Cardboard Box Backpackers The End of an Era

American poet Robert Frost has an interesting take on home: “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in”.

For almost three decades, a home for many stood strong in Windhoek West. For locals and foreigners alike, the Cardboard Box Backpackers, affectionately known as The Box, was a place where memories were made, fun was had and the most refreshing beers in the capital were enjoyed in a serene environment complete with friendly staff.

The Box is one of the city’s oldest and most popular spots for tourists looking for affordable accommodation close to the city centre. Starting out in 1992, the hostel morphed from a 12-bed backpackers into a 45-bed establishment with a campsite big enough for 20.

Sadly, after almost three decades of maintaining its prominent presence in the community, The Box’s era is coming to an end. The owner for the past 15 years, Chad Wratten, took to Facebook a few weeks ago to break the news to longstanding customers: “After 26 years, The Box will finally be shutting its doors. It has been an amazing experience for all concerned. We will be sad to see it go but it is now time for us all to move on to a new chapter in our lives,” the post read, adding that Friday, 25 October, would be the final night.

One of the friendliest faces at The Box is Jessica Goses, who juggles being a receptionist and a bar lady. She shares some of her memories of her workplace. “I started working here four years ago. I was job hunting and decided to come by and drop my CV off,” she says. “It was always a fun experience to work here.”

Goses mentions that the guests who have passed through over the years were always a pleasure to meet. “They were friendly, they smile at you and talk to you. I’ve learnt so much about their countries, their cultures and the food they enjoy.”

Goses has also become close to the regular customers during her time here. “I’ve made some great friends. The customers are always pleasant to have around. I’m sure we will continue communicating and that our friendships will prosper.” She adds that she will miss these moments the most, as well as having a cold one when she finishes her work day.

“I’ll miss my colleagues, we are like a huge family and now all of us have to go our separate ways.”

What is a home without a mother? Anna !Hoaës is a stern woman who doesn’t take any nonsense, but is still one of the smiling faces at The Box. She’s been with the backpackers since 2007 and takes pride in her work. Chiefly in charge of cleaning services, !Hoaës also spent some time behind the bar whenever her help was needed. “I’m someone who is willing to lend a hand. I always do the extra,” she says.

!Hoaës says this job is the one she’s enjoyed most in her life as she’s never come across problems and has become used to the routine, therefore she strives to give her all. “Sometimes the guests who stay here don’t all have the same hearts, however, I always got along with the majority,” !Hoaës says, adding that most foreigners are interested in the Khoekhoegowab language and often approached her to learn some of the different clicks and phrases of her native tongue.

“I also learnt a lot from them. It’s about having respect and good manners towards each other, that’s the key.”

!Hoaës recalls her greatest memories as the staff parties when everyone came together as a family to eat and drink and praises her boss, Wratten, for doing what he could to make them feel comfortable at work throughout hard times. “He is a good boss, he’ll tell you when he is not happy, and you have to understand that you’ve made a mistake. He always has meetings with us and treats everyone fairly.”

A religious woman, she says the closing of the backpackers is in God’s plan and that she’s looking forward to resting for a few months. “My body is tired, I’ll rest for now and start fresh next year. I want to catch up on all the little things I’ve put to the side.”

The staff aren’t the only ones who have built memories and made friends at The Box. For many Windhoekers, especially the outcasts who seek a safe haven free from judgement and societal biases, it provided just that. Activist, independent film-maker and traveller Tangeni Kauzuu has been a regular for 13 years. “I love meeting all the new, different people. There is safety for the LGBTQ+ community to be themselves, to be free without fear of being judged or harassed,” she says.

Kauzuu notes that when she first started spending time at The Box, it was all about networking, however, as time passed, she started meeting people from various countries and walks of life with stories that amazed her, and so friendships were built. “This year especially, the stories people have shared – everyone is having a relatably bad year, and some of the stories are funny and interesting.”

“I’ve met some of my best friends here. I’ll miss always having a sanctuary, a place to go no matter what time of the day it might be.”

Walking down to the camping area situated in the backyard, !Hoaës is doing laundry and points to two young gentlemen quietly soaking up the sun. “Those are my sons,” she says metaphorically.

These are the drivers of buses who regularly stay over at The Box when transporting tourists.

!Hoaës tells of how she scolds them whenever they don’t clean up after themselves, and, in the same breath, mentions that you won’t find more respectable and kind young men.

Zimbabwean national Russel Sibanda, a driver for Kananga Tours, says he enjoys the atmosphere the venue provides, especially when the locals show up in the afternoons. “There aren’t any problems here, no violence and it’s nice and quiet. I like the vibe.”

Recently having stayed at the backpackers for a few weeks, US traveller Maddie Morehead recommends The Box as a lovely place to stay. “[It’s] a great place to meet people, grab a drink, and hang out before hitting the bars.”

With not much in the pipeline with regard to the future of the establishment, there is hope that new investors don’t change too much about it but rather upgrade the already standing infrastructure. But while it’s still The Box you know and love, why not enjoy a cold one in the warm sun?

– @jonathan_sasha on Twitter; @jonatha.sasha on Instagram

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