As South Africans seek refuge under trees, air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools from the sweltering heat that has gripped the country, others are not so fortunate.

Thami Shongwe, who is a car guard at Church Square, was just one of many people who had to work in the sun. He said he had to embrace the heat in order to be able to make some money.

“Yes it’s hot but I don’t have a choice but to be here. If I don’t do this and stand in the sun then I won’t eat,” he said.

With a two litre bottle of water in hand, Shongwe runs after cars to show them where there is an opening.

Once parked, he keeps an eye on the vehicles until the owners return and pay him.

He says he spends most of his day standing in the sun.

“I have a water bottle to help me keep hydrated because if I don’t do that, I can end up collapsing,” he said.

Highest ever temperature

Pretoria recorded its highest temperature since they started monitoring weather. The temperature was recorded at 41°C.

A construction worker who asked not to be named fearing disciplinary action by his manager said it was not easy to work in the heat.

“We climb on top of scaffolding that are high and they also get hot. Every now and then we have to stop and drink water,” he said.

Young children and their families turned to Zita Park for small picnics and fun in the water. The park was a hive of activity with playing in the water to keep cool.

Those not wanting to get themselves wet sat under trees and drank soft drinks.

Thabo Mokoena said he took his family there when the children wanted to swim.

“It’s a nice place to relax, unwind and escape the scorching heat. The children are having fun and that is all that matters,” he said. News24