The sweet smell of success

30 October 2011 - 03:13 By Mantombi Makhubele
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As usual, the Sunday Times Top 100 awards was an occasion for corporate kings and queens to gather

YOU could tell by the cars, really. The Jags and the top- end Mercs said I was at the right place for the Sunday Times Top 100 companies awards ceremony on Tuesday night.

VIPs, captains of industry and their partners came out for South Africa's premier business awards function at the Sandton Convention Centre, where businessman Brian Joffe of Bidvest was honoured as Lifetime Achiever.

Thank goodness it was back to banquet form - yes, we too had toned things down in keeping with the recession in recent years. The hall was beautifully decorated in bold red, black and white - those, of course, being Sunday Times colours.

Guests included Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala and businessmen Saki Macozoma and Peter Vundla with his lovely wife Thando, who looked gorgeous in a deep plum sequined gown.

June Rovetti from Bidvest was also stunning in black with matching Christian Louboutins. Radio 702 presenter Redi Tlhabi, in a strappy green gown, was accompanied by her husband, Dr Brian Tlhabi.

The night is all about acknowledging listed companies which have earned the most for their shareholders. For that, minerals company Assore walked away with the Top Company award. CEO Chris Cory was so relieved that his company finally came out tops - they came fourth two years in a row before clinching the title - he shared his anxiety with the audience during his acceptance speech.

The CEOs of the top 100 companies selected a businessman who they felt deserved to be awarded the Business Leader of the Year accolade. Shoprite chief executive Whitey Basson got the highly coveted nod.

Basson quipped that although he could not give us a forecast of the price of gold, he could happily inform us that the price of chicken would increase over the festive season.

An award was given to Impala Platinum for the second consecutive year for its corporate social investment projects.

The Minister of National Planning, Trevor Manuel, gave the keynote address. By his side was his elegant wife, Maria Ramos, who is looking younger and younger. He clearly had had a frantic day, most of it in parliament in Cape Town before rushing to the Sunday Times function only to be back in Cape Town the following morning - most of which he achieved without the aid of a blue light brigade, he joked.

On the red carpet was Sunday Times editor Ray Hartley, looking dapper in his tux. It was nice to check out the fashion sense of colleagues for a change - The Times's editor, Phylicia Oppelt, walked away as my overall winner in a black dress with black and white pleats on the bust.

Another gentleman who impressed me was Pamodzi CEO Ndaba Ntsele. His white shirt was too gorgeous for my sharp eye to miss. The shirt had white stripes and his bow tie had pleats. Talk about attention to detail.

I once reversed into his 7 series BMW at the Fournos bakery parking lot in Dunkeld. He was very generous about it; I never paid a cent. I thanked him again on Tuesday night and he said I should not worry because he had since bought another 7 series. I think he said he actually had bought two?

He repeated the story to Avusa's editor in chief, Mondli Makhanya on Tuesday night.

"I was busy negotiating a R2-billion deal and the restaurant manager came to say there was a lady who wanted to talk to me about bumping into my 760,'' said Ntsele.

Most of the female guests looked the part, but I do think there are a few who could do with some tips on what to wear at a black-tie do. Church clothes are a no-no.

I was particularly disappointed by a beautiful young lady who came dressed like she was going clubbing, in a black and white bandage-like super mini dress. I wonder if she was hoping to bag a rich man?

My highlight of the night was when ex-Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni, who arrived slightly late, ended up briefly at my table.

He explained that he would move as soon as he could locate his table. In my heart I was saying, No need to move sir, this table of journalists could do with a rich person.

Food: 7/10 - A delicious smoked trout trio starter and mains of scrumptious chive and mustard rolled beef fillet with fresh vegetables. And for dessert we had a lemon curd brûlée. Wine lovers enjoyed the Bartinney Sauvignon Blanc and Klein DasBosch merlot, while whisky lovers were treated to Chivas Regal.

Décor: 8/10- As you walked into the room you were greeted with vibrant bursts of red from the floral decorations all over the room.

Vibe: 7/10 - Award-winning comedian Alan Committie kept us laughing the whole night.

The music by the Jazz Company created a beautiful ambience. It was not intrusive - you could continue your conversation while enjoying the music in the background.

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