Pictured above at the event are (from left to right) Conradie family members, Liz, Marley and Frances, Charmain Shandu (Vice Chair – Tafta Council), Wicus Jacobs (Chairperson – Tafta Council), Femada Shamam (CEO) and Nita Sewpersad (CFO).
Sapphire Soirée a spectacular success
In celebration of 65 years of advocating for and responding to the needs of older people Tafta hosted a Spectacular Sapphire Soirée at the Durban Jewish Club on Friday 27 October.
Guests were treated to an evening of elegance, good food catered by Chilli Chocolate Chefs, comedy and fashion – featuring Tafta elders themselves. One of the models, Penny Nobin Naidoo, shared her experience.
“I live in one of the Tafta retirement apartments (life rights, which can be bought from the age of 55),” she said. “I saw a notice about the event and decided to go and listen to what it’s about. The first consultation was a meet and greet with Jane Linley-Thomas, laying out the plans for the event.
“Thereafter, auditions were held. Over 30 elders presented their unique stories; I was the youngest to audition and fortunate to be one of the 12 finalists selected for the interview and photoshoot stage. We had professional hair styling, make up, nails and outfits from the beautiful, bright and gorgeous ReJoyce Collection.
Unstoppable
“Each of us had to choose a song that resonates with us and I chose, “Unstoppable” by Siya. Rehearsals were so much fun with people choosing to dance and some choosing to sing.
“The management and staff were amazing. Working with Jane Linley-Thomas and her team was an absolute blast. Their love and patience was outstanding. Our glamorous sneakers were donated by Kingsmead Shoes and each contestant got to keep their pair as a memento.”
Gratitude for 65 years of support
Guests were greeted with welcome drinks and a 360 Spin PhotoBooth to capture their spectacular outfits, followed by a formal welcome from Tafta’s Council Chairperson, Mr Wicus Jacobs. Femada Shamam, Chief Executive Officer of Tafta, shared a message of gratitude for the 65 years of support received for the organisation. Shamam asked patrons to use the Conversation Cards at each seat to exchange stories across generations, and in doing so clebrated the evening’s themes of Participation, Dignity and Joy!
During the runway display, each elder model stole the show with their expressive outfits and interaction with the crowd.
Canapés were served throughout the show, followed by a hilarious stint of comedy to tease the appetite before a buffet dinner and desserts were served. The evening ended with a ceremonial cutting of the cake sponsored by Reddy’s Bakery, where Tafta Executives were joined by family members of John and Anna Conradie, Tafta’s Founding Members.
“It was an honour to be joined by the Conradie family, staff and supportive care partners of Tafta in a most memorable evening,” said Femada Shamam.
“An event of this nature cannot go off smoothly without the input of many people, and I have to commend the efforts of all staff, sponsors and service providers who spun their special magic to achieve success. We are grateful to have worked with industry giants such as Black Coffee Designs, Bash with Tash and Jane Linley-Thomas, as well as talented providers such as Keegan’s Sound and Lighting, TFD Décor and Proactive Concepts. Thank you for partnering with us to further our goals of assisting older people to flourish,” she added.
Click here for more pictures of the Spectacular Sapphire Soirée.
