Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
LAST Saturday was a day to remember for Jester and Violet Mabaisa, the famous twins of Bulawayo as they celebrated their 70th birthday after Bulawayo well-wishers banded together and pulled off an extraordinary red carpet event worth over US$800.
Guests who gathered at True Elegance restaurant, were welcomed with non-alcoholic cocktails and starters at the entrance and ushered to their seats on a red carpet.
The event, which was attended by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, demonstrated that the spirit of Ubuntu still resides in metropolitan Bulawayo as people from different backgrounds met and managed to plan a celebration that will be remembered for a long time.
Trevor Kaitse organised a lavish celebration that saw the twins sleep in a local hotel where they received spa treatment for two days in a row. The first day was paid for, but the second was provided by the hotel where they were staying.
Qoki Zindlovukazi paid for a full culinary team, and the hosts, True Elegance Events, contributed decorations and the venue for free.
A number of twins from the Twins Association of Zimbabwe (TAZI) joined in the celebration, making the event more remarkable.
An exceptional performance was displayed by Abantwana beNsindiso yamaNareth, a Bulawayo gospel band that made people leave their seats for the dancefloor.
Keeping the guests entertained were Skyz Metro’s Manurse Ndlovu and Khulumani FM’s Cde Phil, who were the masters of ceremony for the day.
Children and grandchildren of the Mabaisa twins arrived in branded tees to commemorate the major event, with celebration colours filling the entire venue.
Individuals and corporations poured in gifts, both monetary and in kind. The twins received a four-plate stove from Ekhaya Fast Foods and Dream House Association offered to plaster their house in Entumbane suburb for free.
People extended their helping hand because the celebrations were full of love.
Minister Ncube was among those who contributed to the event’s success.
Speaking during the event, Minister Ncube applauded the people who contributed to the noble cause.
Event organiser Kaitse said he was grateful the birthday celebration turned out to be a top-notch event despite the negativity he received when he initiated the idea.
“What started months ago with requests to individuals and corporates to make their 70th birthday special was accepted by many and rejected in equal measure. The run-up to the big celebrations started with a special treat by Musa Dube, who ferried them in style to Phaleni Guest House for a treat of a lifetime which included dinner and a Swedish massage for both as well as spending a night away from their home.
“I remember when I started this campaign on social media, many people thought I was crazy, some were asking if I had done the same for my mother. However, some understood and people like Madlela reposted my post and many people started coming through,” said Kaitse.
He said he was driven by Ubuntu to celebrate the twins’ birthday.
“The fundamental principle of life is Ubuntu; life is not about what you get but what you give. If we all get to subscribe to this principle, the world would be a better place. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this celebration a success.
“In times like these, social media plays a very critical role in mobilising people for a good cause. Many people got to know about this through social media, many people reached out from around the world through social media therefore social media is very important in times like these,” Kaitse said.
Member of Parliament for Entumbane and Emakhandeni, Dingilizwe Tshuma said such humanitarian work needs to be spread worldwide.
“Today I am speaking for Entumbane, Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole. It is so beautiful that we gather for a good cause. It is great that people joined hands to make their 70th birthday so beautiful. Such humanitarian work is needed for everyone. May this not end here but continue and spread all over,” said MP Tshuma.
The following are among those that contributed to the birthday celebrations: Simon Mambazo Phiri catered for the Entumbane décor, Celebration Cakes delivered the three-tier cake free of charge, Chef Nkosi offered his services for free, he also came through at the first dinner with the twins, Maita did a banner and Stay Afrique provided accommodation for the organisers and the twins.
Patie offered the Swedish massage. Dream House Association offered to work on their house.
The twins’ beautiful hair was done by Aisha and Glamorous Makeup did their makeup. Cde Phil and MaNurse provided free services and Qoki Zindlovukazi also contributed as were many other individuals and organisations.
At the end of the big celebration the Mabaisa twins spoke in unison to express their gratitude and revealed that they felt honoured to be celebrated and recognised.
“We want to thank Bulawayo and everyone else from outside who contributed to the success of this event. We have never had such a party in the 70 years of our lives. We are very happy that we are appreciated beyond family ties,” they said. –@SeehYvonne
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