In the first of a weekly series, we shoehorned this well-known author, ad man and social media mensch into answering eight quick questions. Dlanga has just finished the manuscript of his next book, and so took a breather to divulge his long-lost love for the Princess of Wales and where he eats out … a lot.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year. And why?
KD: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I bought it last year just before I moved from Cape Town, then it went to storage and when I unpacked everything, I forgot about it. When I lost my mother at the beginning of the year, my friend Nzinga Qunta gave it to me as a gift. It’s heartbreakingly good.
How do you keep fit?
KD: I play Pickleball three times a week and I burn a lot of calories from it. It is not to be confused with Paddle.
Weekday, low-key restaurant go-to? What do you order?
KD: Ukko in Bryanston. It is not really low key, but I am there way too often because the food is so good and I enjoy the service. I might order the baby chicken or seared salmon.
Artwork you’ll always love, and why?
KD: This is tricky because there are some pieces by South African artists that I have the privilege of owning. If I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t have them. Having said that, I love Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi. Her work is so unique and clearly hers, it has a unique pointillism, if you will, that is just hers. Unfortunately, her work is well beyond my tax bracket range. And I note that she has also ventured into sculpture.
What do you regret most?
KD: I didn’t hear enough stories from my mother before she passed away. Fortunately, about two years before she passed away, I asked her to write me stories from her childhood. I think she felt I didn’t encourage her enough to tell the stories, so she stopped eventually. I don’t know if she stopped because she got ill or because she felt that I was not encouraging. I’d just read them and store them without any feedback. All I’d say was, “No, please don’t stop, keep sending.”
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
KD: There is a microfibre cloth I use to clean my glasses. It’s specifically from Lindberg – the eyewear brand – and comes attached to a pouch. It’s just the most fantastic thing.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
KD: Princess Diana.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
KD: I’m sorry, but that’s way too few songs.
Top image: Khaya Dlanga. Image supplied.