Former president Nelson Mandela took centre stage at the recent birthday celebration of South African-born New Yorker Pam Mbatani, who hosted the city’s elite, includingbasketball players, actors, filmmakers and a celebrity stylists.
Mbatani, a talent manager who shares a birthday with Mandela, wanted to make her Greek-themed celebration of life count by asking her guests to donate to charities as part of the Mandela Day 67 minutes campaign, instead of giving her gifts.
Mbatani, who grew up in Nyanga, Cape Town, made New York her home some 20 years ago after attending her sister’s wedding and falling in love with the city.
Since then she has become part of the fashion, beauty and entertainment set through her work and networking at prestigious events.
Speaking from New York, Mbatani, who manages her seven-year-old daughter Aria de Chicchis’s modelling career, said she wanted to make her birthday count by hosting a party that would benefit charitable causes.
“My birthday celebration was on July 18 and I share the same birthday date with the late Nelson Mandela. I made it a Mandela Day birthday celebration and I asked my guests to contribute to the charity of their choice instead of giving me gifts.
“Most of my guests contributed to different charities and some to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“I wanted to shine a light on what Mandela Day is about and for my international guests to understand the legacy of Nelson Mandela,” said Mbatani.
“I don’t know the amount that was donated but I do know my filmmaker friend Daniel Kreizberg donated R2,000 to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. My other friend Robert Montefiore, who is a financial advisor, made a donation in my name to Kick4Life charity in Lesotho.
“I didn’t ask my guests about their donations because it would be impolite, but some shared this information voluntarily.”
Mbatani’s guest list of 80 people included Ty Hunter, who was Beyonce’s stylist for 18 years, former NBA basketball player Mamadou N’Diaye, actor Rocco Ancarola and Sherif Soliman, a high-ranking official in the New York’s mayor’s office.
Mbatani, kitted out in a white dress from the Noir Fashion Week showroom, recreated an evening in Santorini or Mykonos by hosting her guests at Skinos, a Greek restaurant on Wall Street, where the menu included owner John Kapetanos’ grandmother’s dishes like keftedes, Greek meatballs, octopus, spicy feta and beef carpaccio.
“Bringing together New York City public figures for my event speaks volumes about the relationships I’ve built in this city. One doesn’t have to be a celebrity or rich in order to make a name for themselves here.
Bringing together New York City public figures for my event speaks volumes about the relationships I've built in this city. One doesn't have to be a celebrity or rich in order to make a name for themselves here
— Pam Mbatani
“Ubuntu goes a long way when one stays humble.
“I came to know many celebrities through events such as New York Fashion Week, the Grammys and galas.
“I took the opportunity to socialies with the public figures as I’m naturally a people’s person and not shy. That’s how my rolodex expanded.”
Filmmaker Daniel Kreizberg said he had a “wonderful time” at Mbatani’s party.
“Pam brought together a diverse and engaging group of people, and we celebrated both her birthday and Nelson Mandela’s inspiring legacy.”
Dr April Ripley, a renowned author, speaker and image consultant, was also among the guests and described it as a “glorious celebration”.
“In the spirit of Ubuntu, Pam asked that in lieu of birthday gifts to her, we give to a charity of our choice. Her selfless request exemplifies the words of Madiba, ‘we can change the world and make it a better place, (because) it is in (our) hands to make a difference’, said Ripley.
Ancarola said Mbatani possessed “a special energy and she has conquered New York single-handedly”.
“She is known everywhere she goes and she goes to the best events and is surrounded by beautiful people and celebrities. I’ve been part of New York nightlife for many years and I’ve never seen anyone captivate New York life like she has.”
Hunter, who now designs clothing, said: “Pam is such a great positive energy and it radiates to everyone around her. I’m so proud of her coming from South Africa making a name for herself in New York City.”
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