A day to remember.

The 9th of August is Women's Day in South Africa and it has become customary for our unofficial Mayoress of Kommetjie to hold a luncheon complete with theme for us, the ladies.  This year the theme was "Out of Africa" and women of all ages, races and suspicious gender. . . arrived resplendent in traditional African garb, enormous hats, red overalls, spikey heels, traditionally painted faces, wigs and much leopard print. Everyone looked fabulous.  The effort made was wonderful, the camaraderie comforting and as the food, and particularly the wine, was consumed, the decibels, high. The delicious food, all made by our philanthropic hostess, was typical South African fare. Music supplied by a Congolese duo caused feet to tap and eventually quite a bit of unfettered dancing and singing. There were prizes and lucky draws and I won a book which I have been longing to read called "Good Morning, Mr Mandela" written by his private secretary, Zelda la Grange. Very fitting, I thought, because it is written by a lady who was a self-proclaimed racist, but learned to accept that colour is not an issue from the great man himself! Our Women's Day event is never without a cause because giving back to women in need is what it is all about. This year we raised funds to help a creche in Masiphumele, an informal settlement, which was badly damaged in the recent fires. Other amazing things transpired, like a request for a wheelchair was granted for a diabetic lady and much needed donations were made to TEARS, the animal shelter. What struck me once again is how spontaneously fun, kind and happy women are when in a group. The only thing that could have made a lovely day better is if my daughter had been able to get off work to be there with me. The significant others, i. e. the men, were all down the road at the pub where a husbands day had been arranged. Apparently the venue was very quiet as men sat gazing into their glasses, eating oxtail potjie and waiting for their women. . .

Our Mayoress and one of the ladies in red.