In sprint condition
Celebs and punters put their best foot forward for a race day with ‘Unbridled African Flair’
THE thoroughbreds were a side attraction at Pietermaritzburg’s richest and oldest sprint event last Saturday when the celeb brigade descended on Scottsville Racecourse.
With the high-rolling punters, they had turned out for the Tsogo Sun Sprint race day, which was showered with blessings from the weather gods.
The glorious day brought with it a few skimpily dressed women, who were more than keen to show off a bit of leg.
Others were in traditionally inspired ensembles, in keeping with the “Unbridled African Flair” theme.
Johannesburg couple Debbie and Luke Buys turned heads with their authentic traditional Zulu outfits.
Debbie said she had commissioned her helper and personal assistant to find the “perfect attire”.
While the plebs mingled in the stands on the other side of the track, VIPs were wined and dined in a giant marquee, draped in white and dripping in unusual chandeliers that resembled branches.
Tsogo Sun pulled out all the stops for its about 200 guests, with a selfie booth, a sparkling wine station, an open bar and food tables groaning under cheeses, bite-sized pies, grilled lamb chops, chicken skewers, bruschetta and little dessert delights.
Designer Sonwabile Ndamase, the creator of those signature Mandela shirts, added a touch of glamour to some of the guests’ ensembles with his African-inspired bow ties and fascinators, created especially for the event.
Ndamase had been commissioned by the host to create the spectacular head- and neckpieces, which “encompassed all different African cultures”.
“I’m simply fascinated by the fascinator,” he guffawed.
Celebrity chef and MasterChef SA judge Benny Masekwameng was dapper in a silvergrey, somewhat shiny suit.
Dolphins batsman Cameron Delport took a bold step when it came to the fashion stakes — he wore a pair of funky floral pants, topped off with a crisp shirt and bow tie. His partner, Aimee Walker, was elegant in a little black dress.
Durban stylist and Ukhozi FM presenter Mthoko “Swenka” Chiyi also went the quirky pants route with a pair made from a red Benares sari. “Should anyone ask why I went Indian instead of African, I would say: ‘What is African?’ To me, African is relative,” he said.
Also spotted were President Jacob Zuma’s lawyer Michael Hulley and kwaito star Zakes Bantwini.
The fun continued with a vibey after-party and a show by R&B singer Loyiso Bala.
I’m simply fascinated by the fascinator