Former Miss South Africa and model Liesl Laurie described her experience of this year’s Vodacom Durban July as culturally defining and a powerful reminder that Africa’s time is not still coming. It’s right now.
“Africa’s time is now. We see that in representation from huge stars such as Beyoncé and Ava DuVernay and how excited they are about our culture. Events like the Vodacom Durban July amplify the greatness that is in Africa and South Africa. The world is definitely sitting up and taking Africa seriously,” said Laurie.
Maps Maponyane and Liesl Laurie. Image: supplied
The star joined Maps Maponyane as the hosts of a group of Vodacom Red clients who won an exclusive experience to travel to the Vodacom Durban July on the Blue Train and be hosted as VIPs in the Vodacom Paddock at the Greyville Racecourse.
“The last time I was on a train I was in primary school heading down to Durban for a drum majorette competition. Then fast forward about 15 years later and here I am on a 5-star train…it was amazing,” said Laurie.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but everything on the Blue Train is of the highest standard. Everything made me feel so at ease. In fact, I almost didn’t want to get off the train because it was so special.”
Laurie said the entire experience tied in extremely well with the “Stars of Africa” theme and the general Afrofuturistic interpretation of this year’s Vodacom Durban July.
“What this experience did is to yet again remind me that in South Africa we have some of the greatest experiences. Everything is here in South Africa, and we shouldn’t just focus on what’s happening globally but rather right here on our continent.”
Laurie was blown away by the fashion at the Vodacom Durban July, especially the exclusive fashion show in the Vodacom Paddock which featured leading designers such as Laduma of MaXhosa, Rina from Ri.Ch Factory and Sindiso Khumalo.
“The main thing that stood out for me was the way they used colour and represented our prints, and then also seeing how the Vodacom Red clients envisioned the ‘Stars of Africa’ theme. All of it made the day a colourful and beautiful experience.
“I’ve come back feeling more inspired and excited, and I want more of my outfits in the future to look like what I saw at the Vodacom Durban July.
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