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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Dr Wendy Geza recently obtained a PhD in Food Security from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.

Raised by a nurse and a traffic officer, she is the first member of her family to graduate with a PhD, causing great excitement at home.

She also holds a Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management, a Bachelor of Agriculture (Honours) in Agricultural Extension and Extension Education Services, and a Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural and Extension Education Services from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.

“As a Food Systems and Policy Researcher my interests lie within finding better solutions of building capacity for people in rural areas, particularly youth inclusion in food systems, rural socio-economic transformation and food policy analysis,” said Dr Wendy Geza.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

What Is Wrong With Groovin Album: A social commentary platform that aims to build an intergenerational musical bridge.

#WWWGroovin aims to establish and maintain a musical connection between generations, linking us all to the core – the heart.  The project was conceived to honor the individuals who played a crucial role in achieving freedom in South Africa and to carry forward their legacy through artistic expression.

It pays tribute to our culture, social activists, and emphasises the importance of keeping the tradition of storytelling alive through voices of highly esteemed artists such as Msaki, Spha Mdlalose, Zarcia Zeuch, Melo B Jones just to name a few.
 
This music and project are intended for anyone who believes in the transformative power of music and its ability to bring about positive change in society. From the iconic Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba to the talented Lebo Mathosa, each song conveys the message of self-expression and the importance of preserving the flame of freedom. 
 
The title “What’s Wrong with Groovin'” perfectly captures the essence of our project. It poses a question that prompts individuals to contemplate the profound influence of music in bringing joy, healing, and unity.

Music possesses a remarkable ability to transcend barriers and unite people, and this title encourages everyone to embrace the positive energy and rhythm that music provides. It serves as an invitation to engage in meaningful social commentary and expression while relishing the incredible music that has shaped our culture.”, the duo agrees.
 
About the album 
Curated and produced by the esteemed curators, venue owner and DJ Kenzhero and Tha_Muzik with the enigmatic Vimbs Mavimbs as the creative genius at the helm. They have hosted events in Niteroi and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances.

Their widely acclaimed radio show, “What is wrong with groovin’,” aired every Sunday from 2pm till 6pm on Kaya FM, and became a cherished platform for discovering cutting-edge sounds. The album prides itself with reimagined historically socially-charged tracks covered by SA’s top vocal and instrumental talent.
 
The album can be streamed here

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South African record producer, composer and DJ Heavy K has teamed up with Afro Pop sensation Ami Faku to deliver the song of the summer, ‘Andikayeki’ which is said to be undoubtedly the perfect addition to any summer playlist.

Andikayeki tells the story of an individual who has faced numerous challenges and overcome adversity in their life. It emphasizes their resilience and the moments of introspection when they recall the difficult situathey’ve been in.

Despite the ups and downs, the person remains determined not to surrender. They acknowledge that some of their hardships were a result of their own actions, but they are actively working to rectify those mistakes. Ultimately, the song conveys a strong desire for acceptance and forgiveness as the person strives to move forward.

Andikayeki introduces 3 Step, a new music genre that borrows from Afro House, Amapiano and Afro Beat, making it the consummate new dance sound from streets and clubs of South Africa. The 3 Step sound is characterised by the missing 4th kick and Amapiano shakers in a measure that offers a truly African unstoppable rhythm. It is the perfect genre for clubs, braai’s, festivals, car drives and street parties.

Heavy K, affectionately known as “The Drumboss” has perfected his craft from a very young age and has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the game such as Black Coffee, Oskido, Professor, and Bucie to name a few.

“I have been wanting to work with Ami Faku for a while, and we’ve finally come together to create something amazing. Andikayeki is a song about having the strength to overcome life’s challenges and becoming a better person because of it.”

With a voice that commands the attention of every room she sings in, Ami Faku brings a unique feel to the single. Ami Faku is renowned for her ability to deeply touch the emotions of her audience through her music, and once more, she has captivated listeners with her enchanting vocal ability.

Andikayeki is now available for download on all digital service providers.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Owethu Ngubane’s remarkable journey in the world of netball serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young South African athletes, showcasing the potential to rise through the ranks in this beloved sport. Hailing from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, her path to excellence was paved with unwavering determination and a laser-focused mindset.

Her educational journey began at Allingham Primary School, culminating in her matriculation at Crystal Point Secondary School. Currently a Logistics in Road Transport Management second-year student and a star player for the UJ netball team, Owethu Ngubane is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. Born into a family of six, her journey into netball commenced at a tender age, initially representing her school before venturing beyond her neighbourhood to join another team.

It wasn’t long before Ngubane’s exceptional talent caught the attention of netball enthusiasts nationwide. Her participation in the Telkom Netball League with the Golden Fireballs in both 2022 and 2023 brought her accolades and bolstered UJ’s performance in various varsity competitions. Ngubane’s debut on the global stage at the Vitality Netball World Cup in Cape Town earned her recognition from international scouts, resulting in a prestigious overseas contract with the Strathclyde Sirens Netball Club in the Super League, located in Glasgow, Scotland.

