Speedwash Laundrette marks 40 years of service in Fish Hoek

Four decades after its doors first opened, Speedwash Laundrette in Valyland shopping centre is celebrating 40 years in business.

The milestone marks not only the endurance of a local business but also the story of a family built on determination, humour, and heart.

For owner Nicky Bishop, the anniversary is as much about honouring her late parents Joyce Bishop and John Bishop O.B.E. as it is about celebrating the small business that has become part of the valley’s fabric.

“My father always said, ‘Never give up'. Many times I could have thrown in the towel, but I’m a fighter, like him. He believed in hard work, honesty, and doing things the right way.”

Her parents first arrived in South Africa from Malawi, where her father had spent 40 years working his way up to managing director of an international company employing more than 2 000 people.

Deeply respected for his contribution to Malawi, he even received an O.B.E. from the Queen before retiring to the Cape.

The Bishops’ connection to the valley goes back much further.

They honeymooned in Fish Hoek in 1950, at a hotel opposite the beach, now long replaced by flats, and returned often for family holidays.

“It was written in stone that they’d retire here,” Ms Bishop said.

When her father bought Speedwash in 1985 for R16 000, it was a modest laundrette with one other employee and a handful of sturdy Speed Queen dryers - several of which are still in use today.

“We’ve got an amazing mechanic, Mr Fortuin, who keeps everything running. He knows these machines inside out,” she said.

By 1988, Ms Bishop had taken over from her father and quickly made her mark.

“He taught me to be honest in business, don’t lie, because you’ll forget what you’ve said,” she said.

“Everything was always done by the book.”

Throughout the years, Speedwash has weathered numerous challenges, including economic downturns, changing landlords, and a pandemic.

One of the toughest moments came four years ago, when the previous owners of the centre wanted to take over her premises.

“They told me to relocate to an industrial site and maybe have a kiosk in the centre. I was ready to give up,” she said.

“But then I heard my father’s voice: ‘Don’t give up.’ So I didn’t. I stood my ground - and I think they saw sense, because many of our customers said they’d leave with us.”

There have been lighter moments, too.

“We’ve had a few colourful customers,” Ms Bishop said.

“One lady nearly shattered glass when she shrieked about the price of shoe repairs, saying, ‘In my day, you could buy a whole leg of lamb for 7 shillings and sixpence.’ Another customer turned all the dryers upside down looking for R300, and later found it at home.”

From fiery dryers to fire extinguishers, Ms Bishop has seen it all. She once helped put out a blaze at the neighbouring fish and chip shop, and even doused small fires in her own machines. “Adrenaline does wonders,” she said.

“At one point, I thought I should have joined the fire department.”

Over the years, Speedwash has been more than a place to do laundry; it’s been a community hub where regulars stop in for a chat and a laugh.

“We’ve lost some very special customers over the years,” Ms Bishop said.

“Many were elderly, with wonderful stories to tell. I could write a book about all the lovely people who’ve passed through our doors.”

She credits much of the business’s longevity to treating staff well and keeping prices fair.

“My father always said, ‘Look after your pensioners,’ and we still give pensioner discounts every day,” she said.

Today, her team includes Rosetta Petersen, Mizaida Meyer and Tatenda Manyasha - “loyal, honest, good with customers, and part of the family.”

Speedwash will mark its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, November 5, with a small celebration to thank long-standing customers and honour Ms Bishop's parents’ memory.

“I like to think they’d both be proud - for hanging in there and never giving up,” Ms Bishop said.

“If you can’t stand the heat in the kitchen, don’t run; stay. Hard work never killed anyone.”