DPW is a diverse group of nutty, but hardworking, individuals who build up as well as break down the entire infrastructure of AfrikaBurn leaving no trace of the event or themselves.
Everything in Tankwa Town – from the toilets to the road signs, street lights and operations centre… signage, gate, booths, you name it, they’ve had their hands on it. With their fleet of quirky vehicles they cruise around the desert; lifting and moving things, knocking in rebar… building, painting, sorting and thriving. Literally laying the foundation on which participation can take place.
By week two we are a family out there, territorial and socially abrupt. Don’t fear us, just approach with caution. We promise we won’t bite and do shower on occasion (well, for special occasions).
#wearedpw #notacult
The 2025 DPW Crew.
Photo Courtesy of Richard Ahlstrom
They do the ‘logistics’ – whatever that is.
Building the bones of a temporary city takes a core team of individuals working throughout the year. They create the timelines, make sure all departments have the right resources at the right time, and manage the crew and deal with all things budget-related.
They bear the burden of bad news and the brunt of a tired crew. But when things go right, DPW Council are the ones who get all the accolades.
The beating heart of the crew.
The only department with three deadlines a day, every day, with a walk-in cold room to boot. They keep DPW fed during their build and strike periods, but also feed all the operational members, volunteers, rangers, medical teams, the fire department and some artists during the build and event weeks. During the event, they serve 400 people, 3 meals a day. Which is no mean feat.
They are the first to rise and often the last to stop working. The kitchen is one of the hardest working crews in Tankwa Town, with the biggest hearts, banging tunes and the best recipes.
Photo Courtesy of Janine Rose-Webster
Ground control to Major Tom. These people know all of Tankwa Town’s secrets and the secret spots in Tankwa Town. While working closely with Town Planning and Theme Camps they create the framework from which the city grows. Where does that road lead to? What is this road called? Where did I park my car? Toilets? Medics? Ground Control helps you answer all these questions when you’re in Tankwa Town.
Ever smashed rebar into the ground in the Tankwa? Now try doing it over 40 times a day, 6 days a week. These guys know the ropes about everything concerning tents, shading structures, scaffold towers and fences.
We live, eat and sleep under bedouin tents on site which makes this department the ultimate home-makers.
Let there be light! (and cold beer)
It takes a lot to build a city, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without our electrical team. Tools for the workshops, fridges for the kitchen, radios and comms, the music which sets the mood – all rely on this untiring crew.
Once the event is under way – RFT, the medical cluster, Arteria, the Org offices and the gate – all rely on the smooth steady supply of power handled by our quirky ‘electricians’ and the makeshift power grid they laid.
Photo Courtesy of Janine Webster
We built this city… from timber and steel.
Quaggafontein is far from anywhere really, therefore we have our own fully functioning group of workshops. Carpentry, metal and the paintshop. You name it, we build it. Decks, benches, coffee tables, blackboards, floors, lamp posts, the air control tower, portfolio booths, container mods, fire barrels, the occasional artwork, and much more are all built from scratch and sealed on site. Our tools are all kept counted and safe by the Quartermaster’s and are available in Die Stoor.
All those items that the workshops created? Don’t forget the infrastructure in storage too. Well, it all needs to go somewhere. Think loading and unloading trailers, crane trucks and forklift antics, Tetris wars and logistical planning. It takes strong hands, organisational minds and team spirit for everything to find its right place in Tankwa Town.
Insert a shitty job pun here.
Except, the toilet team may be the best crew to work on in Tankwa Town. Part carpentry, part science, a lot of logistics and a whole lot of working with our quirky desert fleet. This department gets a little of everything just right.
There’s nothing quite like a loo with a Tankwa view and this department makes sure these toilets are their best.
Water is life in the desert and a crucial part of keeping us fed, clean and hydrated while we are out there. The water team sets up all the infrastructure for drinking, washing stations, showering, and grey water solutions, while collecting and delivering the water before tanks overflow or water runs out.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Diederichs
DPW creates a lot of waste. 100 people, 10 weeks. Workshops, a kitchen, snacks, personal items, and sanitary products are just the tip of the iceberg in the heat – an uncontrollable, muddy mess. And that’s before Afrikaburn portfolios join us in Tankwa Town.
These departments sort, bale and handle all sorts of waste and keep us educated on how to keep our spaces clean and tidy.
There’s no denying the desert can be a wild and fanatical place to work. We’re a family, and like to look after each other as such (cult-like, but not a cult). Crew welfare and the fluffers are dedicated to making sure everyone has the best possible and safest experience on DPW. These guys are your go to for many reasons: they provide drinks, safety gear, heart to hearts, sunscreen and the occasional shoulder to sob into.
Photo Courtesy of Janine Rose-Webster
