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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

After a remarkable journey spanning over two and a half decades, Hulisani Ravele, a mainstay in the entertainment industry, has decided to embark on a well-deserved sabbatical from the airwaves and television screens.

Known as one of South Africa’s most cherished personalities, Hulisani has been an inseparable part of the local media landscape, captivating audiences with her charm and wit. Over the course of 26 years, she has been a constant source of inspiration, setting the bar for excellence in broadcasting through her mellifluous voice on the radio where she has shared her passion and talent with an ever-growing fanbase.

For the past 5 years, Hulisani has been the host of the weekend morning show on Primedia’s 947, creating an upbeat connection with her loyal followers. Her departure from the station marks a poignant turning point in her career, as she takes a hiatus from media to embrace stillness, introspection, and the pursuit of new opportunities. Her final broadcast is scheduled for Saturday, 30 September 2023, marking the end of an era. While her absence will be felt, this departure resonates with an inspirational tone of empowerment and choice.

Reflecting on this transition, Hulisani shared, “I am immensely grateful for the love and support I have received from my followers and the industry. Making it onto the 947 line-up has been an absolute dream come true. To anchor and deliver an entertaining and wholesome show to such a diverse and multicultural audience, and to play a part in the station surpassing the 1 million mark for P7D listenership, and being able to maintain that position, are both remarkable achievements I hold dear.

This break is not just a pause, but an opportunity for me to delve into new experiences and discover what the future holds. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
As Hulisani bids adieu, her legacy remains firmly rooted in the hearts of her admirers.

Image: X

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

With honest and emotional lyrics, rapper, singer and producer PatricKxxLee drops his first project for the year, Room 37, a tape full of collaborations that feature Sjava, Blxckie, KashCPT, Burningforestboy, and Nigerian rising star PsychoYP, as well as upcoming artists he believes in, and that was co-produced by KindlyNxsh.

The 14-track project created over the past 8 months is nothing like PatricKxxLee has ever put out before. Known to make profoundly deep music that connects with lost souls, the ethos of PatricKxxLee, who emerged on the scene as one of the leaders of the “New Wave” back in 2016, remains but with a shift from predominantly “sad” music that he created solo, to a body of work that embodies a wide range of emotions and was put together collaboratively.

“Collaboration is important because as individuals we’re all just single perspectives. Every artist on the tape will talk about love or other sentimental experiences very differently from how I would talk about the same, because we all have our own unique perspective. Collaboration opens the gates to a wider connection; the same way relationships are about communication. Communicating from different perspectives on the same song gives listeners the understanding that we’re all different, and that their own perspective is as valid as that of the artist or artists that are on the song,” shares PatricKxxLee.

Known as “The King of Rage”, PatricKxxLee adds: “I hope this tape will shift the narrative people have of me being solely a dark or emo artist. I have so many different sides to me, I love all forms of music. With this tape, I’m coming out of the box that the music I’ve been putting out so far has put me in, and I want my fanbase to understand that I’ll be exploring many different soundscapes going forward.”

Room 37 comes at a time when Hip Hop has taken a backseat in SA, with amapiano taking over and somewhat demoralising the Hip Hop space. PatricKxxLee wanted to bring established and upcoming Hip Hop artists together on this tape and give SA a collaboration tape that features some of the best in the space currently.

“Sjava pulling up and orchestrating “Last Call” was super dope. There were a lot of rollercoaster moments during the production of this tape. For example, I cried the day before I made 4R, and that’s the intro of the project. And the last song “Gravity”, I did in fact record last for this project, where I was like “Damn, I understand things now, I understand why I am the way I am” – the realisation that you can really shoot your shot anywhere at anything, and the only person stopping you is YOU,” reveals PatricKxxLee.

With a special connection to the numbers 3 and 7 (his usernames are all @patrickxxlee37) – in numerology the 3 means ultimate level of creativity, while the 7 means the pursuit of truth and knowledge, it was only fitting that PatricKxxLee brought these numbers into his latest tape.

