Glitzy awards ceremony: Gayton Mckenzie & Kenny Kunene

Glitzy awards ceremony

ANDILE NDLOVU | 22 August, 2011 00:44

Vivica A Fox, USA singer Brandy Norwood and USA actress Regina King during the handover of a valuable sports equipment to Tshwane Leadership Academy at Tshwane Leadership Academy Precinct on August 19, 2011 in Pretoria, South AfricaPhoto by Frennie Shivambu / Gallo Images
Image by: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images

Just two days earlier, at a party hosted by Mbalula to welcome them, Fox did not endear herself to the media and local celebrities after she refused to share the stage with actresses such as Terry Pheto, Bonang Matheba, Minnie Dlamini and pose for a photograph with Generations actresses Sophie Ndaba and Sonia Sedibe.

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The Times understands Fox and King were not even part of the wishlist of American stars earmarked for last night's ceremony.

Singers Keyshia Cole and Alicia Keys, along with Norwood, were the first choice, but it is unknown why a deal was never struck.

In an interview with the SABC1 entertainment show Real Goboza, Fox told insert producer Sydney Mekgwe that she did not know that the women she was rude to were local celebrities.

Former Bafana Bafana players Philemon Masinga and Mark Fish, national soccer coach Pitso Mosimane, cricketers Faf du Plessis and Albie Morkel, radio presenter Thami Ngubeni, Kenny Kunene and friend Gayton McKenzie and Miss South Africa Bokang Montjane were some of the stars present in an awards ceremony that fused sports with fashion and music.

A barefooted Norwood raised the rooftop with a medley of her hits, including What About Us, Aphrodisiac and Departed (Right Here).

Golfing legend Gary Player praised Mbalula's ''energy'' and ''passion'', saying he should not at any stage change his portfolio.

Guests were served a starter of grilled vegetables, artichoke and red cherry tomatoes with lemongrass, tea and soy sauce. The main course was beef port wine served with dutchess potatoes and a green beans bouquet.

The auto-cue operator was the worst performer of the night, with many presenters struggling with poor grammar, spelling errors and delays.

Proteas top-order batsman Hashim Amla was voted Sports Star of the Year. Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, Noko Matlou, Frans Ludeke, Lucas Sithole, Danny Jordaan and the Blue Bulls were the big winners last night.

Times LIVE's David Isaacson beat Times columnist Simnikiwe Xabanisa to the Journalist of the Year award.