R’fontein Show Flashback: Late 90s to early 2000s
Some highlights at the Randfontein Show from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
This week the Herald takes a look at some memorable moments at the Randfontein Show from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
As Marcelle Mans, show coordinator explained, “The Randfontein Show has a heart for giving and charity is part of our make-up. We wanted to bring some glitz and glamour to the show and took this giant leap to introduce a morning gala function in aid of charity.”
The first gala function was held on 25 February 1998. Marcelle said it was a resounding success and continued to remain a highlight on the show calendar for many years. It also gave hundreds of women (and a few men) the opportunity to wear their glad rags.
The function was in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and well-known socialite Edith Venter – the then patroness of Cansa – was one of the special guests. Guest artist was none other than the famous “50-Randjies-vir-jou-Johan-Stemmet”. Other special guests included the then Miss SA, Karishnie Naicker and former Miss SA, Annelien Kriel.
Entertainment included a designer fashion show and lucky draws. A sumptuous buffet lunch was served and a cheque was handed over to Cansa. The year 1999 saw the launch of the “Our Dream” balloon project where 300 balloons – each with a message inside – were launched into the air.
The message requested donations towards the Children’s Haven project, later to be named Bethany House, which is a refuge for abused and abandoned children. Several people called in to the Show office to say they had found balloons and had given donations. One of the balloons travelled as far as Thabazimbi where a farmer found it. He also called the office and offered a donation. Bethany House officially opened in Lark Crescent in Greenhills in October that year.
Young singing star, 11-year-old Suzanne, sang 99 Red Balloons as the balloons were launched. The guest artists were popular actors Johann Scholtz and Ilse Roos from Egoli, and Miss SA, Sonja Raciti.
The theme of the 2001gala function was Victorian Palaces and Plumes. An exact replica of the front of the 1892 Victorian-era Albert Manor Guest House, now a national monument in Ladysmith, formed the stage backdrop in the show marquee. The original home was owned by ostrich baron Matthys van Tonder. Money raised at the event went towards purchasing a vehicle for Bethany House. Special guests included Miss SA Joanne Strauss and actress Brumilda van Rensburg. The beneficiary was the Bethany House vehicle fund.
Who could forget the Klein Karoo menu in 2001? Starters included traditional potjiepot of chicken liver pâté served with snoek pastry boats as well as mini health and mielie breads. The main course included traditional Karoo lamb kebabs, Van Riebeecks risoles, Tant Sannie’s bobotie pies, ostrich pastrami, and guinea-fowl roulade served with red currant jelly.
In 2003, the show committee pulled out all the stops to host a Moulin Rouge themed function. Proceeds went to Carryou Ministry – a home-based and orphan-care organisation. Special guests included Monique Strydom, who together with her husband was held hostage by Abu Sayyaf rebels in the Philippines, Cindy Nell, Miss South Africa, Mrs South Africa 1998 and Mrs International 1999, Elsa Engelbrecht.
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Also read:
R’fontein Show flashback: 1990-1993
R’fontein Skou-terugflits: 1994-1997
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