Durban - Radio and TV personality Sorisha Naidoo is not embarrassed by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s public criticism of her rapid weight loss.
Speaking at the launch of her book 491 Days this week, Madikizela-Mandela drew guffaws of laughter from the 300 guests in attendance when she took aim at Naidoo’s svelte figure, saying it was un-African to be so “skinny”.
“I’m just not happy that my daughter is so thin… she must come to Joburg for a week so we can feed her properly,” she said.
The comments were made after Naidoo, the wife of businessman Vivian Reddy, who hosted the book launch at Sibaya Casino on Tuesday night, had read a passage from the book before calling the “mother of the nation” up to the stage.
In an e-mail sent from Dubai, Naidoo told the Sunday Tribune that she viewed Madikizela-Mandela’s comments as an expression of love.
“Mama Winnie’s comments were made exactly like a mom would make to her daughter. It was great to hear the audience roar with laughter – I find it endearing.”
She said former police commissioner Bheki Cele had come up to her later in the evening and joked that there was nothing wrong with her figure.
“He persuaded me to stay the same,” she said. “My body is my temple. I do not smoke or drink and never have.”
Naidoo also shared the secret of her weight loss.
“I drink a cup of white tea every morning, which has a host of health benefits, including detoxing. This, together with a bowl of oats mixed with sesame, linseed, flaxseed and raisins, has been a routine for the past six years.
“A flight of stairs at home, the needs of two kids and a very busy husband, not to mention my own workload, keep me more than fit.
“I try to avoid and limit my bread and dairy intake and walk at least 15 minutes a day.”
Naidoo also revealed she had started a new business that would see her venture into other parts of Africa and then to India.
“I have been offered various reality, movie and TV shows. I have yet to commit to them.”
Naidoo has previously drawn criticism for her skin lightening product, which is endorsed by Madikizela-Mandela.
In response, she once said, “White people can tan, but there is a problem when blacks or Indians lighten their skin?”
Sunday Tribune