The A-Listers

IN PICS | Celebs toast Nicky van der Walt as he launches a new tipple

05 September 2021 - 00:00
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Nicky van der Walt, wife Lee-Ann Liebenberg and baby Jagger.
Nicky van der Walt, wife Lee-Ann Liebenberg and baby Jagger.
Image: Masi Losi

Not content with opening Joburg’s hottest restaurant a few months ago, Nicky van der Walt has now added a tipple to his name.

The raffish businessman launched Mirabelle, a cheerfully light rosé wine, last week on the terrace of his swish Asian restaurant Tang in Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square.

Walking past the massive marble slab that flanks the entrance to the dining spot and onto the glass-covered terrace, I spot model Rosette Ncwana sharing a table with guests including top soccer player manager Glyn Binkin.

A few socially distanced seats away I say hello to someone who made the Zondo commission must-see TV — that’s Norma Mngoma, pretty in pink slacks and a retro patterned shirt finished off with one of those trendy top-handle Balenciaga bags.

I ask the woman who had no qualms airing her ex, Malusi Gigaba’s, dirty linen at the commission of inquiry into state capture and corruption when she is inviting us to the launch of her new clothing label.

“I’m waiting until we reach level 1, because I have hundreds to invite,” she replied.

Socialite and estranged wife to former minister, Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma was dressed to the nines.
Socialite and estranged wife to former minister, Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma was dressed to the nines.
Image: Masi Losi
Former Miss SA (2007) Tansey Coetzee turned heads.
Former Miss SA (2007) Tansey Coetzee turned heads.
Image: Masi Losi

Keeping my mask firmly in place I head outside onto the balcony, where I spy ex-Miss SA Tansey Coetzee catching up with one of her gal pals.

On to meeting the man of the hour, Nicky, who has brought along his whole brood, including wife Lee-Ann Liebenberg and the couple’s youngest offspring, cute-as-a-button six-month-old son Jagger.

I had to ask Nicky and Lee-Ann about the incident that got Joburg social circles talking recently, when Lee-Ann took to Instagram to announce that the couple were parting ways after 10 years, naming another woman as the cause of their marital woes.

Businesswoman Johanna Mukoki, left, and actress Mulisa Mudau were both fashionable.
Businesswoman Johanna Mukoki, left, and actress Mulisa Mudau were both fashionable.
Image: Masi Losi
Radio presenter Lerato Kganyago looked ravishing in her suit and platform heels.
Radio presenter Lerato Kganyago looked ravishing in her suit and platform heels.
Image: Masi Losi

“At the end of the day, our family are together, and we are committed to each other,” said Nicky. To which Lee-Ann added: “We want to grow old together.”

In walks Tarina Patel, who looked surprisingly serene despite the legal woes of her Gupta-linked husband, Iqbal Sharma.

“We are being strong and resilient,” said the Real Housewives of Johannesburg castmate, who hasn’t allowed the little distraction of frozen assets like the couple’s R12m Sandton home stop her from living the good life.

Tarina was wearing a graphic print Dolce & Gabbana dress picked up at the end of last month when she joined the rich and famous including Jennifer Lopez, Kourtney Kardashian and Dame Helen Mirren at the Italian designer duo’s operatic Alta Moda show in Venice.

Someone also back from a mini jaunt, this time closer to home in Plett, was travel boss Johanna Mukoki, while others I spotted included events queen Jill Grogor, Real Goboza TV presenter Mulisa Mudau, TV producer Alan Ford and wine guru Michael Fridjhon.

Then there was Lerato Kganyago, who turned up in a chocolate men’s suit, a silk scarf draped over one shoulder and cinched in the waist by a Louis Vuitton belt.

I hear the Metro FM presenter has something to celebrate: rumour has it she’s just landed a R1m-plus endorsement deal ... On to official proceedings, and MC Taryn Louch welcomes us before chatting to Nicky about the vino.

Reality TV star Tarina Patel looked stylish and on trend.
Reality TV star Tarina Patel looked stylish and on trend.
Image: Masi Losi

Nicky explains that the name of the wine, crafted by winemaker Pieter Carstens, is a portmanteau of the name of his holding company, Miramar Collection, and Belle, his nickname for his youngest daughter, Gabriella.

Speeches out of the way, DJ Ravin, the Paris-based deejay famed for his Buddha Bar compilations who was specially flown in for the launch, took to the decks to entertain us.

And what did we nibble when not sipping the refreshing pink drink?

California rolls, tuna tataki, pork belly squares with glossy char sui glaze and mini chocolate tarts with berry compote.

Nicky explains that the name of the wine, crafted by winemaker Pieter Carstens, is a portmanteau of the name of his holding company, Miramar Collection, and Belle, his nickname for his youngest daughter, Gabriella.

Speeches out of the way, DJ Ravin, the Paris-based deejay famed for his Buddha Bar compilations who was specially flown in for the launch, took to the decks to entertain us.

And what did we nibble when not sipping the refreshing pink drink?

California rolls, tuna tataki, pork belly squares with glossy char sui glaze and mini chocolate tarts with berry compote.


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