Strong Tamil plea, then weak at the knees

The thunder and lightning did nothing to frighten away guests from the Tamil Federation's 45th anniversary function at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga on Saturday

The speeches were kept short and cultural performances were plentiful on the night, all of which aided in easing the ache of missing the Currie Cup final, which kicked off at the same time as the federation's celebrations.

STRONG MESSAGE:

The head of the Tamil Federation, Phoomoney Naidoo, who shone when weaving among the room's round tables mingling with guests, made a nervous start when she took to the podium to address the masses.

However, her petition to promote the Tamil language among the youth resonated with the guests.

OOPS:

Sadly, some people have yet to master the art of turning off cellphones during speeches, and withering looks were dispatched accordingly.

Another awkward moment arose during the screening of the documentary when the narrator used the opportunity to punt a political party. Something about the way it then went on to become a theme in the short film made for uncomfortable viewing.

OVERALL:

An elegant evening during which organisers were able to blend the importance of owning your cultural background with the need to maintain a culturally central future. Too bad about the extreme politicking, which for me dampened the evening much more than the wet weather outside.

PROMISES of scantily dressed women's teams and a naked Chad le Clos set the tone for the launch of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball City of Durban World Beach Volleyball event on Monday afternoon.

The tournament is set to kick off in December.

MEDITERRANEAN VIBES:

Despite the gloomy weather, the white marquee venue, situated on Durban's New Beach, served to illustrate the guarantee from the organisers that the city would soon be home to Ibiza-style parties.

NAKED APPEAL:

Sports body Sascoc's Hajera Kajee encouraged Olympic medalist Chad le Clos to "show us that beautiful body of yours" and take to the volleyball court.

Sam Ramsamy took the gag one step further, implying that beach volleyball was once played in the nude and joking that the public would get to see a lot more of the swimmer if he complied.

OVERALL:

The venue, coupled with the humorous injections from the speakers, gave the event a relaxed feel.