Charlize Theron is a star that put South Africa on the world map with her sensational Oscar Award scoop and now the nation has in return presented her with a raw gold rock.

 

Ms Theron walked away with a precious rock after President Thabo Mbeki and mining tycoons Patrice Motsepe and Rick Menel handed her the gift during a "warm" reception in Pretoria last night. "It's lovely, it's beautiful," she said with a golden grin to scores of journalists, who packed the Presidential Guesthouse to capture the moment.

 

Commending the Benoni-born actress for her portrayal role of a killer prostitute in the blockbuster movie Monster, President Mbeki said the nation was "very proud" of her. 'Well done, excellent, we are very happy," he said, shaking hands with the lanky Oscar winner who was accompanied by her mother, Gerda.

 

Ms Theron said she was overwhelmed and humbled by the warm reception she got from her home country especially with the attempts by President Mbeki to congratulate her telephonically after winning the Oscar. Just a few hours after she scooped the prestigious gold statuette in the United States, the President called her at around 2am, but was told by her mother that she had gone out "grooving"

 

The former ballet dancer, dressed in a white and orange suit posed for pictures with President Mbeki, his mother and the two mining giants before walking inside the room for a chat with her hosts. Since arriving in the country, the 28-year-old has been showered with gifts from the moment she touched down at the Johannesburg International Airport.

 

The national carrier, SAA, which flown her and her entourage for free, presented her with its highest honours - the Platinum Elect Card - reserved for World Leaders, Cabinet Ministers and a select group of top clients.

   

Her success had her hometown, Benoni in Ekurhuleni in celebratory moods, with almost everyone including the Executive Mayor Duma Nkosi, school principals and residents hailing her as a local hero. She is due to meet former President Nelson Mandela soon.

 

Issued by: GCIS (Government Communication and Information System)- BuaNews