Paris Hilton Hosts a Party in Johannesburg

Originally posted Sunday March 23, 2008 12:15 PM EDT

It didn't take long for Paris Hilton to organize a VIP party for herself in Johannesburg this weekend hot on the heels of her goodwill school tour earlier in the week.

On Friday night, Hilton was greeted by a throng of fans at the party, which had been organized with barely 24 hours notice, and gamely posed for pictures.

Meanwhile, Benji Madden, who had performed earlier to wild applause at the My Coke Fest 2008 with his band Good Charlotte, let his girl have the spotlight. At the party, he walked by the crowd virtually unnoticed.

Inside, the couple were affectionate as they hung out in the VIP section. Paris welcomed her fans from a distance via a microphone, declaring that she "loved South Africa, the accent and everyone."

Whenever Hilton leaned over the balcony of the VIP area, she waved and the crowd went hysterical every time, according to an observer.

The party quickly died down after the hostess departed close to 2.30 am.