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As guests arrived at the posh Hilton Hotel in Sandton for the SA Women in Science Awards gala dinner on Thursday night, they were welcomed with drinks served in a symbolic glass.
The event, after all, was aimed at profiling and honouring female scientists and researchers.
But the place desperately lacked celebrities who often grace such occasions.
While at most events guests are given a token of sorts at the end of the night, this occasion was different in that a goody bag filled with delights from the sponsors of the evening, L’Oréal and Tata, was presented to attendees at the beginning.
The beaming Leanne Manas, who has served as the programme director for the awards for the past four years, was once again the host for the evening.
And she had no competition as nominees were not into glamour and bling, even though they were dressed to the nines.
Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor spoke about the role that women have played over the past 60 years in advancing women’s rights.
“The Women in Science Awards is not only a special event. It also makes a more subtle contribution. It allows young women to dream of a life in science. Far too many girls are told or are allowed to assume that their dreams are irrelevant,” Pandor said.
Then the canapés and chatter flowed freely, and guests tucked into their starters of caprese salad.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the deputy secretary-general of the UN and executive director of UN Women, spoke about her own journey of pursuing her PhD in education and technology at the University of Warwick in the UK at an older age.
She amused the audience when she lamented about studying with much younger students who were more knowledgeable about technology.
“I at least knew everything about the history of the fax machine and telegrams,” she quipped.
With speeches out of the way, the mains were served featuring Norwegian salmon, and guests were serenaded by a live jazz band. Soon they were treated to a decadent dessert of crème brûlée.
The evening was full of celebration and praise for the amazing women making strides in the world of science and technology.
‘It’s not about looks and hype, just The Voice!” is the payoff line for South Africa’s version of the popular reality singing competition.
But the media launch at Sasani Studios in Highlands North was about all three – looks, hype and voices. A red carpet led us into the event, hosted by the dashing, slightly greying and friendly Lungile Radu, the presenter on the show.
Guests were welcomed with gifts of selfie sticks. One was encouraged to take a selfie and share it on Twitter using the hashtag #TheVoiceSA to win a prize.
A violinist in a bubble caught everyone’s attention – especially Radu’s, who was very excited about her presence. She played hits such as Coldplay’s Viva La Vida as guests enjoyed a range of snacks, the bar overflowing.
All The Voice coaches – not judges, they hate it when you call them that – were present in the large hall decorated simply with colourful display lights.
Lira, Karen Zoid, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Kahn Morbee were all in fine form and looking hot. Lira rocked a black-lace-inset maxi dress by fashion house Black Coffee.
“I can feel the buzz, that OMG it is really here. It’s so exciting,” she enthused to City Press. “We really have good talent. Every one of the hundreds of people we auditioned was really great. It was difficult to have to turn some away ... we could only choose 14 people each.”
Blind auditions were filmed at the studios in December.
Next we were given a sneak peek of the show – let’s just say Lira is the best-loved coach and someone faints in episode two – followed by a song from Matthew Mole.
Then we got a tour of The Voice studio. Mingling in the crowd was Isidingo’s Richard Lukunku and Khanya Mkangisa, Rhythm City’s Nolo Phiri, and Carte Blanche’s Claire Mawisa and Bongani Bingwa.
After a great feast on dessert, we were pampered with hampers of all kinds of tech delights.
Although there’s been all sorts of Twitter anger at the whiteness of the judges, that wasn’t raised at the launch. The final assessment will probably have to be up to viewers tonight after the dazzling debut episode.