“Room 37 is my own universe but confined to one room, and I invited all artists to my universe to produce this project. Room 37 is like an after hour hosted by me, the master of this universe, where you can feel comfortable and do anything you desire, say what you want and express how you see fit. I was inspired by “Stranger Things”, and I wanted the sounds to give listeners the feeling of a journey into the unknown. The room exists beyond time, in a different dimension, hence the portal door on the cover art,” shares PatricKxxLee.

The importance of the door of light is that it represents the entrance into this dimension. Bright light is always used to symbolise a transition from one plane to the next, so it’s meant to show that the listener is going on a journey, somewhere they’ve never been before. And that ties into the sounds used on the project, a lot of Juno synths. The sounds are meant to make you feel like you are travelling into the unknown, and that’s what PatricKxxLee wanted to capture sonically.

“Seeing PatricKxxLee embrace collaboration for this project was profoundly meaningful, given that he usually works on projects entirely himself. It was amazing seeing him open up to the ideas and inputs of others, especially co-producer KindlyNxsh, and yet put out something that has his unique and unmistakable signature across every single song. This project showed a lot of artistic growth overall, especially seeing him play with soundscapes he’s never played with before, such as Afro Pop and Afro Soul,” shares Jenny Tan, PatricKxxLee’s manager. 
 
Production for the tape started right after PatricKxxLee’s trip to the US last year. He came back at the end of November and conceptualised the tape and started recording Room 37 in December 2022. The significance of his stay in Los Angeles is that he experienced what it’s like when a lot of artists and producers collaborate in the studio together, and he wanted to give that collaboration approach a shot for this project, resulting in only four out of 14 songs on Room 37 not having features. 
 
“Have high expectations but no expectations when you listen to this tape. There is something for everyone in there. Different moods, different sounds. I hope I can continue to be the soundtrack to your most moving memories – positive or sad. I hope you live amazing moments to my music and embrace the depths of your experience, no matter if it’s good or bad,” shares PatricKxxLee.

Image: Supplied  

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Robot Boii, real name Zwakhe Mthandeni Mzee Ntshengula Mbuli Jr. is nominated in the inaugural Trace Awards.

Robot is nominated in the Best Dancer category, and he is up against, Tayc (France), Uganda Ghetto Kids (Uganda), Yemi Alade (Nigeria) and Zuchu (Tanzania).

The award event will take place in Kigali, Rwanda in October 2023. Meanwhile, Robot Boii gave a stunning performance on the 13th of August at Miss South Africa 2023.

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Since the news broke of Robot Boii’s nomination, South Africans have been expressing their excitement and desire to see him bring the award home.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

KekeLingo presents his first solo body of work, Pula EP. Featuring authentic African melodies, vocals, and rhythmic drums, Pula encompasses five captivating tracks, showcasing a diverse range of artists from Grammy Award winners and emerging producers. With vocals originating from Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho, Pula stands as a remarkable testament to African unity and is a global collection of sounds curated by KekeLingo.

Track one on the EP, titled ‘Pula’ is an ode to love, telling the story about a king declaring his love for his queen, and asking mother nature to bless them with rain so that it can bless their love. The second track on the EP, the recently released Afro House treasure ‘Jeteme’ in collaboration with Zakes Bantwini and Mpho. Wav has already ignited soundwaves across the Afro House and Afro Tech genre and has featured in multiple Apple and Spotify music playlists since its release. 

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Track three titled ‘Ithemba’ (Litsomo Version) is in collaboration with music producer John Lundun and features Lesotho-born singer-songwriter Leomile and traditional Tshivenda and indie-folk singer-songwriter, MuNeyi. Transitioning seamlessly, the fourth track, ‘Unale Gade’ (Remix) comes to life through a dynamic partnership with singer-songwriter and professional Jazz Pianist Nhlonipho who hails from Swaziland. As the EP draws to a close, listeners can expect to be immersed in the soul-stiring ‘Pula’ Reprise, featuring the exceptional talents of Dato Seiko.

