Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe | Images: Supplied & Rene Walker
You may have seen her on 7de Laan and Binnelanders or KykNet’s breakfast show Die Groot Ontbyt, but it’s her full-time profession as a radio presenter at community radio station Groot FM 90.5 (serving the greater Pretoria area) that earned Su-an Müller-Marais three ATKV-Mediaveertjie awards for Best Presenter at a Community Radio Station for two years in a row.
Listeners enjoy her entertaining, honest, light-hearted and diverse interviews with guests ranging from SuzelleDIY to Elvis Blue during her brunch time show Su-an en so aan (Su-an and so on). It’s no coincidence that this bubbly, energetic and life-loving lady lives exactly 800m from her work in the leafy Pretoria East suburb of Lynnwood Manor.
Home sweet home
Su-an’s desire to live in a homey (but organised) home and a welcoming neighbourhood stems from her childhood memories of growing up in Potchefstroom, North-West. “We lived in a beautiful house designed by my architect dad and were raised in a safe, child-friendly neighbourhood close to everything.”
After graduating from North-West University, before moving to Lynnwood Manor in 2014, the then drama teacher at Die Hoërskool Menlopark lived in a commune in Menlo Park. “It’s hard to imagine that I survived the busy, public life of a commune, but it was a joyful, almost care-free and quite cheap time of my life, shared with wonderful people like my brother and some close friends, including a very special friend who is now my husband!
“When we got engaged and decided to buy a house, this one (their current home in Lynnwood Manor) stole my heart, as it has a lovely view of the Moreleta Spruit and is situated exactly 800m from my work. When I could see the river flowing 6m from my bedroom, I was sold!”
Even harder to believe, is the fact that Su-an’s husband bought the property without ever seeing it. “He had no idea what it looked like, except for what I had told him. He surprised me one Saturday morning saying we were going to house surf, but actually driving to his own property that he saw for the first time that day. He only knew which house it was because the agent and his parents were waiting outside with champagne and cameras.”
The couple now enjoy being part of a secure and friendly community that they can identify with. Su-an describes the community as “diverse, consisting mostly of middle- to upper-class professional, educated, energetic and friendly people. Most of the people care for the safety and welfare of the community.”
The family member that adores this area the most is their cat, Batman. “Despite the amount of love and care we spoil him with, he can’t stop himself from exploring and roaming the rich fields the Spruit area has to offer.”
Neighbourhood gems
At home, Su-an is often in the kitchen cooking. Other favourite spots in and around their home include “The inner court where the braai is and my plants and the winter sun are prominent, as well as my small backyard, where I can sit and unwind while taking in the rugged backdrops of my larger backyard, including the Moreleta Spruit and surrounds.”
In the neighbourhood, she’s particularly fond of the peaceful, lush, nature-filled streets where she regularly jogs. “Jogging two to three times a week (before work) in the neighbourhood really makes my day. It’s almost a spiritual experience that clears my head, gets me energised for the day ahead, helps me to focus on things with eternal value and get excited about life.”
Su-an also enjoys retail therapy. “I find it therapeutic to go shopping at Lynnwood Bridge or Glenfair Boulevard because walking past all the restaurants, coffee shops and interesting exhibitions makes it feel a bit like a holiday! I always linger longer than planned.” Su-an also likes to be pampered. “Placecol Glenfair takes care of all my beauty needs while I unwind in the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the hospitality.”
Perfect Sunday
The couple usually spend their weeknights at home making food, drinking wine in front of the fireplace and reading or watching wildlife documentaries or drama series. “That’s if I don’t have a premiere, award ceremony, show or media event of some kind to attend,” says Su-an. “We like to go away on weekends. Holidays are a big motivator for me. I love planning trips overseas or to exotic places like Madagascar or less familiar destinations in Southern Africa.”
When not travelling on weekends they try to do as little as possible: chilling at home, going to church, braaiing, watching movies, visiting neighbours who have become good friends or hanging out at a nice restaurant nearby.
“It’s an honour and blessing waking up with the sound of the Moreleta Spruit mixed with the song of the rich birdlife, like the barbets in our pecan nut tree, and then opening the window to the fresh smell of untamed earth while seeing the sun creeping over the hills on the horizon through the mist in the valley in the middle of the city”
Su-an Müller-Marais
Shop:
- Glenfair Boulevard: has been serving the community’s retail needs for 40 years
- Lynnridge Mall: offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere and a great mix of tenants
- Lynnwood Bridge: for a great mixture of exclusive stores, entertainment and dining options
- Menlyn Park: built in 1979, it offers more than 300 stores
- Watermeyer Park Shopping Centre: anchored by Woolworths, Clicks and Virgin Active
Eat:
- Tiger’s Milk, Lynnwood Bridge: for great pizza, grills and burgers
- MotoMoto, Glen Gables: home to the one-metre pizza – perfect for sharing
- Brooklyn Brothers, Glenfair Boulevard: a New York-inspired diner specialising in buffalo-style chicken wings
- Château Gâteaux Patisserie, Glenfair Boulevard: for handcrafted gateaux and desserts
- La Madeleine Restaurant, Lynnwood Manor: for classic French and Belgian country dishes
See:
- Theatre productions at Die Blou Hond
- Musical productions and shows at the Atterbury Theatre
- A range of plants at the South African National Botanical Gardens Pretoria
- A variety of birds at Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary
- Movies at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
