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Durban is still the destination of choice for funky stokvel groups and social clubs.
On Heritage Day (24 September), stokvellers from Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga ruled the roost at the coast. Watching them in their element was like viewing colourful birds that migrate to our shores during summer, signalling that Christmas will soon be here.
These days, the stokvel groups coordinate their outfits to the last detail – down to matching sunglasses. It is a marvel to watch.
READ: Personal Finance | How did United African Stokvel con so many people?
At Lanseria airport on the morning of a flight to Durban, my sisters and I were overshadowed by several stokvel groups catching the same flight to the coastal city. One notable group was that of fabulous mamas over 60, all wearing black liquid leggings and blinding neon-coloured, oversized shirts. Bright pinks, yellows and greens stated their intention to have fun on the beach. All of them sported bright vintage sunglasses as they merrily took selfies. They did not care that the styles they were wearing were designed for younger women. No, sir! The fabulous gogos also wanted to get on trend. After all, there are sizes of these outfits that fit them.
What was also odd was their flowing, unusually long weaves. Maybe this was their chance to shed the doeks they wear all year round. Some of the weaves were shaped into bold Afros, as if daring ageists to say a single critical word.
READ: Andrew Lukhele | How City Press contributed to stokvels
The thing about holidays for such stokvel groups is that it is truly an escape from the drudgery of a life burdened by mundane tasks. Everyone on these trips unleashes their inner Sasha Fierce as they compete in the fashion stakes. The women in these groups usually embark on the trip wearing matching outfits that were carefully coordinated before leaving home.
When my sisters and I spotted our chic gogos again in Umhlanga on the third day of our trip, they were decked out in the all-time favourites: white ensembles.
No. The fashion-forward stokvellers owned the day from North Beach to Umhlanga. They mesmerised onlookers, like a burst of summer colours, making us yearn for ice cream, lemonade and sunsets viewed while sipping exotic cocktails.
