The Consular Ball
A world of good. In black tie.
Where else could you bid for tea with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an intimate dinner with Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers or an extraordinary one-day adventure to Antarctica?
Welcome to the Consular Ball, one of Cape Town's most distinctive fundraising occasions, where diplomats, business leaders and generous supporters come together for an evening of exceptional entertainment, unexpected experiences and a very good cause.
Because behind the elegant gowns, black ties and spirited bidding lies something far more important.
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
It started with an idea.
When Dr Prieur du Plessis was appointed Honorary Consul of Slovenia in South Africa, his wife, Isabel Verwey, became involved with the Cape Town Consular Corps.
As a founding member of Proud Partners, Isabel recognised the extraordinary potential of bringing Cape Town's diplomatic community together in support of local charitable organisations.
And so, in 2012, the first Consular Ball was born.
Held at the Pavilion at the V&A Waterfront, the inaugural event welcomed representatives from 23 countries, with Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as guest of honour, Dr Michael Mol as master of ceremonies and acclaimed singer Nianell providing the entertainment.
The evening raised R205,000 for four local charities, including Proud Partners.
More importantly, it established a tradition that would continue to grow in both ambition and generosity.
No ordinary auction.
Over the years, the Consular Ball has become renowned for an auction quite unlike any other.
Rather than conventional prizes and products, guests are offered extraordinary experiences, often made possible through the personal generosity, connections and imagination of members of the Consular Corps.
There have been private dinners with international diplomats, culinary experiences with celebrated chefs, personal encounters with distinguished South Africans and adventures in some of the world's most remarkable destinations.
Guests have bid for tea with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the opportunity to conduct an orchestra, intimate dinners with remarkable personalities and even a journey to Antarctica.
Some of the experiences have been wonderfully unconventional. Others have offered access to places and people usually beyond the reach of the public.
All have added a sense of anticipation to an evening where nobody quite knows what might happen when the bidding begins.
A little music. A lot of magic.
Of course, a memorable evening deserves exceptional entertainment.
From the very beginning, the Consular Ball has attracted an extraordinary variety of performers, including internationally acclaimed choirs, jazz ensembles, classical musicians, popular entertainers and dancers.
And some of these performances have brought the story of Proud Partners full circle.
The Artscape Wellington Youth Band, supported by Proud Partners through the donation of musical instruments, entertained guests in 2013.
The Stellenbosch University Choir, another beneficiary of Proud Partners' assistance, performed at several Balls.
In 2017, the Tygerberg Children's Choir captivated an international audience with its extraordinary voices.
And in 2018, young clarinettist David Cyster, whose musical journey Proud Partners had helped support, welcomed guests with a chamber music performance.
For Proud Partners, these moments have been particularly rewarding.
They offer the opportunity to celebrate the very people whose talents and ambitions have been supported through its projects.
An evening that keeps on giving.
While the Consular Ball has earned a reputation for elegance and exceptional entertainment, its real achievements are measured far beyond the ballroom.
The first event in 2012 raised R205,000 for charity. By 2015, that figure had grown to R800,000.
In 2017, the Ball raised R950,000, and in 2018 it passed the million-rand mark for the first time.
Following a break, the event returned in 2022 with renewed enthusiasm, raising a record R1.8 million.
By the end of 2024, the Consular Ball had raised more than R7 million for local charitable organisations.
Over the years, the beneficiaries have included Proud Partners, Durbanville Children's Home, educational bursary funds, Operation Smile, Shine Literacy and several other organisations supporting children and young people as suggested and voted by the Consular Corps.
The beneficiaries change from one event to the next, but the underlying purpose remains the same: bringing people together to help worthwhile organisations continue their work.
Amounts raised for the combined charitable beneficiaries
2012 — R205,000
2018 — More than R1 million
2022 — R1.8 million
2024 — R900,000
More than R7 million cumulative
The next chapter: 2026
With the 10th Consular Ball taking place on 21 November 2026, the tradition continues.
The occasion will once again bring together members of Cape Town's diplomatic and business communities as well as local government in support of charitable organisations.
For Proud Partners, the Consular Ball remains a powerful demonstration of something we’ve known all along - when people bring their connections, knowledge, resources and goodwill to the same table, extraordinary things can happen.