It’s Heritage Month and we started off the celebrations by raising a glass of award-winning local wine and shining light on young and vibrant talent at Sanctuary Mandela.
Here in Johannesburg, you will find Nelson Mandela’s primary home from 1992 to 1998 which is now known as Sanctuary Mandela Boutique Hotel, a place that pays tribute to Mandela’s unwavering spirit. His legacy lives on as you browse the artwork and photographs on the walls and tuck into meals inspired by his favourite dishes.
We spent the night giving recognition to creative and empowering people who continue to preserve our heritage through their talent and innovation.
Our glasses were topped up with an award-winning Carmen Stevens Merlot 2021.
Carmen Stevens was the first black South African to study the art of winemaking. Her journey started in 1995 and since then her presence has become well known within our country. In January 2019, she achieved another milestone by registering the first 100% black-owned winery in Stellenbosch.
Her wines pay homage to nature’s gifts, skilfully highlighting the unique attributes of each growing season.
Pairing beautifully with the wine were trays of canapés coming out of the kitchen where Mandela’s personal chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya still today works her magic at Insights Restaurant making sure everyone gets a taste of what he enjoyed most.
On display was the work of Zwelakhe Ngobese, a self-taught artist from Duduza, Nigel who employs the power of the pen to tell African stories. For him, art is a spiritual journey and many hours, courage and love goes into each piece. Like Mandela who wrote letters using a BIC pen, Ngobese uses a pen to illustrate his own messages through his art.
Putting on a colourful fashion show was Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana Creations … a 100% women-owned fashion and accessories brand that blends contemporary design with the rich tapestry of African culture.
All eyes were on the models that came out one by one showcasing a vivid array of outfits representing a variety of cultures within our country.
Motsamayi properties opened their doors and welcomed us home for an evening where we could embrace our heritage through art, wine and fashion leaving us feeling proud and inspired.
Sanctuary Mandela. Details: sanctuarymandela.com
Artist Zwelakhe Ngobese. Details: Follow @zwelakhe_ngobese on Insta
Carmen Stevens wines. Details: cswines.co.za
Ledikana Creations. Details: ledikana.com
Complied by: Megan Brett
