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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Mandela University doctoral researcher Mia Strand claimed the second runner-up position in the national Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, hosted in South Africa by the University of the Free State.

She also took the runner-up position at the institutional level at Mandela University, where eight students were selected to compete.

The competition requires participants to condense their entire PhD thesis into a three-minute presentation in a language understandable to a non-expert audience. The competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills.

The institutional event was organised by the Research and Development Office with Shawn Tini, and Drs Priscilla Mensah and Nehemia Latolla, forming part of the team.

The Mandela University local winner Sandiso Ngwenya presented her research in chemistry on the innovative use of flow chemistry as a solution to produce active pharmaceutical agents in Africa.

Mia, who is studying development studies, shed light on the often-overlooked communities in the field of ocean governance and used participatory methods, and particularly photo voice.

Both presentations were characterised by their exceptional quality, leaving the judges with an incredibly challenging decision, said Dr Lotolla, said.

Mia also won R11 000.

Images: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South Africa’s sensational TV series, House of Zwide, recently made television history with a record-breaking 5.1 million viewers, surpassing popular shows, Skeem Saam and Generations: The Legacy.

The show now reigns as the top-rated program in its time slot, boasting unparalleled viewership figures.

This remarkable milestone was achieved through riveting storylines. In a dramatic narrative, Zola’s narcissistic behaviour, portrayed by Katleho Sinivasan, poisons his once-beautiful love story with Zanele portrayed by Londeka Mchunu.

The tale of control, manipulation, and isolation captivated audiences, leaving them eager to discover whether Zanele could break free from this toxic relationship.

Running concurrently, a comedic yet educational storyline featured Soka, played by Linda Nxumalo. From a promotion and a flashy car to encounters with multiple women and the subsequent contraction of an STI, Soka’s journey added a unique dimension to the series.

Molefe played by Motlatsi Mafatshe, a humorous and supportive character, provided both laughter and enlightenment, keeping viewers engaged.

Tebogo Archie Nkwana, the show’s executive producer, expressed immense pride in this achievement, stating, “We are proud of this milestone and excited about the upcoming storylines that will continue to captivate our viewers.”

With more thrilling stories and plans in the works, House of Zwide airs on weekdays at 7pm, making it a must-watch for South African audiences.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Nonjabulo Gumede is remarkable Engineer and Managing Director of MAichatron, a multi-award winning mechatronics engineering company which majors in industrial automation, mechanical design and fabrication.

Nonjabulo holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

She is also an MBA candidate and a global shaper who is passionate about promoting women in engineering and empowering communities.

Nonjabulo Gumede is leading a change in Mechatronics; she has led SmartiPants Technologies in winning awards such as the iBelong Excellence Awards by Transnet for Operations Efficiency relating to their technology of automating the Durban Port through IoT technologies.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Salome Mosima is a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Vaalwater, Limpopo. Sha self-taught farmer who didn’t study agriculture in school. She started her small-scale mixed farming at her father’s plot.

Salome now has cattle, goats, and grows broilers from day-old chicks until they are fully grown. She also grows vegetables like spinach, onions, beetroot, and tomatoes, and sells them to her community.

“I always had a passion for agriculture at a young age. I wish to become a commercial farmer one day. I am working towards this goal. I’d would like to encourage each and every young person who has a passion for farming to start as soon as possible and to start with whatever they have, rather than waiting for the government to fund them,” she said.

“I am selling spinach for R20 a bunch, chickens go for R85 each, beetroot tomatoes and onions will be ready by next month,” she added.

To contact Salome, call 079 724 1314 for orders.

“Your support will be highly appreciated,” Salome concluded.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Stevel Marc, the renowned actor and model, is about to light up South African screens as he takes on the role of Sanka Myrie in the e.tv soap Scandal!. Sanka’s charisma and exceptional talent promise to bring drama, charm, and surprises to the show, which will debut on Tuesday, November 7th.

Sanka Myrie is a character who exudes confidence, charisma, and style. Women find him irresistibly attractive, and his physical attractiveness  is undeniable. He’s impeccably dressed and sophisticated yet can be both confident and a bit arrogant – a classic ladies man, not one to commit for long, earning him the reputation of being a “flavour of the month”.

What makes his portrayal even more captivating is that he’ll be using his native Jamaican accent, a unique touch that has never been done before, to bring authenticity to the character. Sanka’s entry into Scandal! will shake up the storyline, causing turmoil in the marriage of Mdala and Tlhogi. Sparks fly between Tlhogi and Sanka.

The burning question is how far Sanka’s character will go in causing trouble in Mdala and Tlhogi’s marriage and whether Mdala will find out. If he does, how will he protect his marriage?

Stevel Marc’s addition to Scandal! promises to inject fresh excitement and intrigue, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next twist in the story.

Scandal! Airs weeknights at 7.30 PM

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Multi-talented songwriter and singer Mpumi releases yet another promising hit song, Mina Nawe, where she features legendary Kwaito artist, Professor.

The singer first hit the music scene in 2013. She is known for making African dance music. Her debut album, The Birth Of Mpumi, earned a nomination at the MetroAwards16.

Her songs, Wena, Busa and Somandla, also topped the music charts and earned her another nomination for the South African Music Award, adding to her list of achievements. In the decade she has been in the music industry, Mpumi has collaborated with big household names such as Heavy K.

Her new song, Mina Nawe, can be described as an Afrohouse anthem to celebrate the power of enduring love.

“Through this song, Professor and myself, all we intended to do was to spread love through every note and make everlasting memories. Mina Nawe is simply passion and melody infused together,” Mpumi added.

This triumphant track will have you dancing and feeling the depth of everlasting affection. Get ready to groove to the beats that transcend time and ignite your soul. Let the music take you on a journey where love knows no boundaries.

