There couldn’t have been a more fitting venue for launching YourLuxury Africa’s June issue than Sanctuary Mandela, the elegant boutique hotel based in Houghton, Johannesburg, which was Nelson Mandela’s home. While he lived here between 1992 and 1998, Madiba hosted royalty and rock stars, politicians, and presidents.
Stepping through the front door, it’s as if subtle chapters of great South African history echo throughout the hotel. Perfectly curated exhibits and extraordinary attention to detail pay tribute to the great leader, such as a display in Madiba’s old bedroom – now one of nine suites – of his personal fragrance and hand cream.
YLA’s June issue featured iconic visual artist and Montblanc brand ambassador Trevor Stuurman on the cover in a striking image he styled and photographed himself. Despite the chilly winter night, there was no shortage of high-profile guests and clients to celebrate the issue’s launch and Trevor’s fascinating journey.
He spoke humbly about the rich stories of our collective heritage and his collaboration with YourLuxury Africa, highlighting what leaving a legacy means to him.
Well-heeled guests mingled over Terre Paisible’s vintage cap classique with its refined taste and signature Honor Cognac cocktails mixed exclusively for the evening. Honor Cognac was recently awarded Best Cognac at the New York International Spirits Competition 2024.
In the open kitchen, Madiba’s long-time personal and family chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya aka Mama Xoliswa collaborated with her team to recreate some of his favourite dishes. This included mushroom and samp arancini, a canapé adapted from the umngqusho she used to make for Madiba three times a week.
Guests were then served delicious home-roasted lamb and a dish the Mandela family called “Sweet Chicken”. Umqa, a traditional Xhosa side dish was also served as a part of the main course selection. “Our menu is a historical ‘food-print’ of Nelson Mandela’s modest tastes and is inspired by Africa and beyond. We have refined these tastes while preserving their authenticity and continuing to pay homage to our diverse African heritage,” says food and beverage manager Kevin Richtenberg. The menu was superbly paired with elegant Terre Paisible wines, including Vivre 2019, a Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc from the Franschhoek estate, and the Vigne d’Or 2018 Red Bland, which has a dark, almost brooding appearance with opulent aromas and a longlasting, flavourful finish. Decadent desserts and nightcaps were enjoyed after dinner as guests chatted into the night accompanied by the cool jazz sounds of saxophonist Ayo Solanke.
YourLuxury Africa’s Managing Director Yvonne Shaff thanked hosts Jerry Mabena and Sanctuary Mandela’s general manager Vincent Monyake and his team. She paid tribute to guests and clients, who have become good friends and are an integral part of the YLA journey. She also spoke about the significant impact YourLuxury Africa has made in the global luxury sector during its 20-month existence, catapulting the African continent into the limelight at the FIPP Global Media Conference in Cascais, Portugal, earlier this year.
We take this opportunity to thank our sponsors Sanctuary Mandela, Montblanc, Honor Cognac, and Terre Paisible, whose support made this memorable evening possible. @sanctuarymandela, @montblanc, @honorcognac, @terre.paisible
Video credit: The Manor Africa
Photographs by Benny Kabamba
