#knowyourbenoni – Bachtis not afraid to give his opinion

Lakefield resident Peter Bachtis has been living in Benoni since 1978.

He is the owner of Café Bellini in Western Extension and has been running the business with his sister, Kiki Caravotas, for 10 years.

Bachtis is raising concern about his town and he said this is because he is “passionate about Benoni”.

BCT: Where did you grow up?

PB: I grew up in Brakpan.

BCT: Do you have children?

PB: Yes, a son named George Bachtis.

He is in Benoni at the moment but is leaving for Australia soon.

I also have a daughter, Stella Bachtis; she already lives in Brisbane, Australia.

BCT: Do you have fond childhood memories?

PB: I was a keen soccer fan when I was younger.

There used to be a soccer club in Brakpan with the name of Parthenon that I supported.

I played some soccer during my school career, but I was never really good, though.

BCT: Where did you go to school?

PB: I attended Brenthurst Primary School and Brakpan High School.

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BCT: Do you have any hobbies?

PB: I write in my spare time.

I have two unpublished books; I need to apply my mind to finish them, but my business is keeping me busy.

I also regularly write letters to surrounding newspapers because I enjoy offering my political views.

BCT: You regularly send letters to the City Times, why is this important to you?

PB: When something bothers me, I’ll bring attention to it.

Like the state of roads in Benoni or the disgusting state of the town hall; it used to be a spectacular building.

I have a passion for Benoni and this is why I often moan about the town.

Our town used to be the Jewel of the East Rand, but it’s not anymore.

When you look at the decay of the CBD, the council needs to bring the town to where it was and needs to be.

As a community, we need to bang on council’s door and apply pressure to get things done effectively.

BCT: Why would you encourage your fellow Benonians to be politically aware?

PB: Being politically aware is important because of our diversity.

We need to be sensitive to different cultures, we need to be able to stand up, make our points and be counted.

Make yourself heard, write to newspapers and phone radio stations.

We should never suffer from the foolishness of politicians.

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