Chilling at the Vaal River is tops for DJ Nonn

RICH HISTORY: Be sure to find out more about the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct

NONN Botha joined Kaya FM in 2005, in the role of a trainee DJ. Within six months she was hosting a magazine lifestyle show called The Weekend Starter on Fridays.

Today she hosts the Late Night with Nonn Botha programme. The show airs from 9pm to midnight, adding a little sassy soul inspiration to late- night listening.

When she is not in the radio studio, she is doing MC work, voiceovers and is also a part-time lecturer in radio presenting at On Cue Communications.

The hard-working woman, who hails from the Vaal, also does youth development workshops focusing on young people thinking beyond today.

She is an ambassador for the "get tested, know your status" campaign.

She also freelances as a copywriter and music consultant and is busy writing a book.

She discusses her favourite things about living in the Vaal:

What do you like about the Vaal?

Its warm hospitality, sense of family, the poetic people, the richness of the history and the beautiful Vaal River.

What are your favourite restaurants in the Vaal and why?

The Inyama Grill House, where the roasts are divine. They are the official grill masters.

Favourite hotel or B&B in the Vaal?

My favourite hotel is the Riviera on the Vaal.

It is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, a 45-minute drive from Johannesburg.

What makes the Vaal great?

The natural beauty and the presence of the Vaal Dam.

Vaal Dam restaurants do not only offer great food and beautiful scenery, there is so much history and there is also a nice chilled vibe.

Where do you chill with your friends in the Vaal?

We chill at the Mathews Restaurant at the Riviera.

What's your favourite shisa nyama in the Vaal?

Vaal Mid-corner in Zone 14. It has a chilled vibe with good sounds.

Where would you entertain a tourist in the Vaal and why?

The Vaal has a very rich history; it is the cradle of human rights.

I would take them to the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct. It's a place of remembrance for all men and women who died as result of rejecting the Dompas identity document on March 21 1960.

I would also take them to Emerald Resort and Casino. It offers a host of dining options. These range from the finest culinary delights and wine selection at the High Stakes and Breeze restaurants, to the buffet-style boma and a variety of family restaurants and take-away options.

What do you see the Vaal looking like in the future?

A better buzz of places to go to for food and good music.. More development in terms of property job-creation and art and craft.

What's your favourite place to go for a quiet meal with your family in the Vaal?

The Riviera on the Vaal has the iconic Petit Verdot Floating Restaurant.

Where can you find the best burger?

Burger Box on Voortrekker Street in Vereeniging. I used to go here as a teenager. Now I take my kids.

Where can you find the best cocktail?

The Breeze restaurant at Emerald Resort and Casino.

Where can you find the best hair salon?

Divine Beauty and Spa. They really take care of the details

Where can you find the best all-night dance party?

I am more a house party person, so I go to all-night dances with my childhood friends in Small Farms Evaton or Sebokeng Zone 10 or Three Rivers. They usually take advantage of me and ask me to DJ.

Where can you find the best spa treatment?

Divine Beauty and Spa in Vanderbijlpark. The owner, Mabel Ledwaba, is such a spiritual person and that just adds to the good energy. The place and the ambience is out of this world and I love the hot stone massage.

This article first appeared in the printed newspaper on 17 September 2012