Basetsana Kumalo’s big night as she launches her memoir

Basetsana Kumalo’s family and friends came out in their numbers to support the entrepreneur and TV personality at the launch of her book at Diamond Walk in Sandton on Thursday night.

In her memoir, Bassie: My Journey of Hope, the businesswoman shows her vulnerability as she pours her heart out about her life. But Thursday night was a celebration with those close to her as she toasted 25 years in the entertainment industry.

Guests patiently waited for the woman of the moment to show up and Bassie made a grand entrance draped in an elegantly flowing purple dress, accompanied by her husband Romeo Kumalo. Everyone was on their feet, smartphones in hand, to capture the moment.

Excitement was written all over her face as she had quick chats with some of the guests.

MC Florence Masebe said Bassie’s story was inspirational. Masebe encouraged the guests to buy the book, saying they were going to relate to her story.

Basetsana Kumalo, her husband Romeo and their daughter Bontle ba Morena were all smiles at the book launch in Sandton on Thursday night.

The actress then joked that if guests wanted to take pictures with Bassie, they had to buy the book first which the author would sign.

“I am not going to allow anyone to take a picture with Bassie, if the person didn’t buy the book.”

Gospel singer Maduvha Madima opened proceedings with Bassie’s favourite song, Your Mercy.

Praise singer Jessica Mbangeni blessed the Queen of the night with a poem.

The highlight of the evening was when Bassie looked Romeo in the eye and thanked him for always standing up and fighting for her. “Thank you for encouraging me to rise to my fullest potential, you are one of a kind. Ngiyabonga Mbulazi, Mashobane, Mntungwa, ungenze umuntu emphakathini.”

As their two sons Nkosinathi, uShaka and daughter Bontle ba Morena looked on with pride, Bassie said: “Thank you for choosing me as your mother my children.”

Among the guests were former Mrs SA Matapa Maila Rikhotso, actress Rami Chuene and Noma Gigaba. Praise poet Jessica Mbangeni dedicated a poem to Bassie. Bassie’s mentor, Doreen Morris, who was the only speaker for the night, told the guests that she had watched the former beauty queen blossom and prosper from the day she was crowned Miss SA in 1994.

“From the day I met Bassie I knew she was our Miss SA,” Morris said.

Bassie thanked her parents for raising the woman she is today. “My parents are smiling from heaven tonight,” she smiled.

	Ntombizodwa Makhoba Journalist City Press p: +27 11 713 9001 w: www.citypress.co.za  e: Ntombizodwa@citypress.co.za
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