With the severe drought, unprecedented crime, and traffic congestions, the Capetonians are facing lately, the northern parts of South Africa are once again very appealing to property buyers.
According to experts (and the numerous residents The Post interviewed) the Waterberg with its lovely climate, is especially very popular amongst young parents who want to raise their children in an unhurried environment, as well as to pensioners who strive towards a safe, peaceful environment for retirement.
During a recent survey, the readers of The Post sang the Waterberg’s praises loudly.
Jackie Mostert said she move 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!”
According to Marriëtte Nicholson of Modimolle, the residents of the Waterberg still have time for each other.
“People tend to ignore each other in the city. We are, of course, just as busy as the city-dwellers — maybe even busier — but we have time for each other. We spend more quality time as families and participate in community projects.”
Elsabe Tullues said she resides in Bela-Bela for the past 44 years.
“I raised my children here and I buried my parents here. I will also be buried here, because I have found peace for my sole in Bela-Bela.”
Rinniccia de Villiers, who moved from the Waterberg to Cape Town, said she misses the warm hearts of the residents of the Waterberg.
Kenau Meinster, nature lover of Settlers on the Springbok Flats, said residents can go on different hiking trails each weekend, go horse riding or join one of the various clubs such as tree identifying, photography, etc.
“Everything happens relatively close to you … and the air is much fresher than in Johannesburg.”
More readers sang the praises of 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. They are very pleased with the fresh air, scenic beauty and low cost of living in the Waterberg.
Bela-Bela residents are particularly positive about the town’s medical practitioners and the fact that specialists from the city visit the town weekly to consult with patients.
Bela-Bela’s active and beautiful bowling club is something which warms pensioners’ hearts.
Loua Boshoff, owner of Re/Max Bushveld in Bela-Bela, has been living in the Waterberg his whole life.
“It takes me five minutes to drive from my home to work and I even pick up my children after school, so we can all enjoy lunch together before their extramural activities start. Everything is literally within a five minute drive, thus the children can participate in more activities than children in the city. Children can still ride their bicycles in the streets. We do not always have the fanciest shops, but Takealot delivers anything at your doorstep within two days,” he said.
Kotie Wagner, The Post’s secretary in Bela-Bela, also lives in the Waterberg all her life.
“People really care for each other. Just look at what happens when someone has a set-back — people help to raise funds to help them get back on their feet; they do not just stand around and record cell phone videos,” Wagner said. “Another positive point is that people know the farmers by name and one can buy fresh produce directly from them.”
Rev. Theuns Kriek of Bela-Bela said he feels privileged to be living in Bela-Bela for almost 29 years. “One of the greatest things I experience in the countryside, is the friendliness I receive and to be able to be friendly. Everywhere I go — in a store, at the Post Office, bank, at almost every place — I come across someone I know. Here I am someone with a name. I am not just a face.”
Wiets Botes, businessman and politician of Modimolle, lives in the area his whole life and said it is the people that create the warm atmosphere. According to him people still trust each other. “One can even take clothes on approval at stores!” He also said nothing can compare with the season’s first Bushveld thunder storm.
Delmarie Lourens of Modimolle said the front doors of houses in the Waterberg are mostly unused because everybody use the backdoor and guests are comfortable sitting around the kitchen table.
“Your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, vets and minister are available 24 hours and their cell phone numbers are no secret. Moving is not an option for us.”
Dalene Kriel of the Brakanjan Speel Skool lives in Modimolle since 1982. “The countryside is actually an extended family. We know each other, we help raise each other’s children, we pray, cry and laugh together.”
The chairman of the Naboom Business Forum and owner of OK Foods in Mookgophong, Mokone Du Preez, is passionate about the Waterberg area. He was born and raised in Naboomspruit, moved away for a few years, but has been back in his heartland for most of the past decade. He believes that there are unbelievable opportunities in Mookgophong.
“Beautiful game farms, lodges and holiday resorts are located in the more mountainous parts around Mookgophong. Apart from the tourism potential, it is a huge privilege to live in the heart of this paradise.”
For him the people are the Waterberg’s biggest asset.