A rising star in South African netball

In 2022, Netball South Africa recognised Ngubane’s potential and extended professional contracts to her and a select group of UJ netball players, including Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Boitumelo Mahloko, Tarle Mathe, and Bongiwe Msomi. This initiative aimed to elevate the sport’s professional status in the country, and Ngubane believes that it has indeed opened doors for herself and many others. She reflects, “This has definitely helped me. It has changed a lot for me, and I have grown from the experiences that we have had in the professional team setup.”

Later, Ngubane’s inclusion in the squad representing South Africa at the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup was a crowning achievement. She enthusiastically shares, “I was super excited about the announcement. There are valuable lessons in playing for a national netball team in a World Cup. The best part was being named in the squad that represented the country in the first-ever World Cup on home soil.”

When discussing her contract with Strathclyde Sirens, Ngubane expresses her gratitude and excitement, saying, “I feel really blessed, and I can’t wait to be part of the team, to learn more, and showcase my talent using all the lessons I have learned from all the different coaches who have helped me grow.” She also draws inspiration from her coach, Bongiwe Msomi, whom she has admired since high school, both as a coach and a fellow player.

A proud moment for UJ Sport

Reflecting on her time at UJ, Ngubane remarks on the supportive and fun environment, where she’s had the privilege of being both a student and an athlete. She extends her gratitude to her family, including her mom and brother, her teammates, and her social media supporters. Ngubane’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and she firmly believes that the best is yet to come.

Nomsa Mahlangu, Senior Director of UJ Sport, acknowledges Ngubane’s remarkable achievements, particularly the netball team’s qualification for the Varsity Sports Finals, a first in the competition’s history.

“I would also like to single out Samantha Ngubane for her incredible achievement in being offered a contract to play in the Super League for Strathclyde Sirens Netball Club. This is a prestigious opportunity, and it reflects Samantha’s talent and commitment to the sport. She is the first UJ Netball player to be offered a contract for an overseas franchise, and we are all incredibly proud of her.”

Image and source: UJ

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Eris’ Graduate Programme has been running since 2008 – and having produced more than 70+  successful graduates – does so much more than simply bridge the gap between university and the working world.

The internship is done on a rotational basis and exposes graduates to every facet of the property business over a one-year period. The ultimate goal of Eris’ Graduate Programme is to future-proof career prospects for young talent in the real estate industry.

Part of the stringent selection process is choosing candidates who can help the company as a whole provide practical solutions for challenges facing society. The focus for Eris with all of its work includes purpose-built development and regeneration of spaces; adhering to green principles and design; and continuously investing in tech-based property solutions to increase efficiency and capacities.

In order for Eris to create societal changemakers who push the envelope on innovation, it all starts with the candidates the company chooses each year for its Graduate Programme. This is what some of the current graduates had to say about the programme.

“As a result of this Eris’ Graduate Programme, I now possess a comprehensive grasp of the real estate industry. My analytical skills have sharpened, and I’ve cultivated invaluable soft skills including effective communication, seamless teamwork, time management, and proactive problem-solving. These experiences have profoundly shaped my personal and professional development, moulding me into a more versatile and proficient professional within the property sector,” Dimpho Mabitje said.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Dr Nobuntu Tsule is a remarkable young medical doctor from Cofimvaba in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

She went from not having enough money to register for her first year in the university, to sometimes going for days without food, it was hard work and dedication that saw her through.

She and her three siblings were raised by their single mother who worked at a retail store. She could not afford to pay for her fees and take care of her and her siblings. Against all odds, she enrolled to study medicine at Walter Sisulu University in 2015.

In her first year she lived with a friend who was also studying medicine; her mentor helped to buy books for her. In her second year she managed to get a bursary through the help of the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality.

In her third year, her mother stopped working but she managed to survive by God’s grace.

In her fifth year she would go through some days with little or nothing to eat. The same year, her mother was admitted in hospital for the longest period. She made sure to pray and never lose focus.

In her sixth year, she failed a module. She was also getting to know her father who then sadly died.

Against all odds, Dr Nobuntu Tsule graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in General Practitioner from Walter Sisulu University in June 2021. She is currently a Medical Intern, and plans to specialise as a Cardiologist.

“It could have been easy for me to throw in the towel but deep down I knew what I wanted to achieve. I took all the challenges and put them to God. It has always been my dream to be a doctor because I had always wanted the best health for people around me,” said Dr Nobuntu Tsule.

Image: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

As The Soil prepares to release its 5th studio album after so many years in hiatus, it will be without its founding member, Buhlebendalo Mda, who has embarked on what appears to be a successful solo career.

However, The Soil fans are up for a treat when it introduces Theo Matshoba whose vocal prowess is a breath of fresh air. Theo, who came up tops when The Soil went on a search for a female vocalist to fill in during Buhle’s spiritual sabbatical, is officially now the 3rd member of the group.

Buhle, who is fast carving her own niche has decided to leave the group, to focus on her solo career and publishing company. Citing the need to focus on her mental health and growth, Buhle had this to say, “I grew up as the child of The Soil. I have graced local and international stages and performed at some of the biggest festivals, in front of huge audiences, here and abroad. I can never replace the time I have had with the group, but it’s time to grow and face this cutthroat industry on my own. I know I can do it”

Bublebendalo, who has recently opened up an artist hub, which caters for women, children and queer people, said she is rooting for Theo and is confident that she will be the ‘best version of her own self”.

