Jol put Kestell on the map

By Masilo Malakwane

KESTELL – Recreational festivities such as Bikers day Jol are considered a source of economic spin-off for the Kestell community, which is located at the centre of N5 highway junction between Harrismith and Bethlehem.

It is also the smallest yet old town of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality which is known to attracts tourists with its wildlife sanctuaries and hosting events and festivals.

The organizer of the Bikers day Jol, Ampie Kemp, said even though it’s quite tough to operate a profitable 24-hour business in this town, they still want to change the perception of Kestell being regarded as a one-man hostel.

“Once a month we decided to organise an event like this one, to bring the community together to make difference. We are one family regardless of skin colour; we are one voice,” he said.

According to Kemp, this event has reintroduced a number of sponsored activities that the  community can do to make money and without relying solely on the municipality.

“My dream for hosting such festivals, is to attract more people to places like QwaQwa, Harrismith and Bethlehem, to name a few. Community involvement makes a huge impact because all the money will be donated to the  Kestell Clean-up Campaign,” said Kemp.

Although Kestell is regarded as the smallest town within Maluti-a-Phofung, it appears on the market among other areas as one of the highest agricultural production suppliers.

It also produced prominent figures such as musician Teboho Moloi, beauty queen Tshegofatso Molefe, founder of  football club, Jabu Khumalo and the late businessman Blacky Seoe.

The riders and non-riders who gathered to braai, share food, drinks and biking paraphernalia were mesmerized by the live performance, courtesy of Afrikaans singer, Martin Doyle.