The love-bug hits Ballito
Ballito has its very own Herbie purring around town, putting smiles on the faces of nostalgic residents wherever he goes.
Olga Kayser, a teacher at The Beaches primary school, is the lucky driver who cruises around town in the “fully loaded” Beetle. Pupils at the The Beaches love Herbie, and jump at the chance to sit inside the overhauled VW.
Herbie is a 1968 VW Beetle and originally belonged to her late brother, Naas Lourens. The car was transformed into the Disney character’s likeness by Naas a few years ago. He was often seen buzzing about Vryheid in the Beetle. Olga’s other brother, Albert Lourens, bought Herbie from Naas last year so his son could use it at university. Sadly, Naas has since passed away.
Getting Herbie to Stellenbosch from Durban proved too costly, so Olga is using Herbie for the time being. The original Love Bug probably would have driven to Stellies himself.
Olga is amazed by how many people recognise the car and admits she did not know about Herbie until she recently watched the movies. The car is a spitting image of the Love Bug, complete with red, white and blue racing stripes and the number 53 on its bonnet and doors.
“Loads of people stop to look when they see Herbie, and many people have asked to take photos, especially when I park at the Lifestyle centre or the beach,” Olga said. One woman even chased the Love Bug down just to get a photo.
Olga enjoys zooming around in the old Beetle and often forgets that she is inside a very recognisable icon.
“Herbie is more of a novelty to me but he really does turn heads when people drive past,” she said.
Locals will be interested to know that the beetle is for sale. Until it is bought, Olga is happy to allow people to take photos with the famous car.