“Lingonians, I am thrilled to introduce to you ‘Pula,’ my inaugural solo creation. In my native language of Setswana, ‘Pula’ translates to ‘Rain.’ Throughout history, both kings and queens have prayed for rain, or ‘Pula,’ to bestow its blessings upon their lands and people. My aspiration for this musical endeavour is to provide healing, not only for myself but for all Lingonians from diverse walks of life who will experience this EP. ‘Pula’ stands as a spiritual and sonic expression of affection to my beloved continent, Africa. This collection resonates with the melodious vibrations of Kekelingo, a language deeply spiritual to me, conveyed through African chants and an abundance of emotions that transport me to a sacred realm.”

The Pula EP wil be available on all digital service providers on August 25.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

81-year-old South African contemporary artist Esther Mahlangu has teamed up with US’ RnB star John Legend and luxury vodka brand Belvedere in a campaign to fight the widespread of HIV/Aids.

Mahlangu and Legend, who is also the brand ambassador for Belvedere, joined forces to design a new limited edition bottle which is now available at selected retailers.

The two artists were recently brought together by Belvedere at a benefit concert at the famous Apollo Theatre in New York in the US.

Dubbed #MakeADifference, the campaign adds Mahlangu’s famous colorful, tribal Ndebele designs to the bottle. John’s signature is featured on the front of the bottle. He also provided the campaign with a new single titled ‘Love Me Now’. The song encourages people to love one another.

Half of the campaign’s proceeds will be put in a global fund to fight HIV/Aids in Africa.

Legend expressed excitement at Esther’s work, citing that her paintings are beautiful. He added that her art connects Belvedere to the culture and to the people they are trying to help.

Mahlangu is not new to collaborations with international brands. Earlier this year, a Swedish trainer company Etys hired her to modify its sneakers.

In addition, the talented artist has been invited to exhibit her artwork in top galleries with pieces dating back as far as 1989. She has in the past partnered with big brands such as BMW and British Airways.

Images: Twitter

By Nkosazana Ngwadla

Neuroinfections Researcher at the Division of Physiological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rachael Dangarembizi’s primary research interest is in neuroimmune responses to fungal infections. As part of the Department of Human Biology and the Neuroscience Institute, her work focuses on investigating the inflammatory response to Cryptococcus neoformans infection specifically within the brain.

In addition to her scientific pursuits, Rachael actively promotes diversity and capacity building in African neuroscience, passionately believing in the potential and the advancement of African women in the field of science.

Rachael is also the lead investigator at the CryptoLab, Chair of the Southern African Neuroscience Society (SONA), and African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Fellow. As the African ambassador for the ALBA network, she fervently drives the enhancement of neuroscience education across Africa.

She further imparts her knowledge by teaching neuroscience at various universities in Sub-Saharan Africa and serves as a mentor to postgraduate students within her lab at the University of Cape Town.

Underlying mechanisms of destructive nervous systems

Immersed in the realm of neurocryptococcosis, Rachael delves into the intricacies of neuroinflammatory mechanisms that underlie the devastating neurological damage.

To illuminate this complex phenomenon, and to add depth to her exploration, she harnesses the power of organotypic brain slice cultures harvested from clinical biospecimens, allowing for a more accurate representation of the intricate interplay within the brain.

Within the esteemed CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit at UCT, Rachael has found her intellectual home. Her studies extend beyond the realm of neuroinflammation, encompassing the captivating biology of fungal pathogens. She unravels the mysteries of how these pathogens adapt and evolve upon encountering their host, peering into the inner workings of this captivating dance between microbe and human.

Rachael’s unwavering pursuit of comprehending the delicate dynamics of host-pathogen interactions assumes a vital role. With every discovery and insight gained, she paves the way for the development of innovative treatment approaches, poised to combat the challenging realm of fungal neuroinfections. Through their meticulous work, they contribute to a brighter future, where enhanced therapies and interventions promise hope for those affected by these formidable ailments.

Power structures firmly entrenched in an exclusionary world

It is remarkable how contemporary society continues to classify human potential based on power structures deeply ingrained in discrimination and exclusion. 

Discrimination, regardless of its nature, imposes limitations even on individuals with immense potential. However, those who find themselves at the intersection of multiple marginalised identities face even greater obstacles. 

