South African Tourism ushered in an evening of tradition and culture at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Toasting their presence in India, the spacious ballroom was brought alive with huge bunches of the exotic native flower 'Proteas', gaily decorating centre-pieces and columns. The guests were treated to an evening of fine wines, traditional foods and lissome performances by South African dancers and the star attraction of the evening -- Jennifer Jones - who regaled all with her golden voice.

At a gala evening to mark the occasion, Lance Littlefield, the Country Head for India announced leading Bollywood actor, Anil Kapoor as the Global Brand Ambassador for South Africa in the presence of Dr Essop Goolam Pahad, Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Moeketsi Mosola, CEO of South African Tourism. Also present was Busi Kwazayo, the Consul General of South Africa, in traditional finery.

Anil Kapoor is one of the few Bollywood actors who has shot five movies in South Africa and has been visiting the country for more than a decade now. He has been a frequent visitor to South Africa, both on business and leisure.

"I have traveled all over the world and met lots of people but South Africa occupies a special place in my heart. When I first went to Cape Town, I thought it was a slice of heaven on earth. The sheer beauty of the place mesmerizes you. Moreover, the warmth and rich cultural history that is so intrinsic to the people of South Africa, is especially heart-warming," said Mr Kapoor. "This honor is an extremely humbling experience for me. I will do everything in my capacity as Brand Ambassador for the promotion of South Africa," he added.

"Anil is a global icon, and definitely one easily identifiable with the large Indian population in South Africa. His close linkages with our country over the last decade made him a natural choice to be our global brand ambassador," said Mr. Lance Littlefield, Country Head - India, South African Tourism.

A special sit-down dinner was attended by Mumbai's glitterati which included Satish Kaushik, Manish Malhotra, Sohail Khan with wife Seema Khan, actress Madhoo, Neelam, Maheep Kapoor, Chunky Pandey with wife Bhavana, Ishita Arun, Monica Vazirali, Laila Lamba, Ayub and Niharika Khan, Zeba and Rajesh Kohli, Raja and Queenie Dhody, Rashmi Uday Singh, Anju Taraporevala and Ramona Narang with their husbands, among many others.

The star attraction of the evening was a live performance by South African soul diva and Grammy award nominee, Jennifer Jones, who performed exclusively for the select gathering of 300 guests. Jennifer sang a medley of classic songs like Circle of Life and One Nation One People, which left the audiences asking for more.

Diamonds and gold being the pride of South Africa, Queenie Dhody showcased her enchanting collection of diamond, gold and pearl jewellery. A troupe of six dancers from South African danced to thumping South African beats, choreographed to excellence by Sandip Soparrkar.

The Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai truly felt like being in South Africa -- it was a celebration in true South African style!