Stories of South Africa

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Mthandazo Gatya has always known he has a talent for singing, growing up he sang in the school choir. However, when friends and relatives would ask him to sing for them, he would be too shy to do it.

“I remember sometimes they would catch me singing when doing my chores at home and as soon as I notice that they were listening or watching me, I would stop immediately. The idea of singing alone for someone or an audience intimidated me a little. With the choir I was able to hide in the group.”

Growing up in the dusty streets of KwaMajazana, a small township in the south of Johannesburg, Mthandazo would see child stars such as Mzambiya and Msawawa on television and imagine himself in the same position. He knew he had what it takes, and vowed to stop at nothing to achieve his dream.

Life after school

After completing his grade 12 studies, Mthandazo worked at a company as a cleaner, but because he was young, ambitious and full of energy he quickly climbed up the ladder and became part of the marketing and networking team. That is where he broke out of his shell and learned effective communication skills, and how to market himself as a brand.

A few years later, he decided to pursue his music career full time. Since then, Mthandazo has released three music projects – the most recent in September 2022.
Specializing in African music has always been his passion.

“I’ve always felt African music, culture and sounds need to be celebrated. But not only that, African artists should not shy away from expressing themselves in our languages. We need to give the world what it does or have, and that’s us; our ways.”

The Tik Tok video that went viral

Subsequently, when American singer, John Legend posted an open verse challenge on his Tik Tok account, Mthandazo took part and gave it and African flair.

“John Legend is an artist I’ve always looked up to. Even when I would audition for certain singing competitions, I would audition using some of his songs. One particular song that I really enjoy is ‘Stay with You’,” Mthandazo quietly sings the song.

So, when the man himself liked and commented on Mthandazo’s isiZulu verse on his open verse challenge, he was over the moon. Before this, Mthandazo never really thought he would ever get an opportunity to work with the legendary artist, but after this recent interaction, he realised that it is possible. “Amazing what technology and social media can do!” he says, beaming.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/BVLWYVdHM0

— John Legend (@johnlegend) September 19, 2022

“I’m really grateful that even before John Legend saw my video, many people from South Africa, African and other parts of the world were already just loving it. The support is amazing and so humbling. That’s the most important thing to me: the people. I make music for the people, before the numbers and all matter, the people who will be at the receiving end of my music are my priority. I want to make music that heals people.” Mthandazo tells The Fuse.

Now, he is a Double Platinum certified singer/songwriter, and a South African Music Awards 27 nominee. “This just shows me that when you do something earnestly, people see it and will be willing to support you.”

Going forward, Mthandazo has goals of making more meaningful music and taking it beyond the African continent. And we’d say he’s on the right track!

Connect with Mthandazo: @mthandazogatya on all socials

Tell: 0614395806

Email: jozientertainmentpr@gmail.com

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

When South African actress and entrepreneur Omuhle Gela had her daughter two years ago, she, like any mother, was over the moon – the love of her life and biggest motivation had finally arrived.

Like many millennial moms, Omuhle shares her struggles, challenges and victories in her motherhood journey on her social media but after a while, she noticed many other moms started reaching out to her with their experiences.

Omuhle envisaged creating something where moms from all walks of life – young and old – could spend the day together without their little ones and at the beginning of 2021 she founded Mom’s Day Off.

“We gather as moms and just have good food, play fun games, interact as moms, and advise each other, uplift each other, and empower each other as women who have experienced a lot of body and mind changes that most likely birthed some insecurities,” Omuhle tells The Fuse.

All in a Day’s Work

Every day, Omuhle wakes up at 4 AM and gets ready to play Nomaswazi – a character on the most watched soap in South Africa, SABC 1’s Uzalo.

“I usually start shooting at around 06:00 and literally finish at 18:00, then when I get home, my daughter is excited to see me and just wants to play and spend some time with mommy,” she says.

On top of her long days on set, Omuhle also owns a swimwear line and a nail bar in Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Although Omuhle sometimes feels overwhelmed by it all, she’s still excited about learning new ways to make parenting easier for her and having some days off.

“My daughter’s father and I co-parent, and in most co-parenting cases, the child lives with the mom, which is the same in my situation. I get help sometimes but in reality; we always envision ourselves having children when we’re married. That way, I think it’s slightly easier, tackling parenting with someone who is constantly there,” Omuhle adds.

Body Changes

Having a child changes a woman’s body in many ways and these changes can sometimes make women feel very insecure about how they look. This is just one of the topics Omuhle and the other moms discuss at Mom’s Day Off.

“We remind each other why the changes were so necessary and that we should feel good about them because they were so worth it, you know?

“We bring whole human beings to this earth, come on! Mom guilt is a real thing, but moms need to understand that there’s nothing wrong with taking a day or a few off just to think and be alone. I’m starting to spend time alone but it’s so difficult because I take my daughter everywhere.”