In her thought-provoking TEDx presentation entitled “Nothing wrong with my African brain,” Rachael candidly shares the challenges she encounters as a young, Black African woman navigating the vast landscape of global scientific pursuits. 

She eloquently illustrates how brilliant minds are often subjected to discrimination and denied opportunities to flourish solely because they are encapsulated within a body that is perceived as Black, female, African, or immigrant – or, in her case, all of the above. 

Her narrative emanates from a profound aspiration to shed light on the intricate relationship between the human brain and a society that defines humanity based on power structures deeply entrenched in a world founded upon exclusionary principles. 

Ground-breaking accolades

Every year, the University of Cape Town proudly puts forward a group of twelve UCT academics and a university partnership as finalists across multiple categories, highlighting their remarkable contributions in the fields of science, engineering, and technology (SET), both nationally and globally. These nominations represent the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in research and academia.

The highly regarded National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards, known as NSTF-South32 Awards, are held in collaboration with mining and metals company South32. These awards, widely recognized as the most esteemed in the realm of research in South Africa’s SET domain, celebrate the outstanding achievements of scientists who drive sustainable socio-economic growth in the nation and enhance the overall quality of life for all South Africans.

Rachael, among the esteemed individuals, has been included in this year’s distinguished list of twelve exceptional nominees. The selection process is highly competitive, with numerous nominations received by the NSTF each year, making it a remarkable achievement to be named as a finalist for South Africa’s equivalent of the “Science Oscars.”

Image and source: Standard Bank Top Women

BY Genevieve Mannel

In recent years, technology has made vast improvements in the healthcare sector, transforming the way we approach health and wellness. Women have specifically benefited from these advancements, as they have been able to use technology to empower themselves through education, tracking their health and gaining access to virtual healthcare.

Health Education: One way technology has empowered women is through access to health education. Women can now easily access health information through their smartphones or computers, which has increased their knowledge and awareness about their health issues. For instance, according to WHO, cervical cancer screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%, yet millions of women worldwide had never been screened.

However, mobile health technologies have provided cervical cancer screening material to these women where medial resources have been limited.

Women can now easily access mobile applications containing health tips, answers to health queries and advice on healthy lifestyles. Examples of this is the period-tracking apps, like Clue, which provides education about menstrual health to millions of women globally. The app provides personalized insights and reminders about a woman’s menstrual cycle, enabling them to track their symptoms and patterns easily. By providing this valuable information, women can better understand their bodies and make informed decisions regarding their health.

Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare: Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare and has made it possible for women to receive medical services remotely. By using video calls, instant messaging, and other digital communication channels, women can now access virtual consultations with their doctors, whether it’s routine check-ups, counseling or urgent medical care no matter where they live.

This has made a significant impact on women’s health, especially those living in remote areas or who are unable to visit a doctor in person. The virtual healthcare experience can also provide a more comfortable atmosphere for women seeking medical help. As a result, women are more likely to open up to their healthcare providers, share their concerns and work together to manage their health needs.

This has led to better patient-provider relationships, increased satisfaction with healthcare services, and ultimately better health outcomes for women.

Home diagnostic devices: With the advancements in technology, women can now monitor their health at home using diagnostic devices. For instance, wearable devices such as smartwatches can monitor heart rate, steps taken and even detect changes from the norm, alerting the user to seek medical attention if necessary. Women can also use blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and even ECG devices without leaving their homes.

One of the most significant benefits of home diagnostic devices is they enable early detection of potential health problems. Women who can identify the early warning signs of conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases can get immediate medical assistance from their doctors. This can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Empowering the voice of women: Social media platforms have become an essential tool for advocacy and women’s rights. One of the most significant benefits of this is how women can share their stories through platforms such as twitter and raise awareness of issues that affect their health. An excellent example is the #MeToo movement, which spread like wildfire across social media platforms in 2017, bringing to light the prevalence of sexual harassment and violence against women.

Through this campaign, the voices of thousands of women worldwide were heard for the first time, encouraging women to come forward and share their experiences. This movement, coupled with technological advancements, has encouraged women to demand their rights, empowering them to stand up for their health.

