My Durban July Trip Courtesy Of Flying Fish

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Durban July by Flying Fish. This is the low-down of my weekend in Durban. 

Friday

On Friday evening, Flying Fish hosted dinner party which was attended by some hot TV stars such as Vuzu’s Lalla Hirayama and Dineo Moeketsi, as well as Terry Pheto and Maps Maponyane. Also in attendance were the ladies from Isibaya, Nomzamo Mbatha, Jessica Nkosi and Mampho Brescia.

I had the misfortune of being sat next to Nomzamo and Jessica … two of my favorite stars from Isibaya.

You know how they say; it is best sometimes never to meet your favorite star? Well, this proved to be true of this situation as my affection for the two gorgeous Isibaya ladies was tainted on the night by their lack of manners and common courtesy. 

Forget about celebrity but the basic rule of common decency is that when you are sitting at a dinner table next to people, you have to acknowledge them. Nomzamo and Jessica sat next to us and never once uttered a word to me or my colleague. 

Undoubtedly the biggest star in our midst that night, Terry Pheto, came in and sat opposite us and she greeted, asked how I was doing and engaged in small talk before and during her conversation with her TV friends. She could teach her friends a thing or two about manners and decorum. This was not in some club with fans but an intimate dinner, the Isibaya ladies left a sour taste in my mouth but I still love them and think their talented.

Some advice to Isibaya ladies; You are hot now because of the attention the show is getting but remember this is Mzansi, today’s nobody is tomorrow’s Head/CEO of something. Stars in Mzansi cannot just survive on their tv jobs, they need endorsements/sponsorship and other opportunities beside their tv work -- that is where having built good relationships and impressions will count.

As for the pleasantries of the evening: The 3-course meal consisted of a starter of Smoked Chicken Waldorf with mixed garden greens served with grapefruit segments and a vegetarian fashion sandwich with honey yoghurt. 

The main course consisted of an option between a Karoo rack of lamb served with pesto mash, sautéed seasonal vegetables and a rich citrus thyme jus and a grana padana biscuit or Pan seared catch of the day served on chateaux potato with butternut puree and salsa verde topped with black tigers. I chose the lamb meal. 

I am not much of desert guy so I gave the trio of desserts, which included white chocolate cheesecake, caramel mouse, mango Brule with a fresh fruit coulis, a miss.

The night rounded off with a party on the deck with some beats provided by a local DJ. Never thought that the always demure Terry Pheto can drop it like its hot but was surprised to see the actress getting down.

Flying Fish kept flowing and our hosts were not stingy about us having other beverages besides just the sponsor drink. We danced till we got kicked… hey we Joburgers so until the lights go out, we never leave the party. 

Saturday

Finally the day for the big event arrived and we all got glamed up and were shuttled to Greyville racecourse for the Durban July festivities. 

Upon arrival we were directed to the Flying Fish marquee which was in the VIP JD Boomtown precinct. I am told tickets to enter the sectioned off area ranged from R1500 for VIP and R2500 for VVIP. 

The day started off slow but picked up as it went on. We were treated to a concert featuring some of SA’s hottest talent like; Black Coffee, Dream Team, Uhuru and Zakes Bantwini. 

After the delicious dinner the previous night, something has to be said for the tasteless watery food that we had in that marquee. Lawd have messy. They say when you have a hangover everything tastes good but that was not the case. Thank goodness for the hospitality of the Flying Fish crew and DNA team, one just took it all in stride.

Another mishap was the lack of network coverage which rendered any attempt to share the experience on social media impossible. That was a bit of a bummer because I would have loved to give my hosts some appreciation for their great event. 

Stars poured into the Flying Fish marquee, the likes of Lulo Café, Loot Love, Nomusi Mabena, SK, Samkelo Ndlovu, to name but a few, made an appearance and turned the marquee a hot spot in the precinct. 

I had a great time. . 

Verdict

After all is said and done, I had a marvelous time in the two days I spent with Flying Fish team. Great care was taken to make sure that all their guests’ needs were met. I was worried when I left Jozi that I had not been paid yet so I would need cash in Durban but my fears were squashed as my entire trip in Durban, I did not have to spend a single cent. My food, entertainment and transport were all taken care of by my hosts.  

Special thanks to the DNA Architects team, Jay, Mandla, Ndumiso, Zoe and Obie. You guys were great and made this trip one to remember. Thank you for your kindness and … fun energy!

Many thanks to Flying Fish for inviting and hosting me. Le kamoso.