Alek Wek In Turbulance Over African Event

International fashion icon and African beauty Alek Wek's company is being asked to return USD10 000 to an events company after failing to arrive and fulfil her role as the Face of Cape Town Fashion Week. Event organisers, Leisureworks GRC sent a letter to Wek's company, Alek Wek 1933 Limited, last week demanding repayment of the money that was sent to her to secure her appearance.

Wek had been billed as the Face of Cape Town Fashion Week last month. She was scheduled to showcase the best of South African fashion, while the 43 designers involved had designed special garments for the Sudanese model. After missing a number of flights and giving no explanation to organisers, show convenor Rajah issued a release saying that Wek was in breach of contract.