Mingling in high society is a fine art

IT'S not every day that Shwashwi gets to mingle with the Cape Town elite.

But this week, yours truly dashed into the Mother City to spend an evening in the company of oh-so-posh society at the plush Pentagon in Clifton.

It was hosting a private exhibit of the latest art collections from artist Bassa Aspinall, of the British aristocratic family. The patriarch, John, was known as a "white Zulu" patron of the IFP.

Shwa bumped into IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who was happy to mingle - with a few bodyguards nearby.

Mark Thatcher, son of the late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, kept Buthelezi company for most of the evening.

Spotted actress Natalie Becker with US businessman Patrick Studener, who has spent the past month in the city charming his way into some great social circles. Shwa didn't mind his flirting at all.

Someone who decided on an early call time was actress Vanessa Haywood, who dashed out of the six-hour exhibition in a smart move.

Former soccer player Grant Igesund was there, too, while socialite model Lisa Cowley brought her mother. Shwa was in awe of her tight white mini. The woman has legs for days!

The sushi and Champagne went down well while art dealers went on a charm offensive with prospective clients.

Shwa went home a happy girl, imagining that is how Kate Middleton felt the first time she was invited to the palace for a spot of dinner.