In conclusion, technology has proven to be a significant game-changer in women’s health, with its impact reaching far and wide. Women can now access information, telemedicine, home diagnostic devices, and virtual healthcare services that were once inaccessible.

They can also use social media to empower their voices, share their stories and demand their rights. Given these benefits, it is essential to leverage technology to empower women further and improve health equity. More innovative solutions must be created for the years to come, which will continue to benefit women worldwide.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Boniswa Matiwane

Every so often, if you’re lucky, you are blessed with a fantastic opportunity. Now that opportunity doesn’t always present itself as an one because opportunity conjures images of newness, possibility, growth – it generally makes you feel excited!

Recently my time at the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s Entrepreneurship Development Academy came to an end – after just nine months. I remember my first day as if it were yesterday; excitement, trepidation, nerves – it felt like the first day of school. Thato Ntshona my manager started my time at the EDA with two simple pieces of advice, “Add value and take up space” – little did I know that those words would be the foundation of my time at the EDA. Thato showed me, no, taught me what leadership is all about.

When Thato left after two months, I sensed the fire, felt the heat … my baptism of fire was starting. I found myself pushed into spaces I’ve never occupied before, been perplexed by problems I’ve never experienced before, pushed to the limits and then realising that beyond the limits are the opportunities, beyond the safe spaces are the learnings, and beyond the complex problems are the growths.

In nine short months, the EDA has blessed me with learnings most people only achieve in two to five years of working. I have learnt so much about the professional space I occupy, learnt so much about leadership, team dynamics and most importantly, I have learnt so much about myself.

Thank you to the amazing team within the EDA – working together has been pleasure of my life thus far, our short time together has been some of the best times of my life. Thank you to extended GIBS Family, whose support was instrumental to our many successes.

Thank you to the amazing entrepreneurs I have met along the way, inspiration lives within you, and I feel honoured to have tapped into it. Thank you to Wingman Communications, the EDA’s communications partner, who captured my highlights over the past nine months.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

UKZN PhD candidate, Ms Phakamile Mazibuko, has been nominated for the Sebenza Women’s Awards for her positive impact on communities through her work with the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements in various fields, including arts, business, education, environmental, health and wellness, public service, social justice, and sports.

Mazibuko, who started the foundation in 2020, has since helped over 1 500 Grade 12 learners access Higher Education Institutions across South Africa and beyond. She believes the award’s purpose is to empower women and encourage them to improve the lives of their surroundings.

She is a finalist in the “Community Builder of the Year” category. While she hopes to win, her biggest wish is to encourage others to be kind and lend a helping hand to their loved ones and the wider community.

‘Small deeds of kindness go a long way, so please assist people whenever you can. Most of us have not had it easy during the last three years, so let’s try to live up to the spirit of Ubuntu by being kind and loving to one another,’ she said.

She expressed that it would be an honour to win this award, believing it would be of great encouragement to her. She added, ‘I hope this will also encourage others to be kind and lend a helping hand to their loved ones and the larger community.’

To vote, supporters can SMS “Phakamile Mazibuko + Community Builder of the Year” to 34604, voting closes on 15 September 2023, SMSs cost R2.

Image and source: UKZN

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Ayanda Zulu is an inspirational farmer and founder of Wenzokuhle Farming, a commercial livestock and crop farm in KwaNongoma, KZN, South Africa.

When she started farming, she had no background in agriculture. She had to go through different doors seeking assistance from established farmers, and farming institutions. After accumulating much needed knowledge, Ayanda registered her company and started planting crops and vegetables and later ventured into cattle farming.

“Farming in South Africa stands a good chance at being the best economy vehicle in the future if young people could be encouraged to venture into it. Both educated and uneducated, a lot can be achieved in unison because our parents grew up with farming but had no education background in it. We also need more agriculture colleges and skills training programmes.

Farming generates so much money to the economy, but we can’t see it because many of our people still see it as a dirty job,” said Ayanda Zulu.

Image: Instagram