South African media personality Nomzamo Mbatha will be back at the 2017 Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town, taking place on March 4, this time not to scoop the Best Dressed Award as she did last year, but as official host of the popular social and polo event.
Mbatha, who currently lives in Johannesburg, is no stranger to the Cape Town scene, social events and university life, having studied at the University of Cape Town.
She said she did not expect to be named host of the seventh instalment of the event.
Mbatha, whose home is in KwaMashu, said: “It really took me by surprise as I really was not expecting the call from co-owners Anina Malherbe-Lan and Simone De Wet from VDELUXE, the event owners.
“Last year was my first time attending and, of course, I won ‘best dressed’ with a last-minute outfit.”
The 2017 dress code of the event is Cruise Collection, which dares attendees to dress in their best resort wear outfit, inspired by the iconic fashion capitals of the world: Paris, Milan and New York.
“My take on a polo chic look is simple: daytime chic meets sleek sophistication, match the trends by wearing a cool jumpsuit, bias cut dresses, comfortable heels such as wedges or block heels and statement sunglasses.
“I am wearing a dress by Jacques La Grange couture for my official MC duties. Expect timeless glamour by day. For the after-party, I will wear something sassy from Rich Factory.
“The Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town is one of the prestigious events on the global polo calendar. I am really honoured to be host for the event.
“I invite all Capetonians to come and enjoy polo, beautiful people, champagne and a scenic day in the Cape Town sun at Val de Vie Estate.”
The actress, who has hosted many events and corporate gigs, said: “Anyone who knows me will tell you I really don’t take myself seriously, but I take my work very seriously.
“For this event I am all about keeping the guests entertained – all fun, cheeky and light, just like Clicquot.
“For me, nothing is ever about changing the game or upping the ante from previous hosts. It’s all about the fun and the awareness of this prestigious event.
“It’s a pleasure to work with amazing women in the world of male-dominated polo. I’m excited about taking the microphone from previous MCs and adding my brand of charm.”
Mbatha has a busy schedule ahead for 2017, juggling acting, endorsement deals and more productions which kick off in the second half of the year.
“I am still on Isibaya as the sweet-natured Thandeka Zungu.
“I’ve just kicked off the Neutrogena global campaign, alongside the brand’s two other ambassadors, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Garner. With Puma, we’ve just completed the #DoYou global campaign, spearheaded by Rihanna, and as Audi SA ambassador we’re still charging forward with the #IAMVorsprung global campaign with the likes of Wayde van Niekerk.”