“The Soil without Buhle is not going to be the same. We grew up in this group together, but we support her and wish her all the best in her new endeavour” said the two brothers, Phindo and Ntsika, who have been with Buhle since high school.

Native Rhythms boss, Velile Sithole, said, “It’s a new chapter that we are now writing and we hope the script will read beautifully. I have had the pleasure of working with Buhle for over a decade now.
She is a towering figure, with such talent that always reveals itself on stage. I know she will be successful as she embarks on her new venture”.

The Soil fans, (better known to the group as The Soil family), should brace themselves for all the magic that is about hit them, as Theo gears to take up her own space in the group.

“In the same breath we are exceedingly excited by the beautiful dynamism that Theo’s rare gift brings to the group’s creative ethos”, added the brothers.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South African artistic gymnasts Caitlin Rooskrantz and Naveen Daries are on a mission to ignite dreams as they chase Paris 2024 Olympics qualification. The duo were the first gymnasts of colour to represent their country at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020.

South African gymnasts Caitlin Rooskrantz and Naveen Daries have blazed a trail for aspiring youngsters, who for many years did not have role models who looked like them.

Their rise on the global stage becoming the first gymnasts of colour to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games was an immense point of pride for Rooskrantz.

“Representation matters especially in a sport like gymnastics which was predominantly known to be a white sport and in a country like South Africa,” Rooskrantz exclusively told Olympics.com.

“We (South Africa) are the rainbow nation and to have a team full of people of colour is very inspiring to the young girls to see that gymnastics isn’t what you think it would be and that everyone can do it.”

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A post shared by Caitlin Rooskrantz OLY | 21 (@caitrooskrantz)

Rooskrantz is the first South African female gymnast to qualify outright for the Olympic Games and was joined in Tokyo 2020 by long-time training partner and best friend Daries, who qualified via the 2021 African Championships in Cairo. In Tokyo, Rooskrantz placed 61st and Daries 76th all-around in qualifications.

Rooskrantz and Daries have been the poster children of change over the last few years including maiden appearances at the Tokyo Olympics and successes at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The duo spearheaded breakthrough performances for South African artistic gymnastics at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games where they placed fourth in the team event. Rooskrantz again made history with her bronze in the uneven bars the country’s first medal in the discipline. She is also only the second female South African gymnast after Jennifer Khwela to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Daries, in turn, finished sixth in the all-around competition which was the best finish for a South African gymnast in the individual all-around event.

At the recent African Gymnastics Championships held on home soil, South Africa won the women’s team gold medal to earn automatic qualification for the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, from 30 September to 8 October. Consisting only of members from the Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre, they claimed the country’s first team competition at the continental championships since 2006.

Although Rooskrantz conceded her overall title to Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour to finish second, she declared the competition mission accomplished with the team gold ranking as the highlight.

“Our main goal going into this African championships was to qualify the team. So to get our team in first position, anything after that was kind of a bonus,” she said.

Image: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The response to Zakes Bantwini becoming the first local act to headline the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival has been universally acclaimed. The Grammy Award winner put on a show-stopping performance in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans on the opening night of the festival at Kyalami Grand Prix.

During his set Zakes, who appeared on stage wearing a balaclava and a Dior ski mask, performed several of his latest hit records and an exquisite selection of his classic tunes. Zakes took us down memory lane as his band and choir seamlessly transitioned through fan favourites like “Wasting My Time” and “Clap Your Hands”, as well as recent chart-toppers like “Asanda” and “iMali”.

Zakes had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hands with a dynamic performance that saw him not only show his range of skills behind the decks, but also step up in front of the microphone to sing and dance.

During his set, Zakes was also joined by a slew of talented acts including Skye Wanda, Bucie and Karyendasoul. The set’s finale was none other than the global hit single “Osama”, which sent the crowd into pandemonium.

“It’s difficult to express just how special that was,” says Zakes. “We not only made history, but we also had a great time singing and dancing together. Thank you to the organisers and to my band and choir for helping me put this all together.

Next up, we have my Abantu concert on October 28 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. So we’re about to make even more history and I can’t wait to see everyone out there.”

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In the House of Zwide world, secrets are hidden, and friends can become rivalries in the blink of an eye. The story unfolds with Nandipha, who’s on a mission to get justice for her brother, Alex Khadzi.

She starts by taking down those responsible for her brother’s death, one by one. But when she confronts Funani and Isaac, the people behind her brother’s tragedy, things get tricky.

Funani manages to find some crucial info that could ruin Nandipha’s plan, and he uses it to force her into a tough choice. Then, during a fancy party, Nandipha shows up with a gun, ready to reveal the truth to everyone.

But things take a dark twist when shots are fired, and Faith, a key person in this tangled web of lies, gets hurt. The big question: Will Faith make it out alive?

Find out on House of Zwide episode, coming on September 26th. Don’t miss it!

Image: Supplied