It's a difficult job, but somebody has to do it. Grandfather Mervyn Laaks, 73, enjoys seeing Cape Town children walking away with smiles on their faces after "meeting" Santa Claus.
Laaks has been a mall Santa for the past three years and has become accustomed to doing it while observing Covid-19 protocols.
Santa's helper, Carlista Cloete, comes equipped with some pandemic essentials - a thermometer and sanitiser.
“Keeping the innocence of believing there is a Santa really helps [children] to enjoy Christmas,” says Cloete.
Laaks says he is impressed to see young children adjusting to the new rules and observed their commitment to wearing their masks.
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