Latest news with #HoughtonHotel
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Kelly Khumalo and Her Bodyguard Dynamic
Under fire yet unshaken, singer Kelly Khumalo made headlines again not for her vocals, but for the imposing presence of a close protection officer tailing her every move on stage. Kelly Khumalo during the Nuna Official Launch in South Africa at Houghton Hotel's Exclusive Sejour Restaurant on July 08, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nuna is a global brand with Dutch roots and has been focusing on creating smart, helpful, and bold baby gear since 2007. (Photo by Gallo Images/OJ Koloti) South African songstress Kelly Khumalo stepped out on stage in full Empress mode this past weekend. She delivered a passionate live performance, accompanied by a heavily armed bodyguard positioned closely behind her throughout her set. Kelly Khumalo is now performing with a bodyguard? — m a s h è s h a 💨 (@_mashesha) July 21, 2025 Dressed in a fashionable ensemble and backed by a full band in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, the Empini hitmaker exuded star power. However, it was the looming figure of her close protection officer (CPO) that stole some of the spotlight. Fans posted the video online. It's speculated that the presence of onstage security could be due to a video post the singer put on her Instagram. Kelly Khumalo and bodyguard Picture X Her clapback on Instagram, following fresh accusations tied to the Senzo Meyiwa court case, has fans and critics on edge. Kelly posted a video clip captioned with a fiery statement: 'From being dragged in that dirty court to sketchy podcasts? You never seize to amaze me. It's quite simple, though; if you strongly believe that I am capable of what you are accusing me of, come and get me and stop playing games! ❗️Till then, BACK OFF! #EmpressFELIZWE 👏🏽🐆' Her post comes hot on the heels of viral claims made on MacG's Podcast and Chill by controversial former advocate Malesela Teffo. Teffo alleged in a no-holds-barred interview that Senzo Meyiwa's death was not the result of a robbery gone wrong. Instead, he said it was an accidental shooting by Kelly during an argument. The July 17th episode has since racked up millions of views. While the public remains sharply divided, Kelly's sister Zandie Khumalo has slammed the renewed accusations and stood by her sister. On the 2022 season of Showmax's Life With Kelly Khumalo, the star shared her growing concerns for her safety. 'Security for me is literally everything,' Kelly admitted in her video diary. 'My last gig in KwaZulu-Natal, I received a threat two days before that they were going to kill me.' The singer also revealed that planning her Gospel Explosion concert in the Vaal included coordination with law enforcement officials due to ongoing threats. 'I have my CPO, a close private officer; they are officers of the law, just private ones. So they can arrest you.' This isn't the first time Kelly has performed with heightened security. The dramatic visual of a guard shadowing her every move on stage sent a clear message: she's not backing down. As the pressure mounts and speculation around Senzo's tragic death continues, Kelly Khumalo is choosing the mic and muscle to defend her name.
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
The Met to Mzansi: Savanna Neat Gala serves luxe, looks and local flavour
While the world tuned into the Met Gala, Mzansi turned the spotlight home with the Savanna Neat Gala, hosted on May 10 at the opulent Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. With a dress code that called for 'Supahfine: Tailoring in Neat Style', the evening was a playful and fashion-forward celebration of comedy, couture and the crisp elegance of Savanna Neat. From some of SA's fave personalities rocking black carpet glam to fashion commentary that kept timelines buzzing, the night wasn't just a moment — it was a movement. If the Met is fashion's biggest night, the Savanna Neat Gala may have just become its most iconic remix. 'The Savanna Neat Gala presented an opportunity to create more than just a memorable night out — we wanted a cultural moment that says: SA does premium, fashion, culture in our own signature way,' says Kayla Hendricks, marketing communication manager for Savanna. 'Savanna Neat is a premium crisp and dry cider, with notes of toasted oak, and is stylishly laid-back. The Neat Gala was reflective of just that, celebrating the unique flavour that comes from blending the iconic innovative edge of Savanna Premium Cider and equally iconic cultural moves for a bold, elevated finish.' The guest list brought the buzz with media personalities Lasizwe and Mohale Motaung, award-winning stylist and reality TV star Phupho Gumede, TikTok stars Banele Ndaba and Cassidy Nicholson, and author Tshiamo Modisane all turning heads. Also spotted were media personality Dominic Zaca, retired soccer player Bongani Khumalo, reality TV star Moshe Ndiki, Savanna Comics Choice Award winner Celeste Ntuli, and fellow comedians Mpho Popps and Nina Hastie — all bringing flair to the affair. For more on the Savanna Neat launch and what's next from Savanna, follow @SavannaCider on Instagram, X and Facebook and tag your #ItsGiving moments with #SiyavannaSA — because it's dry, but you can drink it.
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Skeem GP graduates as a master in leadership and management
Congratulations are in order for reality TV star Themba 'Skeem GP' Lukhele after his graduation. The ex-con received a Masters in leadership and management from Logos University in Florida, US. The graduation took place on May 4 at Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. Skeem GP is a podcaster from Against The Wall and Ringz & Bearings, and is a host for Moja Love's reality show Most Wanted. He told TshisaLIVE he is excited about the next journey he'll be embarking on and is grateful for his achievements.
