On the 16th of January Nelson Mandela Bay will welcome Evita Bezuidenhout to our sunny dolphin-capital shores for her show at the Boardwalk's Amphitheatre. 

"The hilarious Afrikaans socialite and self-proclaimed political activist will enlighten, entertain and inspire fans; Evita will focus on women and address the state of family values in this realistically hysterical show, encouraging audiences to remember their roots in order to embrace and celebrate where they are headed. True to form, Evita never uses bad language or any tasteless references. Instead, with absolute respect, she instils hope in the future of the country and she brings across her point ever so clearly: the people must lead and the government will follow."

We had a little chat with Tannie Evita and asked her a few questions to find out just how excited she is to be back in the Bay, what her favourite treats are and what we can expect from the show from the 16th to the 18th of February.

In Focus: Evita Bezuidenhout in Nelson Mandela Bay at The Boardwalk

Welcome back to Nelson Mandela Bay, Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout, we are delighted to have you here. What are you looking forward to, to see, do or visit while you are in the Bay?

I always pop into the Aquarium because many years ago my grandchildren said one of the porpoises looked like me and I love going back and checking how she is! I also have many old friends in PE and it will be nice to pop into City Hall and see how Athol and his politburo are getting on.

As you know, Nelson Mandela Bay is famous for being a bit on the wild side with its Big 7; lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, southern right whales and great white sharks. If you had to be represented by one animal of the Big 7, which one would it be and why?

Some comrades in the ANC would call me a great white shark, but I prefer to be the leopard: sleek, beautifully designed and mysterious. I would avoid the elephant purely because of size and the rhino because of the danger of having my nose cut off!

The oldest coffee roaster in South Africa, Mastertons, is situated in Port Elizabeth and for us it forms part of the Bay’s heritage; we even have our own unique blend called Blend of the Bay. How do you take your coffee? 

I take my coffee black - not because it's politically-correct but because I find life without milk can be less complicated. Dairy products tend to fill out the expensive Ralph Lauren outfit!

We are filled with pride that Route 67, which consists of 67 public art works symbolising our beloved Madiba’s 67 years of work dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa, is right here on our doorstep. Do you have a favourite art piece from one of the 67 installations?

I have several favourite items which I will find time to visit, hoping that they are still there - and that is why I don't mention them by name, to protect them from people who are looking for souvernirs!

We are very proud of our three Blue Flag beaches in the Bay; King’s Beach, Hobie Beach and Humewood Beach. If you are going to visit one (or all) of our beaches, what are some of the things you are looking forward to do?

Skattie, sadly my days of beach life are far and few between. I used to love the PE beaches close to the Beach Hotel, but now when I go, it is usually with my grandchildren who are happy to leave me under an umbrella with a book. I love pets but am relieved that they do not run wild on the beaches and relieve themselves on my towel. I also hope children are cared for with affection and patience. And no litter please! That's a red flag for me!

One of the biggest and oldest museums in the Bay is Cuyler Manor, the former homestead of General Jacob Glen Cuyler (Landdrost of Uitenhage from 1806 to 1827). But at Cuyler Manor one can find more than just history, it is also home to the best roosterkoek in the Bay, thanks to Rosie who has been working there for the last 30 years.  How should a roosterkoek be enjoyed in your opinion? Cheese? Jam? Mince? Or just good old farm butter? 

My mother made the most delicious roosterkoek but even in thosedays I knew that one slice was enough. The temptation to have 3 choices - cheese, jam and mince - is always there. And farm butter ( the real farm butter) is as rare as gold teeth in a kitten's mouth. 

If you have to describe Nelson Mandela Bay in less than 5 words, what would it be? 

Nelson Mandela Bay is the Best!  

We tend to agree with you, Tannie Evita!

If you can leave the people of the Bay with one thought, what would it be? 

Whatever is good today can be better tomorrow.  So don't give up your dreams.

You will have a show at the Boardwalk’s Amphitheatre from the 16th to the 18th of February at 7:30 pm. What can we expect?

There are three shows: 16 to 18 February….The best service delivery in the Eastern Cape - you will laugh, giggle, gasp, frown, nod, shrug, agree, disagree, applaud and leave with the happy knowledge that we live in the best country in the world in spite of the political wobbles.

 

And lastly, a few quick questions…

Rooibos Tea or English Tea?

Evita Bezuidenhout: ROOIBOS

Elephants or Dolphins?

Evita Bezuidenhout: DOLPHINS

Beach or forest?

Evita Bezuidenhout: FOREST

Car or plane?

Evita Bezuidenhout: CAR

Lamb chop or boerewors?

Evita Bezuidenhout: BOEREWORS

King Protea or Pincushion Protea?

Evita Bezuidenhout: PINCUSHION

Game Drive or Boat Trip?

Evita Bezuidenhout: BOAT TRIP

Sunset or Sunrise?

Evita Bezuidenhout: SUNRISE

Koeksisters or Koeksusters?

Evita Bezuidenhout: KOEKSISTERS

Bobotie or Braai?

Evita Bezuidenhout: BOBOTIE

Summer or Winter?

Evita Bezuidenhout: SUMMER AND WINTER

Rugby or Soccer or Cricket?

Evita Bezuidenhout: TENNIS

Milk Tart or Malva Pudding?

Evita Bezuidenhout: MALVA PUDDING

Museum or Art Gallery?

Evita Bezuidenhout: ART GALLERY

Thank you so much for your time, Tannie Evita! We can't wait to welcome you in Nelson Mandela Bay!

For more information on the shows and to book tickets, click here.