring peace after the 2018 riots.
