We chatted to one of South Africa’s most loved comedians about life on the North Coast.
Once known as the guy in the quirky jerseys, Schalk Bezuidenhout has quietly evolved into one of South Africa’s most honest and introspective comedians. Still hilarious, but also deeply human. These days, he’s also a Ballito local. Sort of by accident.
“I moved here as part of a married couple… and then that ended,” Schalk says candidly.
He had two options: sell the house and move back to Joburg, or stay and make it work.
“I’ve always loved KZN,” he says. “We used to come here for December holidays. And Ballito really is lovely.”
Now he’s an unlikely ambassador for the North Coast. “I suddenly went from being like, ‘What the hell, how did I end up here?’ to being a super big advocate,” he says.
A CLASSIC NORTH COAST DAY OFF
His ideal day off? Pure North Coast. A 10km run, followed by a beer at Hops, and then a game of bowls at Umhlali Country Club, where he’s now a member. He started playing with his parents about four years ago, mostly as a joke.
“And then I had quite a natural talent for it. I don’t really play sports, so that became my sport,” he laughs. “And I like hanging out with old people.”
THE COMEDIAN WHO TELLS THE TRUTH
People are often surprised to learn about his love of bowls or that he finished the Comrades Marathon.
“People don’t associate comedians and sports,” he says. “Back at school, there were the rugby jocks and the drama kids. The drama kids grew up to be comedians, and the rugby guys became the athletes.”
And yet, he keeps getting asked if it’s all just part of the act.
“I did a show the other night where I spoke about the Comrades, and afterwards these two ladies asked, ‘So did you really do the Comrades?’ And I’m like, yes! Just because I say it in a funny way doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”
HONEST, FUNNY, AND SOMETIMES UNCOMFORTABLE
This tension between truth and performance is something Schalk navigates with intelligence and sensitivity.
“I won’t share anything on stage unless I’ve already gotten to a point where I can harvest the humour. Otherwise, it’s just awkward,” he says. “Me standing and talking about my divorce for five minutes with no jokes? That would be weird.”
He’s tried more serious material before, speaking about being bullied at school.
“But I realised it’s not my style of comedy. I start feeling too awkward with the silences. I need the laughs.”
Still, it’s this openness – whether about heartache, hobbies or running 90km – that makes his comedy feel more intimate than most.
“You go further than just making people laugh,” he says. “You form a bond.”
BETWEEN HERE AND EVERYWHERE
Schalk travels constantly for work, from Australia and New Zealand to Europe and beyond. But his ultimate break? Right here at home.
So where does he unwind? The bush. Every time.
“If I had to choose between two weeks in Greece or two weeks in the bush, I’d choose the bush. Hands down.”
In another life, he reckons he might have been a game ranger.
“I’d love to take guests out, share that love. The same way I love being a tour guide for friends in Ballito, I’d love to do that in the bush.”
WHAT YOU SEE IS
WHAT YOU GET
“There’s no serious Schalk off stage and funny Schalk on,” he says. “I don’t speak in punchlines in real life, obviously, but it’s all still me. I find it special to really open up to my audience. You give them more than generic jokes, and they give something back.”
As for Ballito?
“I don’t know if this is going to be my forever,” he says, “but I will definitely be here for the foreseeable future.”
For now, Schalk’s story continues on the North Coast – between bowls and bush breaks, dogs and day runs, comedy and quiet. Not quite where he thought he’d end up, but exactly where he needs to be.
Details: IG: @schalkiebez
Photographs: Pagiel Chetty
Location: next level, Ballito Lifestyle Centre
Local love
Schalk shares his favourite spots:
Coffee fix: I love the Wimpy at Lifestyle Centre (not a coffee snob at all). But my favorite coffee spot is a home made cup of coffee on my deck looking at that typical Ballito view: jungle and ocean.
Foodie favourite: Salt Rock Hotel or Mfino in Sheffield. Mfino is the best kept secret of our area, and that makes me sad. Eugene’s food is next level.
Best sundowner spot: I’m a sucker for an ice cold Castle Tank at Hops. You really feel like a Ballito local there.
