Glittering stars bring KwaMashu to life

The hip, famous and politically connected descended on KwaMashu's One and Only entertainment spot this week for the lively launch of SABC1 family drama Uzalo.

Weaving through the lineup of luxury German sedans and an Italian sports car or two, it was obvious the celebrity brigade was in town.

The show's producers chose KwaMashu to introduce their cast and crew to the media and VIPs as part of the show is shot in the vibrant township.

Uzalo, which will air from tomorrow at 8.30pm, delves into the lives of the Mdletshe and Xulu families, immersed in the contradictory worlds of religion and crime, and is shot entirely in KwaZulu-Natal.

Guests - in figure-hugging dresses and heels, shorts, funky shirts and bowties - sauntered into the venue fashionably late. And they greeted each other in true celebrity style with squeals of delight, air kisses, firm handshakes and hugs, all the while careful not to rumple their designer outfits or smudge their makeup.

Veteran actress Leleti Khumalo, who stars in Uzalo, was elegant in a cool white shirt and trousers. She added a splash of colour to her ensemble with a brightly coloured headscarf and beads.

Former Isidingo actor Don Mlangeni was almost unrecognisable in a white shirt, transparent black vest and white pants and hat.

Other high-profile guests included Durban mayor James Nxumalo and KwaZulu-Natal arts and culture MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha.

The aroma of dinner being prepared - the One and Only is famous for its chesa nyama - had guests salivating and hoping that the formalities would be over soon.

But rumbling tummies were forgotten when Gugu Zuma-Ncube, one of Uzalo's executive producers and President Jacob Zuma's daughter, took the stage.

She was dressed in a traditional printed midriff top and matching maxi skirt with pumps.

There was a touch of drama to the evening when Zuma-Ncube had to scuttle out of the way of a banner that came crashing down behind her. She had the guests giggling when she repeatedly exclaimed: "Hayibo! "

After regaining her composure, Zuma-Ncube spoke about how proud she was of the show, which she co-produced with Muvhango creator Duma Ndlovu and TV personality Pepsi Pokane.

"It took a few years to convince many people. We're very excited that we are finally here. I have butterflies for Monday [the airing of the pilot episode]. The viewers will ultimately decide. I am crossing fingers," she told her captive audience. She didn't say whether her father would be watching the show.

After the speeches wrapped up, guests and the cast mingled over drinks and dinner and busted out a few moves as DJ Tira set the mood for the evening.