Hearing the sound of an ice cream van from afar playing a musical jingle brings back many fond childhood memories for many people. And after many years of the absence of this tradition in Wellington, Ali Elsaid Atia has brought it back, and roams the town’s streets in his ice-cream van on weekends.
Originally from Egypt, Atia moved to South Africa in 2013 and started selling ice cream in Wellington four years later. With the help of an assistant, he says he chooses to sell ice cream because everyone enjoys it, and is happy with the music he plays.
He says his occupation brings so much joy and happiness to people’s hearts.
“The people’s reaction when they eat the ice cream that I serve them is unexplainable. They are very happy because my ice cream is very delicious, and they live beautiful moments [when eating it].”
At this point Atia does not have any plans to expand his business, but he wishes to continue with the services that he already provides.
“The people hire the ice cream truck for parties, and I do a lot of events such as weddings, birthdays and work parties,” he explains. Atia admits that not everyone in Wellington is impressed with him, but he will continue, nevertheless.
“I am not angry with the person who complained about the music, especially the ice cream. I am proud of him.”
Atia wants to thank the people of Wellington who have supported him for the past three years. He added, “I respect them very much and I feel that I am completely among my family, because the people of Wellington all work as if they were one family.”
