Inside the MONROYAL Gala: a night of glitz and glamour

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.

- ZAMANDOSI CELE

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

The gala aimed to drive tangible economic transformation across communities under the management of traditional leaders. 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 Inkosi Mbhengi II kaBonginkosi Mhlongo of eLangeni, 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, the attire signifies a ruler's role as a protector and their connection to ancestral or divine power.