Fikile Mbalula party PHOTOS

Even as a love scandal was breaking around his head, Minister of Sports
Fikile Mbalula was celebrating his 40th birthday on Saturday night in Centurion.
Top entertainers including Brandy and Keri Hilson performed for his guests. See
more..

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula must really like US R&B star Brandy Norwood. Just two months after bringing her to  the country to perform at the SA Sports  Awards, he’s brought her back at the weekend for his birthday party – along with another American R&B superstar, Keri Hilson.

Mbalula’s spokesman Paena Galane  said Brandy had promised to return for Mbalula’s 40th birthday  bash.

The celebrations were arranged for Saturday night because Mbalula’s real birthday, on April 8, clashed with preparations for May’s local government elections.

Galane said: “Keri Hilson is his favourite artist, but Brandy is a friend now and  has a special relationship with the minister, which is not commercial – she is  family”.

Party organiser Nadia Valente said only the hottest names in politics and entertainment cracked the nod for invites. On the guest list of invitees were Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former ANC chief whip  Tony Yengeni, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa, billionaire  businessman Robert Gumede, Generations actress Winnie Modise, former Miss  SA Joan Ramagoshi, former Bafana Bafana players Lucas Radebe and Phil  Masinga and Orlando Pirates chairman  Irvin Khoza.

Purple, gold, black and white and royal  blue were all colours chosen for the decor.

Valente said “mostly sponsors and friends” of Mbalula were footing the bill –  and she declined to reveal who they were.

On the menu, starters included three bean salad, roasted beetroot and orange salad with feta and pine nuts, sun-dried tomato and rocket salad with a basil dressing on a bed of penne pasta.

The main course included pap and chakalaka, Cape Malay chicken curry, lamb shank, butternut pasta and African  baked trout with chakalaka.

Desserts include malva pudding, chocolate brownies, milk tarts, ice cream and fruit.