MBOMBELA – As it was Tourism Month, spring was celebrated in style during a showcasing of the diverse culture and beauty of Mpumalanga during what can best be described as an exclusive do hosted by renowned lady, Ms Tsidi Lebenya to a Lifestyle and Networking Evening with the theme: “Here We Are”.
According to Lebenya, “The theme speaks to an agreement by those invited and present, to embrace each others’ different backgrounds and nationalities and cultures.
“Guests braved the rather nippy weather and donned their best to be part of this classy event. Under the African sky, people from different walks of life and countries graced the evening. We had a gentleman from Israel who had a couple from the United States in tow.
“The programme director, Lebo Kekane all the way from the North West, grounded the evening with her grace. Everything, from the red carpert, food and single malts oozed the aura of “Elegance with no arrogance, but flair,” she said.
This was Tsidi’s mantra.
It was an evening of conversation, networking while creating a platform where guests explored a lifestyle; a lifestyle that sought to reflect the beauty of Mpumalanga…a province of different cultures, religions and persuasions which accepts, tolerates and embraces all these. It was an evening that was highlighting one of the many sectors of tourism; cultural tourism.
The evening began with a riverting performance by the singing waiters. This is a youth group that performs waitering services while serenading guests with beautiful melodies. They brought the house down with their performance.
This was one of the highlights. Glenffidich gave them an interesting and informative session on how to enjoy whiskey, a humorous presentation by the international ambassador of Glenffidich, Thami Banda. There was a pop up shop, courtesy of Gallery Squared, a boutique all the way from Jozi. Amongst their clients they boast to be stylists of on one of our music legends, the one and only Ray Phiri who made a guest appearance at the event.
“This evening was a debut of what we would like to do in Mpumalanga going foward” says Lebenya.
Watch this space!
Lebenya was born in the Eastern Cape, corporately schooled in Gauteng in the Private Banking space. When she came to Mpumalanga in 2004, she broke out of the mould, and got the opportunity to think independently out of the confines of corporate, but still had the identity of FNB.
“With FNB, I managed to win the confidence of the Province which awarded us the account in 2005. This confidence spread to being appointed the position of MTPA board member, where I served until the end of my term. My passion for what MTPA stands for never wavered. I now have taken a leap to pursue and build synergies which I believe will make this province be known for its “ Pioneering Spirit”.
“My motto is “Elegance with no arrogance, but flair,” she ended.
