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'I have nothing to prove to anyone': KFM's Carl Wastie on his Golf Mk1 and why he'll never sell it

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KFM presenter Carl Wastie chats to Wheels24 about his Citi Golf.

• Wastie celebrates three years with KFM in July 2020.

• The radio personality also shares his dream garage with us.


Carl Wastie has been a familiar voice on the radio since 2007. Cape Town-born Wastie quickly rose through the ranks, finding favour with listeners wherever he went. From small beginnings to more prominent opportunities, he now finds himself at one of the Western Cape's biggest radio stations - KFM. And for the last three years, he has been driving Cape Town home with his show The Flash Drive.

This past Friday (3 July), Wastie celebrated his third anniversary with KFM and opened up about his time at the station as well as the journey with his beloved Tenacia Isaacs.

Tenacia, is the Volkswagen Citi Golf Wastie has been driving for the past 10 years.

Yes, Carl Wastie drives a Golfie!


If you could ask Carl Wastie one question, what would it be? Email us.

What's up with Tenacia?

Wastie does not mince his words when he says the path he came along hasn't been an easy one. Little more than a decade ago, he had to assist his household; making special mention to his mother and brother. Respectfully, Wastie refrained from delving into the details, but he pointed out that he needed a car of his own.

He paid a car sales lot in Stellenbosch a visit and the assistant quickly showed him the more luxurious options, because "a radio DJ must drive a smart car". But for Wastie, that was not important. He needed a car that could take him from A to B, and one that would suit his budget. It might not be a popular choice for many, but it was the right one for him.

After 10 years and roughly 256 800km on the clock, Wastie is still happy with Tenacia and won't change a thing about their relationship.

Volkswagen Citi Golf

2010 Volkswagen Citi Golf (QuickPic)

Your licence, sir

Some time during the lockdown, Wastie was pulled over during a routine roadblock. Upon seeing his driver's licence, the traffic officer recognised him from KFM fame but was perplexed at what he was driving.

"Is this your car, Mr Wastie?" the officer asked, and he could not believe his ears when the DJ confirmed it.

It is not uncommon for people to be shocked when finding out that his daily drive is a Golfie, says Wastie.

"I have nothing to prove to anyone. So why must I put myself into debt for the sake of a new car? For me, it's not what I drive, but what drives me."

Tenacia is integral to the road he came along. A constant reminder of his humble and challenging beginnings to where he finds himself now. A new car is not a priority, because there is no need for it. Despite his Golfie coming undone on several occasions, this car will remain a part of him and his journey.

Traffic officer

Carl Wastie pulled over by traffic officer (Supplied by KFM)

Wastie's dream garage

When we posed the question of a dream garage to Wastie, he was quick to point out that a Toyota Hilux is not on the list! "I'm gonna need two ladders and a bench to get in," he jokingly said, referring to his height - or lack thereof. No, Wastie prefers hatchbacks and other small cars.

A while back, he got behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as well as two GLA models. He was immensely impressed by it and added both the A-Class and GLA to his list. Anything else? Hatchbacks, in a variety of flamboyant colours!

When the day for car shopping arrives, Wastie says, he will probably look at a Volkswagen again. After 10 years and having built such an intimate relationship with Tenacia, it makes sense. But even when a new car arrives, don't be surprised to see Wastie and Tenacia continuing their love affair because she'll be around forever, if he has his way.

You can catch Carl Wastie on KFM, weekdays between 15:00 and 19:00.

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