The Blessing of Motherhood

It’s easy to feel hopeless in South Africa with all the violence against women and children and sometimes it feels as if being a mother gets more difficult as the years go by but Omuhle insists that mothers should never lose sight of what a blessing motherhood is.

“I love everything about being a mother, I take pictures and videos of everything my daughter does, she’s the cutest little thing. Just watching a little human, you created grow; she’s started talking now, seeing her running to mommy after work, it’s all so beautiful,” she pauses as her daughter runs to show her something she’s found outside. “There’s also a bit of pressure though, just knowing that you’re responsible for grooming them into a good person.”

But again, to be a good mother, Omuhle believes women should prioritise self-care so they can be the best versions of themselves when spending time with their little ones. On her self-care days, you can find the 30-year-old relaxing at a spa, getting her nails done and just being pampered.

“A message I would like to give to moms is to just appreciate ourselves, don’t be too hard on ourselves and sit down to reflect on the beauty of motherhood, and the lives we’ve created.

“Social media puts a lot of pressure on how we should raise our children, it’s filled with a lot of opinionated people with different lifestyles and it’s easy to compare ourselves but let’s try to stay away from that dark route.

“We all mother differently, we have different backgrounds and are on different financial standings, so I think it’s imperative that we focus on how we can be moms the best way we can be. Rather take advice from your family, it’s a better way to possibly raise your child. Don’t feel less than because of external pressures,” Omuhle concludes.

By Nkosazana Ngwadla

The issue of politics and the general state of the land is something every citizen should be invested in, including young black women, according to 27-year-old Pearl Mncube. As a Political Analyst, Pearl has noticed that while there are some black women in the space, there definitely could still be more.

“The topic of politics has always been regarded as one that primarily centers around men, and their decisions and opinions. Gradually, we have seen more black women ‘take up space’, whether it be in public office, lending their opinions on public platforms, or taking up government relations roles in the private sector. This has been greatly inspiring!” Pearl tells The Fuse.

A Day in the Life of a Political Analyst

Pear’s typical day involves a lot of reading, engaging, and reflecting. Her ears are constantly on the ground for new information and key political developments.

“Being in the space forces one to constantly read the news and focus on different platforms to connect different pieces of information and perspectives. This is one of the first things I do every morning. Individuals and organizations not only rely on our expertise for information-sharing purposes, but also for making sense of the latest political developments,” she says.

“I am also involved in tracking, analyzing, and offering advice on key public policy developments. I probably enjoy this part of the job the most. Again, this requires a lot of reading,” Pearl adds with enthusiasm.

Something else that Pearl has enjoyed in her career is sharing her opinion on reputable broadcast shows. She’s always enjoyed watching the news and has dreamt of appearing on these platforms to lend her opinion.

“My journey started with writing articles and having these published online. I had a great deal of support from my fellow employees and mentors, who would challenge my thinking and assist me in firming up my views. From there, I have had producers from various TV and radio platforms contact me to offer my views verbally. This has been both challenging and exciting. I have always felt stronger in my written analysis. I have taken every chance as an opportunity to grow in my craft and look forward to more opportunities,”she says.

Letting her hair down 

Contrary to popular belief, political analysts are not always buried in their books and news – they have lives too. Pearl, for instance, enjoys a healthy balance of socializing and lazing around the house. “I have a deep love for music, and this prominently features in anything I do, whether it be indoors or outdoors with friends,” she adds.

She finds joy in making connections and learning more about people and different ways of living. This is heavily influenced by observation of her grandparents while growing up, and how they would take a great deal of interest in the lives of the people around them and any strangers they came across. “Connection is what makes us human.”  

Pearl’s Upbringing

Pearl grew up in the township of Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, raised by her grandparents. This is where she considers her home, although she has since settled in different places. These have included Durban North, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and now Pretoria.

“I have always been described as a happy, bubbly, talkative child, often getting into trouble for the things I would say. Growing up, I wanted to be a journalist. I have always had a love for words, storytelling, and the world of broadcasting,” Pearl shares.

Growing up in a politically active family, the decision to study Political Science was a natural one to her. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Governance and Political Transformation with the University of the Free State. Then went on to do study her Honour’s Degree in Political Science, focusing on political dynamics, with the same university.

Advice to others

“A word of advice to young people who wish to enter the space, and those studying political science, seeking opportunities: Make your presence felt. We are often too caught up in being right or wrong, that we hold ourselves back from starting.

Take up as many opportunities as you can, no matter how small they may appear. Reach out to people in the space, without any fear, for their support. The world of ‘politics’ is vast and, arguably, undefined for those seeking career opportunities. Carve your own path and stay true to your passions,” Pearl concludes.