A toast to SA’s stars
RECOGNITION: ACHIEVEMENTS OF BUBBLY PERSONALITIES CELEBRATED
Laughter filled the room as ladies took snaps for the Gram.
Champagne and high heels were the order of the day at the Veuve Clicquot luncheon held at AtholPlace, a boutique hotel in the heart of Johannesburg.
The champagne brand honoured women of different walks of life who have made a success of themselves.
Take former Big Brother contestant Blue Mbombo, who less than five years ago, was living with her mother and twin sister in a shack. Fast forward to 2017, and Mbombo is a brand ambassador for a reputable beauty brand, has two reality shows under her belt, and inspires young girls from backgrounds similar to hers.
The event saw some of South Africa’s top female media personalities come together to celebrate each other, as well as their achievements – with business women, singers, actresses, and entrepreneurs who are making a great impact in society.
On the guest list were Boity Thulo, Nomzamo Mbatha, Jessica Nkosi, Pearl Thusi, Mbombo, Johanna Mukoki, Ninel Lara Musson, Ayanda Thabethe, Lerato Kganyago, Linda Mtoba, Nandi Madida (nee Mngoma), Dineo Moeketsi, Shashi Naidoo and Thembi Seete.
With the theme, Shining Stars, each and every one of these women shine in their own right.
Dressed in a long black-andwhite slit dress and gold heels, actress and presenter Mbatha told The Citizen this year is the second year that she has been invited by the champagne brand. “I love how personal the event is. It is not often that brands celebrate women. Each and every woman in this room is winning in her own regard, pushing the boundaries and working extra hard to not only be a breadwinner, but a pioneer.”
Laughter filled the room as the ladies engaged in conversation inbetween sips of champagne and taking snaps for the Gram. The energy was palpable as the women seized the rare opportunity to interact with one another on a personal level.
In between juggling hectic schedules, demanding working hours, media events, family, and friendships, the ladies are hardly afforded the opportunity to acknowledge the work they are doing, as well as pat themselves on the back for all they have achieved.
“We are always working so hard and thinking about what to do next and the next project to work on that we never actually get the time to reflect on our achievements. This event does that and that’s great,” said Jessica Nkosi.
In the spirit of Clicquot’s “let life surprise you” positioning, each guest received a hand-written letter, talking to the reasons why they had been selected and honoured as a 2017 Shining Star.
The unexpected notes brought many to tears, overwhelmed at the acknowledgment.
Linda Mtoba, who is currently acting in the hit Mzansi Magic soapie Isibaya, is fairly new to the entertainment industry. She was pleasantly surprised when she found out that she had been selected among women who have been in the industry far longer than she has been – women of great magnitude.
For her, the exclusive invite served as a tool to gauge her impact in the industry thus far, and that dreams do come true.
In the words of Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o: “Your dreams are valid.”