By Ayanda Dlamini
The inaugural edition of The Vintage Note, hosted by Nedbank Eswatini and African Alliance, took place last Saturday at The Terrace, The Royal Swazi Sun. This exclusive event, designed for connoisseurs of taste and success, combined the finest elements of sophistication: wine, cigars, live jazz, and fine dining into one elegant evening that set a new standard for high-end social experiences in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The event was attended by some of the nation’s most influential figures from both the private and public sectors.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg and his wife Barbara, African Alliance Partner S’thofeni Ginidza, African Alliance CEO Nelisiwe Mabuza, and Dr. Terence G. Sibiya, Group Managing Executive of Nedbank Africa Regions.
Also present was Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director Fikile Nkosi, who hosted the event and ensured that every guest was warmly welcomed and well attended to throughout the evening.
The event also attracted a notable lineup of corporate leaders, including FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani Dlamini, Swaziland Building Society Managing Director Mbali Sibanyoni, MTN Eswatini Interim CEO Jerry Soko, MTN FinTech CEO Sam Shongwe, Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) CEO Vusi Matsebula, SEDCO Managing Director Khethiwe Mhlanga, Construction Industry Council (CIC) CEO Maqhawe Mnisi, and Ubombo Sugar Limited Managing Director Muzi Siyaya. The guest list also featured African Alliance General Manager Victor Langa and members of the media fraternity, including Bheki Makubu and Editors Forum Chairman Mbongeni Mbingo, among other industry leaders.
Guests enjoyed 11 exquisite wine tastings from leading estates, paired with premium cigars and select whiskeys, all within a relaxed and refined setting.
The air was filled with the smooth sounds of live jazz performed by Zwile The Saxophone, whose performance captivated attendees and perfectly complemented the evening’s tone of sophistication.
A key moment of the night was the Live Wine Auction at 6 p.m., where guests enthusiastically bid on rare and collectible wines. Gourmet food, an ambient atmosphere, and a spirit of camaraderie defined the event, as attendees mingled and celebrated success in style.
One guest, Thabile Nkambule, expressed her excitement: “It was a beautiful day yesterday at the #vintagenote, where we were exploring wine, cigars, and also enjoyed live jazz. The ambiance was everything. Thank you, Nedbank Eswatini and African Alliance, and the host Pick n Pay Liquor.”
The ambiance at The Vintage Note was a seamless blend of elegance, energy, and meticulous execution.
The collaboration between Nedbank Eswatini and African Alliance proved to be a winning partnership, delivering an evening characterized by excellence, hospitality, and class.
Both organizations received widespread praise for their vision in curating an event that balanced sophistication with ease, creating an atmosphere that was both exclusive and inviting.
For a debut edition, The Vintage Note exceeded expectations, establishing a new benchmark for premium social gatherings in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
As guests departed beneath the starlit sky, a shared sentiment emerged: The Vintage Note had not only elevated the standard for high-end social events but also positioned itself as a premier annual celebration of achievement, culture, and refined living.