adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Top South African fashionista, Sophie Ndaba has promised fashion lovers in Zimbabwe a moment of style when she comes through to launch ‘Summer with Edgars Stores’ next week. Popularly known by Generations soapie followers as Queen Moroka, the woman of fashion and style who was born in Soweto, and raised in Harare and Bulawayo, is expected in Harare on September 16 for the fashion extravaganza. She will discuss all things fashion with likeminded people, as well as meet and greet fans, pose for photos and sign autographs.
Three launches have been arranged with the first one taking place on September 17 in Harare followed by a Gweru launch at the 3rd Street and R.Mugabe Edgars branch on September 18. Later in the day, Ndaba will travel to Bulawayo from Gweru for a cocktail party which starts at 5.30PM at corner Jason Moyo and 8th Ave Edgars branch. Bulawayo dance group, Team Ronga, will provide entertainment at the three launches.
Speaking from Polokwane, South Africa where she was organising a wedding yesterday, Ndaba, who is also a wedding planner said: “People in Zimbabwe should prepare because I’m coming to celebrate fashion and life with them.”
“I’m a woman of fashion and style who believes you’re what you wear as what you wear demonstrates and shows people who you are before you speak. These are some of the fashion tips I’ll be sharing with people.” With a late grandfather and mother who were Zimbabweans, Ndaba, said she was happy to be coming home as she last visited relatives last year.
“I come to Zimbabwe once every year, usually in August to visit my relatives there and it’s always a pleasure being invited there.” Being the diva that she is, Ndaba will be driven around the country by Premiere Auto in a top-of-the-range Jaguar. Every year, Edgars celebrates the beginning of the summer season with a Fashion Extravaganza promotion where customers are rewarded with $10,000 and over $40,000 in assorted prizes. The promotion held across the country runs for six weeks.
Edgars’ group marketing executive, Rumbie Dzimba said they had invited Ndaba as she was a renowned trendsetter. “Edgars’ decision to bring in Sophie Ndaba is tied to her being a fashion icon and renowned trendsetter. One of her greatest accolades this year was being a judge on Miss South Africa 2015. To top it off, Sophie has roots in Zimbabwe,” Dzimba said.
“This event marks an exciting opportunity for local fans to interact with Sophie, take selfies, get autographs and specially-branded Sophie merchandise.”
Though many know Ndaba as an actress on the now defunct Generations soapie, she is not just about acting as she has a number of business ventures. She launched Sophla Events 15 years ago, which started with catering, then décor design, and now provides a full wedding planning service. She also runs Sefora Interiors, decorating homes and designing all interiors, from lighting and ceilings, to tiling, kitchens, bathrooms and furniture. Besides that, she runs Mezier Construction with four male partners, and she notes with pride, that women are taking over the SA construction industry.
In an effort to create a platform to give back to the community, Ndaba launched “The Sophie Foundation of Hope”. Every year on her birthday – June 29 – she hosts a group of orphaned children. In the past three years, the foundation has donated computer labs, wheelchairs, school shoes, uniforms, blankets, and food hampers.
Ndaba usually invites celebrity friends to spend time with these disadvantaged children.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter