Meet the participants of kykNET’s New Reality Series Klein Paradys
Smaller living spaces have become increasingly popular lately, with everything from single-car garages to shipping containers being used to create compact living areas.
In kykNET’s new lifestyle reality show, Klein Paradys, six teams will compete for a cool R1 million, but to win, they must transform an empty micro-unit into luxurious five-star accommodation in just four weeks. The series begins on 24 October at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).
The teams participating in Klein paradys are:
Mika and Jannie: The young lovers
She is a 23-year-old architectural designer from Durbanville who has won a national design award, and he is a 36-year-old entrepreneur and co-director of a national infrastructure consultancy company living in Paarl. They say they both work well under pressure and agree that a mitre saw is their favourite tool, but Jannie also likes to have a cordless drill handy. Mika’s life motto is to swim against the tide – and that might just be the ideal attitude to tackle the challenges Klein paradys will throw at her.
Alicia and Claudia: The sisters from Bloemfontein
Alicia (31) is an interior decorator, and Claudia (29) is a tattoo artist. They live in Bloemfontein and aren’t afraid of hard work. However, they know sisters don’t always agree, which might cause friction when they need to make decisions on Klein paradys. Alicia’s favourite tool is an 18V cordless drill, but a paintbrush is enough for Claudia. Their life motto is: This is tiger country!
Juan-Louis and Elri: The friends from Potch
Juan-Louis (28) is a cinematographer, and Elri (29) is an architect. They live in Potchefstroom and have been close friends for six years. Both men have tackled renovation projects with their wives, but this is the first time they’re working together. Elri’s favourite tool is a mitre saw, and Juan-Louis never goes anywhere without his Leatherman multi-tool.
Klaas and Yvett: The stylish duo
Klaas is a 50-year-old business consultant, and Yvett (40) owns a beauty salon. They live in Pretoria East, Gauteng, and believe their strengths – Klaas’ practical skills and Yvett’s style and problem-solving abilities – make them formidable opponents. He always has a drill at hand, and Yvett says she’d rather hang out in hardware stores than shopping malls. Her favourite tool is a paintbrush, with a measuring tape a close second. Her life motto is to do everything to the best of her ability.
Maggie and Gerrie: The eclectic couple
Maggie (36) is a research communications specialist, and her husband, Gerrie (40), is a financial advisor and former journalist. They live with their children in Durbanville, outside Cape Town. If they had to describe their style, it would be colourful and eclectic. His favourite tool is a band saw, and hers is a sewing machine or paintbrush – tools that can hide anything, in her opinion. Their shared life motto is: Kind and brave.
Johann and Lee-Ann: The in-laws
When Lee-Ann, a 38-year-old interior design student from Pretoria, heard about the competition, she asked her brother-in-law Johann, a 34-year-old structural engineer from Durbanville, to be her teammate. They believe his passion for DIY projects and practical approach, combined with her love for designing small spaces and thinking outside the box, make them a dream team. Johann’s favourite tool is his multi-tool, while Lee-Ann loves “dancing” with a belt sander.
The presenter of Klein Paradys is Robbie Kruse. Robbie began his career at Tuks FM at the University of Pretoria and later became a presenter on several major radio stations. He was also a presenter on Bravo! Robbie is a restaurant owner, involved in property development and frequently acts as MC.
Brandt Bester, a businessman and carpenter, is the project manager for Klein Paradys. Since 2013, he has specialised in manufacturing furniture and installing woodwork projects. In January 2022, he founded BB Craft School, focusing solely on offering woodworking training. His goal is to give more people the opportunity to discover the joy of woodworking and experience creating something with their own hands.
Wicus Pretorius, the editor of Tuis, is an expert in new trends and has a keen eye for design. His fellow judges are Magdalena Bobotoni, CEO of housekeeping at the prestigious Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, with 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and Jessica Pieters, the creative force behind The DIY Studio on TikTok and the winner of Netwerk24’s Influencer of the Year Award in the DIY category.
Klein Paradys is produced by Afrokaans and begins on 24 October at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
Visit the kykNET website and use #KleinParadys to join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
