Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe | Images: Supplied, Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe & Luciangel Filipe
Henry van der Walt wears many hats. He’s a full-time project management specialist, is studying towards an MBA degree and participates in endurance sports such as long-distance cycling (road bike and mountain bike stage races) and road and trail running. He also plays golf and has been actively competing in kickboxing tournaments since he was 12 years old. His passion for the sport led him to start the Quest Kickboxing Development and Fitness Academy to help underprivileged children, which he manages after hours.
Home sweet home
Moving to Mayville in Pretoria’s Moot area in December 2006 was somewhat of a homecoming experience for Henry. “I was always around the Moot area while growing up. When I started working, I moved to Centurion, where I stayed for a few years.”
After the birth of their daughter 12 years ago, Henry and his wife, Diana, decided to move to Mayville. They also have an eight-year-old son. “Most of the family stay in the Moot area and we thought it would make sense to stay closer to them in terms of logistics and support for the kids. My wife also worked in Pretoria at the time.”
Henry loves living in Mayville because home to him is “the place and family one looks forward to going to after work, university or training”.
“We feel comfortable and safe in the area. The school, church, Mayville Mall and other shops, as well as Eugene Marais Hospital are all located within walking distance from the central part of Mayville,” says Henry. He considers the primary school in the neighbourhood with “its Christian principles” to be one of the best in the area.
The suburb is on the Bus Rapid Transit system route and is located about 10km from Wonderboom National Airport.
Henry says the residents of Mayville form a close-knit community. “We all support each other and our neighbourhood watch is very active.”
Neighbourhood gems
Henry enjoys spending leisure time at home. He chuckles when asked about his favourite spots in and around the house. “I try not to spend too much time in the kitchen. I’d rather opt for the boma, my beach bar or the pool.”
Henry says Mayville Mall is convenient and comprehensive, with ample parking and a variety of shops. He’s a devoted supporter of the well-known Maders Butchery. “It has great meat and sausage rolls.” Just as popular is Krugers Pub and Grill, which Henry says is one of the best places in Pretoria to enjoy an authentic Eisbein. He also loves the convenience of living close to the municipal swimming pool, where he sometimes trains.
Perfect Sunday
As a high achiever in several fields and someone who makes a difference in people’s lives, Henry has a busy life. However, he has both feet firmly on the ground and has found a way of balancing everything. “During the week, my downtime would consist of a run around the neighbourhood. There are different routes I run depending on the time I have before or after work. On weekends, I would be busy in the garden and I like to socialise with my friends and family so that I can recharge for the week ahead, usually after the kids’ sporting activities in the morning. I like to braai with my family or with friends in the evening. On Sundays, we would all go for a walk with my Rottweiler while the kids ride their bicycles.”
Shop:
- Gezina Galleries
- Mayville Mall
- Tshwane Market
- Waverley Plaza
- Wonderboom Junction
Eat:
- Krugers Pub and Grill: for good meals at great prices
- Maders Restaurant: known for its delicious home-made sausage rolls
- Roman’s Pizza Mayville: for family-friendly meals
- Die Wit Huis: a homely and family-oriented eatery
- Casbah Roadhouse: for traditional milkshakes and hamburgers
Do:
- Book a relaxing wine tasting evening at Time4Wine.
- Visit the nearby National Zoological Gardens of South Africa.
- Browse the African Curio Market at the zoo.
- Explore the historical Wonderboom Nature Reserve with its big fig tree, estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
- Discover the Capital Park art village and meet many local artists.
