DURBAN Cocktails on the rocks with Sizwe
OUTGOING FirstRand CEO Sizwe Nxasana had a spectacular swansong this week, officially opening the company’s new seaside regional headquarters in Umhlanga.
The piazza along the front facade of the R430-million Acacia House was the venue for the formal unveiling on Wednesday morning.
Captains of industry, politicians and well-heeled clients gathered beneath a massive Bedouin marquee for speeches, hobnobbing and a bit of backpatting.
Predictably, the attire was staid: dark suits, white shirts and pointy shoes were the order of the day for the men.
FNB’s marketing head, Faye Mfikwe, and guest Nancy Cockett offered welcome some glam- our in fitting blazers and crop pants.
Partying began with canapés and sparkling wine, as the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra brought the event to life.
Guests feasted on smoked salmon served on a bed of avocado and topped with caviar; then there were springbok carpaccio, spicy chicken skewers and piping hot spring rolls.
Prominent figures in atten- dance included South African cricketing great Andrew Hudson, who is also a regional bigwig at FNB, and property mogul Saantha Naidu, who recently acquired Durban’s grand old dame, The Royal Hotel.
The media-shy Naidu, who is an ally of President Jacob Zuma and an ANC benefactor, chatted quietly with his business counterparts.
Another Zuma backer, Vivian Reddy, the chairman of the Edison Corporation, was dapper in a cream designer suit.
He bragged that he had just returned from Lake Como, Italy, where George Clooney has a villa.
“Look at my Armani tie and shoes ... yes, we certainly shopped,” Reddy winked.
The affable Nxasana shared a few laughs with Mike Mabuyakhulu, the provincial MEC of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, before taking the podium.
He told guests that Durban was home to him.
“I feel a deep sense of belonging, I can walk to my home from here,” said Nxasana.
He felt it was important to create a work environment “that recognised the needs of employees in the 21st century”.
Nxasana was particularly thrilled about the special parking bays for bicycles and electric cars — the corporate’s contribution to helping the environment.
Look at my Armani tie and shoes . . . yes, we certainly shopped