Inside the MONROYAL Gala: a night of unforgettable celebrations and royal elegance

Royalty from across South Africa converged on the shores of the Zulu Kingdom for a night of glitz and glamour at the BuKhosi and Business Gala Dinner in Durban on Friday night.

This prestigious event, hosted by the Monarchs and Royal Leadership Council NPC and known as the "MONROYAL," took place at the exquisite Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga.

The gala aimed to drive tangible economic transformation across communities under the leadership of AmaKhosi.

It brought together royals, business leaders, investors, and policymakers for a night of collaboration and celebration.

While social and economic issues were at the forefront, fashion also took centre stage, with attendees dressed to impress.

Among the stylish attendees was Nkosi Mbhengi, iNgonyama yaseLangeni, who wore a traditional leopard skin robe over his shirt and pants, complemented by a traditional leopard skin crown, known as umqhele.

The leopard skin symbolises royal authority, power, and spiritual connection, representing the ruler's strength, wisdom and agility.

Across different cultures, this attire signifies a ruler's role as a protector and their connection to ancestral or divine power.

Ndlunkulu Thembi Manana from The Manana Royal Kingdom in Mpumalanga made a striking impression in an exquisite pink dress that hugged her figure perfectly.

The dress, embellished with diamantés, was paired with a traditional head wrap, also embroidered with diamantés, and cream Valentino shoes.

Her jewellery was sourced from Cartier and a local flea market, while her head wrap was designed by a local artisan.

Speaking about her outfit, she shared, “I usually go for traditional dresses, but today I wanted to mix it up. I also did my own make-up for the very first time, and that’s how I achieved this look.”

Princess Nandile Ndamase from the Mpondo Royal Kingdom in the Eastern Cape also dazzled in her traditional mermaid gown.

“This outfit was made twice; I had it redesigned because I wanted a flair. I love the mermaid style,” she explained.

She accessorised with beaded jewellery in the colours of Mpondo culture, stating, “These are usually the colours you will find eMaMpondweni. If you look at my dress, this is how we usually pair the colours and designs. We do love our colours.”

Prince Zukisani Ndamase of the Mpondo Kingdom wore a chocolate brown suit adorned with traditional accessories, including a beaded headband inscribed with his family name and a leopard print shoulder scarf, symbolising royalty.

He also wore beads in the vibrant colours of the Mpondo Kingdom.

He remarked, “It’s important when you are dressing to know who you are and where you come from. The way you dress shows who you are and where you come from.”

The MONROYAL Gala Dinner was a regal affair, filled with elegance and sophistication.

Respect, humility and dignity were the cornerstones of interaction throughout the evening.

The atmosphere resembled a family gathering, despite the formal setting.

Many royal leaders expressed their love for their communities as they networked with business leaders, united by a common goal: to uplift their communities and find sustainable solutions to various challenges.

The MONROYAL was established by the nation’s traditional leaders as a platform to address sensitive issues faced by their communities.

Some of the non-profit organisation’s key objectives include land restoration efforts, as it plans to engage in direct negotiations with landowners to reclaim what it considers ancestral lands.

Additionally, the MONROYAL focuses on socio-economic development, aiming to drive tangible economic growth in communities under the leadership of traditional monarchs, known as amaKhosi.

Cultural resuscitation, unity, and empowerment are also integral to the council's mission.

The event received support from the Black Business Federation, with prominent media partners such as “Daily News” and “Isolezwe” from the Independent Media Group also on board.