Zodwa Wabantu takes her safety very seriously, having spent R240 000 on VIP protection.She’d been planning for the Vodacom Durban July for some time but had to change plans when she learned it would be indoors.

“This meant tightening security and cancelling my butterfly dress,” she said.

“As a result, I was flanked by 12 bodyguards

“This wasn’t just for security purposes, but was meant to create hype and drama wherever I go.”

She wouldn’t have gone the extra mile if it was a normal race.

“Greyville Racecourse is already secure. But this time I was booked all over KZN and had to make sure I was safe.

“This came at a price, but I’m not complaining because it comes with the job.”

She also had to cancel an outfit.

“I had already paid R15 000 for my outfit and was about to pay the remaining R8 000.

She’d prepared two outfits.

“She’d already paid the deposit, but we cancelled due to lockdown.”

Bodyguard Abel Siyesu said: “She paid each of us R20 000. Our duty was to ensure her safety, open doors for her, and basically treat her like a lady.

“We were with her from morning until late.”

“The second outfit was designed by Musa Bassel, and this was the dress I ended up wearing on Saturday,” she said.

Ngcebo Nkosi confirmed he’d already been paid when they decided to cancel the dress.

“But it’s not a train smash. I’m not going to ask for a refund from Ngcebo.

Instead, I’m going to put the money as a deposit for next year’s race.”