Yolanda Buthelezi’s chance spa chat with Rita Ora at the Saxon sparks TikTok moment

South African actress Yolanda Buthelezi turned an ordinary spa visit into a viral moment after an unexpected encounter with British singer Rita Ora at a Johannesburg hotel. According to IOL (Independent Online), the meeting happened during Buthelezi’s trip to the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa.

A surprise poolside meeting

According to IOL (Independent Online), Buthelezi posted a TikTok video showing herself and Rita Ora together in the pool. In the post she captioned the clip:

“POV: you went to the spa on a random Monday and somehow ended up having a great chat with RITA ORA.”

What Buthelezi shared

IOL reports Buthelezi described Ora as “so sweet and gorgeous.” Responding to a comment on the video, Buthelezi said she had asked Ora for permission to take the video and that Ora agreed she could post it.

On inviting Ora back to South Africa

According to IOL (Independent Online), Buthelezi told Ora to return to South Africa for a live performance. The article notes that with many international artists performing in the country, such a return is possible.

Recognition only after they spoke

IOL reports Buthelezi revealed she did not initially realise she was speaking to Rita Ora and only recognised her partway through the conversation. The publication adds that many commenters on the post said they also would not have known it was Ora.

About the Saxon Hotel

According to IOL (Independent Online), the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in Sandhurst, Johannesburg is described as a hotel of choice for many international stars. IOL names Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé Knowles and Whoopi Goldberg among those who have stayed there.

IOL also reports that Nelson Mandela lived at the Saxon Hotel for six months to edit his autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” after his release from prison, and that the property now features a dedicated Mandela Gallery.