When Vivian Reddy announced at the opening of his Radisson Blu hotel in Umhlanga in June last year that he planned to bring the world’s leading luxury brands to the mall next door, I wondered whether the KwaZulu-Natal tycoon had caught a whiff of Durban Poison.
However, 10 months down the track and I should be the one eating humble pie after witnessing the ribbon-cutting to the fancy “Platinum Walk” wing of his newest foray, the Oceans Mall, which has wooed Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Burberry to the Indian Ocean coastline.
And the man with the gift of the gab drew a crowd — from a reigning monarch, to a social media queen, purse-string holders of some of the country’s biggest funds, and political heavyweights — with oodles of Durban-style glam and plenty of new money, thrilled that they no longer need to hop on a plane to feed their logo-mania.
It was a warm Friday evening when I found myself climbing out of the shuttle that whisked guests from the hotel to the complex, which is the brainchild of Viv and developer Rob Alexander.
Heading down a black carpet into the centre, I shake hands with Logie Naidoo, the former Durban deputy mayor turned entertainer, before turning right past a backdrop which could have been lifted off the art deco Great Gatsby film set.
Ahead I spot a punctual monarch in the form of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini seated on his throne, while nearby I recognise KZN former chief justice Vuka Tshabalala.
In search of some liquid refreshment, I slide into the gilded Dolce & Gabbana boutique where I catch up with area manager Magda Coeli. In walks Somizi Mhlongo in Gucci — wide-brimmed hat and holdall to accessorise his white two-piece finished with gold Europa Art heels.
I congratulate the larger-than-life TV personality for deftly shifting from judge of the soon to be axed Idols South Africa talent contest to “detective” on the upcoming Masked Singer South Africa.
“I’m shooting both of them at the same time, and the same place — Urban Brew studios. Look at God!” says Somizi.
Getting wind that the man of the hour is arriving, it’s back to the entrance to catch the Reddy clan — Viv, glam wife Sorisha Naidoo and their offspring, Kalina, 12, and Saihil, soon turning 15 — walk in.
Sorisha looks regal in a royal blue The XVIII Victorian gown while Viv, careful to not show favour to any of his new tenants, opts for a smart Dior suit.
“It took me two-and-a-half years of effort to convince these brands and, eventually, they came,” former president Jacob Zuma’s good pal tells me.
With a combination of the Durban humidity and a throng of more than 900 people inside, things get hot and bothered quickly so I seek refuge in the VIP section, but my grey wristband leaves me stuck with the plebs until communications guy Tumi Moatshe comes to my rescue.
Emcee duties go to Zozibini Tunzi, our former Miss Universe who sadly hasn’t done much worth writing about since wearing the crown, but looks a million dollars in a dazzling nude and silver gown.
The crowd, which includes youthful PIC investment chief Kabelo Rikhotso, eThekwini deputy mayor Zandile Myeni, the IFP’s Narend Singh and visiting Queen Patricia Ajayi (wife of the Yoruba king, Oba Dr Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II), we then hear from Viv, who walks onstage to the tune of what else but Frank Sinatra’s My Way.
Other speeches include former KZN premier and now minister for public works & infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, who remarks: “This is a different kind of an occasion. I see a lot of guys who are very handsome. And the women are gorgeous — but not as beautiful as my wife, Nelly.”
With many at the back continuing to chit-chat, the pint-sized politician calls them to order before the Zulu king comes on to say a few words.
“Today, for the city of Durban, for the province of KwaZulu-Natal, on behalf of all the Zulus, (Zulus come in different packages — there are some white Zulus, some Indian Zulus, some coloured Zulus, the list goes on …), thank you so much Vivian. Durban is the gateway to Africa and this project today proves exactly that,” says the king.
Who else pitched?
Actors Hope Mbhele and Nay Maps (who came straight from the set of telenovela Umkhokha) and Shauwn Mkhize, the controversial Royal AM football club boss who travels with her own glam squad.
Foodwise, it was a menu catering to all the sorts of Zulus the king mentioned — from grilled duck breast with mango and hoisin dressing, to sushi, chicken dim sums, to mushroom arancini balls and mini vetkoek filled with pastrami and cheese, to amadumbe stuffed with cream cheese and a sliver of smoked trout.
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