The most recognisable face on the Waterberg township club circuit is perhaps the streetwise DJ Christos Katsaitis.
Just as a by-the-way, Katsaitis is a white person in terms of skin pigmentation, hailing all the way from Johannesburg.
The popular disc jockey is the most heartwarming example of the popularity of the townships on the outskirts of towns in the Waterberg attracting celebrities to the region, especially ahead of the springtime outdoor season.
Our sister publication, Die Pos/The Post, reports that against the backdrop of the severe drought on the Cape Peninsula, the northern parts of the country — significantly the Waterberg — have
attracted the interest of prime property investors.
That Katsaitis is a white male is a non-issue with revellers at clubs in the Bela-Bela township.
He is always received with whistles and ululations from his often packed audiences, performing at the deck with aplomb.
The BEAT teased out celebrities such as DJ Christos Katsaitis to find out just what is so attractive about the townships in Bela-Bela, Modimolle and Mookgophong.
“Refreshing countryside,” was the overwhelming response.
“Unlike in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, where people mind their own business, the people in the Waterberg are friendly and the clubs vibey, mfowethu (my brother). That’s why I am
always chilling out in the township here, over and over again. I just can’t get enough of the atmosphere,” he said, speaking mostly in contemporary township lingua franca.
Katsaitis is also fluent in the maiden Setswana language of his wife, Tebogo.
Caf Champions League winners’ Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club captain, Hlompho Kekana, is another regular presence on the social circuit in Bela-Bela and Modimolle.
The BEAT reporter Mzamane Ringane was still reeling from a chanced encounter with Kekana and company, who asked directions to a place whereby they could enjoy African cuisine.
The township grapevine has it that Kekana is toying around with the idea to invest in the fast-food industry both in the townships in Modimolle and Bela-Bela.
Popular SABC1 soapie “Skeem Saam” actors, Mlungisi Mathe (screen name MK Biyela) and Bongani Masondo (Mangaliso Sangweni) are also regular visitors to the region.
“The Waterberg is rocking and lit (vibey), man,” Mathe said.
Masondo said for him the Waterberg club circuit and the lodges were the best destinations for a Joburger to “unwind”.
Die Pos/The Post conducted a snap survey, which found outsiders and locals were overwhelmed by the spirit of neighbourliness in the Waterberg.
According to experts and several of the residents the Waterberg, with its lovely climate, is especially very popular amongst young parents, who want to raise their children in an unhurried
environment.
This was also evident with pensioners who strove towards a safe and peaceful environment, condusive to a tranquil retirement.
Jackie Mostert said she moved to Modimolle 14 years ago, and within two years she noted that everyone greeted her by name. “The more people welcome you, the more welcome you feel!”
Former ANC councillor and businessman, Wiets Botes, said it was the people who created the warm atmosphere.
He said in the Waterberg people still trust each other, adding that the Waterberg’s first season thunderstorms were comparable only to … the Waterberg!
Many of those who responded to the survey sang praises for the Waterberg’s sunsets, scenic beauty and the fact that it is “just near and just far enough” from Pretoria, when one really needs
something different.
— The BEAT
