Words: Anne Shauffer | Images: Supplied, Stephen Pilbrough & Phillip Wilson
Pinetown is situated close to key freeways allowing for easy access to all parts of eThekwini. This is why Bongani Mtolo chose to live in this suburb. He works in Umhlanga and plays in Durban, but makes a few other stops in between during his work week.
People choose Pinetown because it’s self-sufficient and has its own CBD – industrial, commercial and retail employment is integral to the suburb and spills over into neighbouring zones like Westmead and New Germany. The suburb is also known for its motor dealerships.
There’s also a wide range of houses, with everything from entry-level homes all the way up to larger homes in established areas.
Home sweet home
Six months ago, Bongani began hosting ECR’s Afternoon Drive from 3pm–6pm, working with Margaret Westerhof, aka Mags, and Gareth Jenkinson, aka G-dog. He also owns an events and catering company, Nandi Concepts, with his wife Zama handling the catering arm.
His three-bedroom townhouse with a garden in a secure estate in Pinetown is perfect for the family’s lifestyle, as Bongani travels a lot. “I’m a club DJ as well and I need easy access to King Shaka International Airport. I was in Cape Town for The Sun Met and I was back there for a few more events and the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo.”
Bongani has two sons, four-year-old Khwezi and nine-year-old Lwazi, and he wanted a home where his family would be safe and secure when he wasn’t around. “My home is close to great schools – the children’s school, St Benedict School, is 10 minutes from the house – and the home is also close to the freeway, so I can avoid traffic. I also own a house in Pietermaritzburg, which is currently occupied by tenants, so I chose Pinetown because I had easy access to Pietermaritzburg as well.”
Bongani is also studying marketing through the IMM Graduate School. “I’m doing that so I can run my brand and business better,” he says.
When asked about his favourite spot in the house, he shrugs. “Probably my man cave. I have all my CDs in there. I go there when I want to relax on my own.”
Neighbourhood gems
Pinetown has several historically significant areas which are well known internationally. The Rainbow Restaurant, one of the most popular jazz clubs in the country, first opened its doors for trade in Stanfield Lane in Pinetown in 1981. It was the first establishment of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal to resist segregation and the laws around liquor licences. It was a great success story on many levels and the club still welcomes jazz lovers from around the country and beyond.
At the other end of the spectrum, beyond the Westmead industrial parks, a visit to Mariannhill Monastery (1882) – incorporating St Mary’s Hospital – is a fascinating architectural, historical and spiritual journey. Once the biggest Trappist monastery in the world, it’s still home to a large community and is considered a valuable tourist attraction. The monthly Baroque 2000 concerts held in the church are well attended by classical music fans. It’s worth popping into the tea garden too.
Perfect Sunday
Bongani enjoys running in his neighbourhood and has the Comrades Marathon in his sights. “One of my favourite Sunday activities is driving down to the beach and going for a run while my boys ride their bikes. Then later, we go to Eyadini Lounge, a popular shisanyama in Umlazi.” Bongani says. “If it’s just me and my wife, we enjoy going to Oscars or Stretta Cafe, but if we have the kids with us, then we choose Pallet Jacks because it has a great kids’ play area and we can just relax.”
Although Bongani loves running, he also enjoys other outdoor activities, such as cycling and hiking. “The Japanese Gardens in Sarnia are a great spot for the family – they also have good hiking trails.”
Wander:
- Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
- Japanese Gardens in Sarnia
- Palmiet Nature Reserve, Westville
Hospitals nearby:
- Life The Crompton Hospital
- St Mary’s Hospital, Mariannhill
- Life Westville Hospital
Schools nearby:
- Benjamin Pine Primary School
- John Wesley Primary School
- Pinetown Boys’ High School
- Pinetown Girls’ High School
- Highway College
- St Benedict School
- The Browns’ School