The love compelling song is now available for online streaming.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South Africa producer and DJ Sun-El Musician and song catcher and vocalist Msaki are real-life and musical “best friends”, having created a history of memorable collaborations such as Ubomi Abumanga, Kuja Utanipata, and Best Friend. These anthemic songs have continued to provide South Africans with healing hope and a call to humanity. 

Each creator in their own right has risen to critical acclaim in South Africa, and are fast garnering global audiences with their unique styles and conscious creation. Each has amassed multiple South African awards and Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinumn Status in South Africa across a variety of their solo and collaborative endeavors. 

This formidable force reunites once again with their new single ‘Amandla’, which showcases Msaki’s poignant, ever-relevant and poetic lyrics and unmistakable voice, paired with the unique, melodic and heart opening Afro-house signature of Sun-El Musician. 

About Amandla the duo explain: 
“I wanted to support my best friend through a hard time she was going through, and I know how important music is for her for expressing where she is at. It was beautiful to be a part of creating a musical foundation for her to deliver her message,” Sun-El Musician. “Amandla means power in  Xhosa and Zulu. This song however is about feeling disempowered in a situation and asking for release. The song is also about a moment of surrender, an underlying forgiveness, and understanding in the middle of that powerlessness. The real power is in the surrender that truth always prevails even when it’s delayed. This surrender and faith in the redemptive power of truth is where one can sometimes find solace and strength.

The line ‘uzundithethele xa imeko ivuma’ translates to mean ‘Speak the truth on my behalf when the circumstances allow you.’ The power also returns to the narrative when love that is not backed up by action is questioned sternly. ‘Uthando Zizenzo, alohlulwa yimeko yakho’ – Love is action and is not at the mercy of your circumstance’ Msaki 

The creative choices for this campaign both in artwork and visual assets, emerged from an exploration of visual AI and its potential both for imagination, fantasy and role-play, contrasted with its darker and less explored ability to dehumanize through its distortion of truth. The question being suggested though the visual choices, is… Are we human? 

Given recent global events, and media distortions, the duo continue to explore humanity as interfaced with technology, and as Msaki’s lyrics suggest the never ending quest for the power of truth. 

While Sun-El Musician continues to perform globally and expand into global collaborations as well as building a network and platform for producers through his label Under the Sun, Msaki returns from her musical hiatus with an offering to all South Africans. Having recently spent her time creating, composing and writing for an impressive list of global superstars as well as supporting her creative community through her label Alt-Blk. Msaki also recently performed at Madison Square Gardens with long time friend and collaborator, Black Coffee. 

Both Msaki an Sun-El Musican, as well as their respective labels are supported by artist services company Platoon. 

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

R&B sensation Titose returns with another single, ‘Star’, from her forthcoming EP, due for release on 17 November 2023.

‘Star’ captures the essence of Titose’s signature style – a harmonious blend of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song shows a deep expression of love and vulnerability. In her lyrics, she likens her love interest to a star, shining and radiating warmth and light in everything they do.

Laced with emotion, it also expresses longing for an authentic connection in a world that often feels distant and disconnected. The lush melodies and mesmerizing rhythm provide the perfect backdrop for Titose’s soothing vocals to take flight. With its smooth production and soulful instrumentation, it is within a doubt Star will become a soundtrack for those seeking love’s enduring light in the darkest of times.

The Rising R&B trapsoul songstress released her debut EP Was It Something I Said in November 2021, which was warmly received around the world, after which she received numerous accolades, including being named as one of the Top 10 Artists To Watch in the August issue of Forbes Africa magazine. The Project has since gained over 3 Million streams, making her the first artist in her country to achieve such a milestone.

Stream ‘Star’, now on all platforms.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Thembiso Magajana of Social Coding SA was recently named the 2023 Santam Social Entrepreneur.

Social Coding SA, a non-profit digital skills training organisation, recruits, trains and employs young people from rural areas to teach digital literacy and coding at high schools.

Thembiso says that winning the Social Entrepreneur Award will provide Social Coding SA with a platform to attract more partners and funders, raise awareness about the urgent need for digital inclusion, and kick-start the for-profit arm of Social Coding SA.

Recently recognized as one of South Africa’s most influential youth (2020), Thembiso is a self-described Inclusion Activist and Technophile who partners with corporates, government, and family foundations to help bring digital inclusion to Rural Communities.

After spending nearly, half a decade working in Financial Services, Thembiso left to start Social Coding. She wholeheartedly believes that digital upskilling holds much promise for future economic growth in remote rural areas.

Thembiso is mostly recognized for designing, landing, and leading the strategic workshops that have impacted 5355 young people, across three provinces in the last 5 years.

She has developed and managed Social Development models for high-end enterprises such as Exxaro, the University of Pretoria, and SAGE; her models have helped incubate new programs that ensure that corporate entities practice sustainable philanthropy, as well as impactfully help, develop rural communities.

An award-winning social entrepreneur, Thembiso is a recipient of the 50 most inspiring women in tech award and the Margaret Hirsch Heroine Award. She is also a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, A TEDx Speaker, and Spark* International Alumni and was recently been invited to judge the 2020 Global Citizen x Cisco Youth Leadership Award.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Meet Dr Khanyisile Ndebele and Dr Ziyanda Ndebele, remarkable twin sisters who are Medical Doctors and Founders of Health Life Aesthetics, an innovative medical and aesthetics practice, that offers excellent patient care and service located in Randburg, Johannesburg.

The identical twin doctors obtained their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from Wits University.

Dr Khanyisile Ndebele and Dr Ziyanda Ndebele are trained in providing safe medical and aesthetics treatments.

They also volunteer at Old Age and Children Homes and are currently studying towards their Advanced Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine.

Image: LinkedIn