Madiba artwork is set in train
Take company ranging from the only woman to have been first lady of two countries, to two of Africa’s most gorgeous models. Throw in a trip on one of the world’s most luxurious trains, a hilarious strip show and the unveiling of a plan to make Madiba’s face visible from space — the launch of the Massive Mandela Masterpiece project was one of those nights you’re not going to forget in a hurry.
Part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day drive, the launch was held last Saturday in Pretoria, where I find myself welcomed at the Blue Train departure lounge by 67 Blankets founder Carolyn Steyn, who is married to billionaire Douw Steyn.
No sight of the notoriously secretive Douw, so I chat to Sershan Naidoo of the National Lotteries Commission and singer Tim Moloi, there with partner Brian Heathfield.
R167 000 donation
In walks one of those striking clothes-hangers, Nerina Labuschagne, with her partner Colin Coleman, the local Goldman Sachs head, who is so inspired by the blanket initiative he surprises us all by donating R167 000 to the charity on the spot.
The other model in our midst? Congolese-born Joëlle Kayembe, who has bounced back from a messy divorce and is now happily remarried and living in Norway where she dabbles in painting under her married name, Joëlle Hagen.
Official proceedings get started with a blast from the past, Michael de Pinna from those old “Yebo Gogo” ads, who as MC introduces Carolyn, who thanks us “for the blanket coverage”.
Knitting quips abound (Carolyn calls the followers who knit the blankets for those in need “knitwits”) before the announcement of the reason why we are all there: a plan to create a huge artwork made up of 1 764 blankets in grey or black which will create an image of Mandela’s face.
A touching part of the evening is when Carolyn welcomes on stage Graça Machel, the lady with the unique privilege of having been married to two of our continent’s greatest sons — Mozambican president Samora Machel and Madiba — who is joined by her daughter Josina. Mother and daughter are handed a blanket from a prisoner known only as Clark, who was inspired to knit it after hearing of Josina’s domestic assault two years ago. Graça describes receiving the gift as “a deeply moving moment”.
Full Montyesque
Meanwhile, hilarity comes when comedian Brendan Grealy, aka Corrie Campbell, performs a Full Monty-esque routine, stripping down to reveal a knitted South African flag-inspired onesie — and all this before we even embark on our journey! Nothing, though, compares to the plush surrounds of the train, and while we do a lap around Tshwane instead of the usual trip to Cape Town or Hoedspruit, we are treated to a four-course meal in the plush dining car. While waiting for my meal (guests were split into two sittings to accommodate everyone) I spot actress Terry Pheto tucking in with socialite businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo while Generations creator Mfundi Vundla dines with his wife, Karen. When — phew! — I finally sit down to eat, I am relieved to tuck into my salmon and capers salad starter, followed by a delicious red lentil and chickpea soup. But the peppercrusted venison that comes with my pistachio lamb cutlet main is a tad too chewy, although the gooey chocolate fondant dessert makes up for it.