Meet Max, the Stud Butler. He’s an oversized, flesh-coloured ventriloquist’s dummy with a bow tie and hard-on — the world’s first hands-free sex toy, available at South Africa’s first sex expo, the Sexpo. However, he won’t fit discreetly into the underwear drawer, and will probably require a cupboard all to himself.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Viv (57), from Bryanston in Johannesburg. She claims the expo is the best thing that has happened to South Africa in a long time, and that “everyone should come as it’s not about sex only; [the] vibe is brilliant and relaxed and I’m waiting for the show on pole dancing”.
The emphasis at the show in a vast hall at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, seemed to be on sensuality and openness.
Sitting for her portrait like a giggling teenage girl having her first class photo taken, Viv posed for Pricasso, grizzled penile artist Tim Patch. Buck-naked, he uses his penis as a paintbrush. He had other portraits on display, including ones of United States President George Bush, former British prime minister Tony Blair — and Paris Hilton.
Sexpo South Africa director Silas Howarth says that the organisers were surprised at the turn-out on Thursday morning even before doors opened. “There must have been a line of about 300 people waiting to get in this morning.”
“Ride the Bucking Bronco … you have to try it out,” said Samantha (24) and Julian (21), a brother and sister from Lonehill, after trying the Bronco, a penis-shaped mechanical “bull”.
Samantha felt a bit let down by the Johannesburg edition after visiting the Sexpo in London. “There’s not enough fetish stands. Those were fun to see in London.”
Julian said he found it a bit awkward to be there with his sister, but insisted that the next time it would be with his girlfriend. He said he hoped it would become an annual event and that there would be more stalls next time.
Intimate images
To have one’s photo taken in the nude may be the ultimate work of art for any aspiring porn star, but to the common man it’s a significant piece in the bedroom. Intimate images are one of the most sought-after items at Sexpo.
Sibongile (32), from Centurion, planned to invest in such an image. “It’s something I want along with the Kama Sutra essential massage oils.”
She had already bought a video from Hustler and was also getting the hands-free Stud Butler.
Sibongile was highly disappointed in what she claimed was false advertising — organisers said that the first 1Â 000 women would receive a goody bag, “but there’s nothing in here except paper and a Durex condom you can buy for R12”.
The biggest sellers on Thursday had to be Roger the Rabbit — a vibrator — as well as clit stimulators and fantasy outfits. Ray Morgan, of Hot Monogamy, a sex-toy wholesaler, said demand was incredible.
Sharon Gordan, of sex shop Lola Montez, said that the demand for such a shop that was not sleazy drove her into the business. “I was divorced and I needed a vibrator. The shop I went to wasn’t appealing and I saw an opportunity. [I] started four years ago and never looked back. The popular items like Roger the Rabbit sell for R260 and the cock rings for R170.”
Even the staff at the Aids Consortium stall thought the Sexpo was a brilliant idea.
“We love it! It’s a good platform for the Aids Consortium to give information about the risks of Aids and HIV. It’s aimed at the upper class, as can be seen, and we can use it as an opportunity to give everyone information,” said Gerard Payna.
The Sexpo is being held at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, and runs until Sunday evening