In a world obsessed with the new and the next, there’s a profound magic in the old. It’s a magic that doesn’t shout from pristine museum cases, but whispers from attics, shop corners, and the well-worn surfaces of objects that have lived a hundred lives before ours. This is the world that kykNET’s captivating new documentary reality series, Fanaties, invites us to enter, premiering Tuesday, 5 November at 20:00.
Forget everything you think you know about antique shows. This isn’t just about price tags and appraisals. Fanaties is a journey into the soul of South Africa’s history, guided by one of its most passionate custodians: Natie Ferreira.
The Story is the Treasure
The central philosophy of Fanaties is beautifully simple: “It’s not just about what something is worth, but about who and what history hides behind it.” The series follows the charismatic Natie as he navigates the bustling ecosystem of his Pretoria shop, Die Sinkhuisie, and ventures out to meet a fascinating array of collectors and experts.
Each episode is a treasure hunt, but the real gold isn’t found in silver or porcelain. It’s found in the stories.
“The opportunity to share my stories and those of fellow collectors with viewers was incredibly exciting,” Natie shares. “I hope to inspire people to fall in love with antiques; to show that behind every item lies a story and a piece of history.”
Die Sinkhuisie: More Than a Shop, It’s a Stage
The series has a vibrant heartbeat: Natie’s shop, Die Sinkhuisie. This isn’t a silent, stuffy gallery. It’s a living, breathing community hub where drama, banter, and discovery unfold daily. It’s where Natie works alongside his mother, mother-in-law, and shop manager Mandy, a dynamic that producer Elmi De Pauw of Walla Films confirms is a key ingredient.
“There’s always a bit of drama and banter between mother and son, that’s what makes the shop such fun to film,” says Elmi. This personal touch ensures that Fanaties is as much about the people of the present as the artifacts of the past.
A Visual Feast for the Curious Mind
The production team made a conscious effort to make the series visually rich and intimate. “Visually, we tried to capture as much as possible of what lives inside people’s homes, every item tells its own story,” Elmi explains. This approach promises viewers a privileged glimpse into private collections and hidden hoards, making each discovery feel personal and thrilling.
For Elmi, a self-professed antique lover, the project was a dream. “I absolutely love antiques and shows about antiques. So, when we got the chance to make Fanaties, I was thrilled. The series focuses on the stories behind these pieces and the passion of the people who collect them.”
Why You Need to Watch
Fanaties is more than a TV show; it’s an invitation to look at the world differently. It’s for the history buff, the nostalgic soul, the curious mind, and anyone who has ever held an old object and wondered, “Where have you been?”
“I think Fanaties has something for everyone,” Elmi concludes. “You’ll be amazed by the people and their stories – and maybe even discover that something in your own cupboard might be worth more than you think.”
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a nostalgic yet surprisingly exciting adventure. Tune in and discover that the most valuable things aren’t always the most expensive, they’re the ones with the best stories.
Fanaties premieres Tuesday, 5 November at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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