Mission Statement:
To transform gatherings into extraordinary experiences through professional mobile bar and catering. As Cape Town’s only mobile bar with integrated food truck in one vehicle, we bring vintage charm, quality service, great food, eco-conscious practices, and complete convenience to events across the Western Cape – making memorable celebrations accessible to all budgets.
Our mission is simple: make memorable celebrations accessible to every budget. No hidden costs, no pretence – just quality drinks, real food, and a whole lot of vintage charm.
RESTORATION & CONVERSION
Bringing The Thirsty Wagon™ to Cape Town meant finding the perfect vehicle — and Skilpad exceeded every expectation.
She isn’t just any vintage Kombi. Skilpad is a rare 1975 VW Jurgens Autovilla, one of only 1,000 ever built — a genuine piece of South African automotive history.
But finding her was only the beginning. What followed was 12 months of intensive work and meticulous attention to detail. This was not a cosmetic refresh, but a full restoration and professional conversion, carefully balancing vintage character with modern functionality.
The result is a fully equipped mobile bar and food truck — a self-driving vintage beauty that arrives ready to serve and turns heads at every event.
OUR CORE VALUES
CARE COMES FIRST
We look after people properly, paying attention to the details that make guests feel supported and at ease
INTEGRITY IN HOW WE WORK
We are honest, transparent, and accountable in our pricing, planning, and delivery — every time.
AUTHENTICITY MATTERS
We create experiences that feel real and relaxed, focusing on meaningful moments rather than polished perfection.
WE DO WHAT WE SAY
We follow through on our commitments from first contact to final wrap-up so our clients don’t have to worry.
BETTER TOGETHER
We work collaboratively and respectfully with our team, partners, and clients to create seamless experiences.
Company History
OUR STORY – FROM BENONI TO THE WINELANDS
2019 – The Big Idea
Two friends, Jacques Joubert and James Jenkinson (JJ & JJ), sat at a bar in Benoni and shared a wild idea: what if we could bring a mobile bar experience that felt authentic, fun, and personal? They found a rusty Jurgens Autovilla shell, rolled up their sleeves, and began transforming it into something extraordinary.
2020–2024 – Building The Thirsty Wagon™ in Johannesburg
Through years of restoration, late nights, and countless events – craft distillery partnerships, rooftop sessions, cultural celebrations – The Thirsty Wagon™ became a Joburg favourite.
2025 – A New Chapter: Cape Town
After five years of love and labour, it was time to grow. ‘Skilpad’ – our rare 1975 VW Jurgens Autovilla Kombi, one of only 1 000 ever built in South Africa – made the journey south.
James continues to operate The Thirsty Wagon™ in Johannesburg, while Jacques teamed up with Leila to launch in the Western Cape. Together, they’ve lovingly restored Skilpad into a fully self‑driving mobile bar and food truck. No towing. No hassle. She drives herself to your event.
Today, we’re proud to call Somerset West home, serving the Winelands, Cape Town, the Helderberg, and beyond.
Partners
A NOTE ON JOHANNESBURG
The Thirsty Wagon™ Johannesburg continues to operate successfully under James’s leadership, serving events across Gauteng with the same passion and professionalism that built the brand’s reputation.
Team
Jacques and Leila - The Dream Team
Together, Jacques and Leila are the driving force behind The Thirsty Wagon™ Cape Town. As partners in life and business, they recognised an opportunity to introduce something truly distinctive to Cape Town’s event landscape — a thoughtfully curated mobile experience that seamlessly combines food and beverage service, attention to detail, and genuine guest connection.
Leila is your first point of contact for all enquiries, quotes, logistics, and coordination, ensuring every celebration runs smoothly from start to finish. She also founded and operates Diamond Carriage Travels, our sister company providing professional sober chauffeur services — because getting you and your guests home safely is just as important as the celebration itself.
Jacques Joubert, one of the founders of The Thirsty Wagon™, brings the heart behind the brand. Beyond the operational side, his passion lies in creating meaningful event experiences — from the energy of the setup to the atmosphere on the day itself. This venture is his “5-to-9”: a space where creativity, people, and purpose come together, and where every event is treated as something personal.