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Evita for fun Fancourt
– Karen Rutter, Cape Times, 6 June 2008
The ever-glamorous Evita Buzuidenout, will co-host the Fancourt Ball in George on October 25. Rated the Fifth Social Function in the World in 2001 by Gold, a Condé Nast magazine, the Fancourt Ball is one of the most prestigious charity events in South Africa. Karen Rutter spoke to Evita and Pieter-Dirk Uys.
Evita Buzuindenout:
I have always respected the work Fancourt owner Sabine Plattner does in her community around George. She also likes what I am doing in Darling with my Trust, so we decided to join forces. We both know how to entertain and how to deliver.
- You are no stranger to grand affairs, having hosted many ambassadorial and celebrity functions. Have you ever been intimidated by the importance of the guests?
It is difficult to be intimidated by politicians, because we all know what they do when the lights go out. Usually I try and be less of a hostess and more of a friend, but believe me, I keep a hawk's eye on the proceedings so that everything goes according to plan. So with Sabine who is German and I who am Afrikaans in charge? Skattie, alles sal regkom! The Fancourt Ball is the one chance every guest will have to make their dream of a memorable occasion come true. Just be nervous that you can't secure a table because it's sold out. So book now!
Pieter-Dirk Uys:
- The Fancourt Ball raises money for the George Family and Child Welfare Society. So, people can enjoy a fabulous evening out, at the same time as giving to a good cause?
I can't see any other reason behind so much care and preparation. It has to be about the real issues and in South Africa they are outside every closed door.
With all that is happening in the country now, will you be spoiled for choice in terms of material?
Have I not always said the government of the day writes me all my material? It was true in the Botha era. Believe me, today I am in a satirical heaven. I couldn't make it up. So I don't pay taxes; I pay royalties.
- Speaking of current events: you recently performed A (Jewish) Boer in Berlin. People have been describing the xenophobic attacks here as a form of genocide. Would you agree?
We need to find the right words to describe the various degrees of fear sweeping the world. Genocide is not the right word, if you compare the Holocaust, Rwanda, Congo and Darfur to what we have been going through here. But fear of each other will always lead to violence. We need education and leadership. Unfortunately, the only logical candidate for the Presidency in 2009 seems to be Evita. She'll invite Winnie to be her Deputy.
- How was your recent US tour?
Under Bush, the US is going through what PW Botha did to us in the 1980s. Politicians use the word "terrorist" to paralyse a democracy into giving them unlimited power. At least the Americans are now excited about the Barack Obama tsunami of possibilities. The show itself? With Hillary and Bill around, there was scope for fresh and sexy material. Zimbabwe created much upset, and the idiocy of Mbeki's legacy brought the house down.
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