Nursery Rhymes reimagined, Gideoman is making a statement debut release with his album “Amapiano Nursery Rhymes” out now via Platoon.
Nursery rhymes with an amapiano twist, Gideoman features classic children’s songs such as Old McDonald, Wheels On The Bus, Row Your Boat and more. Inspired by traditional children’s songs and transformed into modern day amapiano, Gideoman highlights the importance of nursery rhymes and how they still have relevance today.
Already receiving love on radio for his single “Wheels On The Bus” having been playlisted by the likes of , we can expect a new era of how nursery rhymes are consumed
Localising music content for children, Gideoman needs to be on your radar. The 15 year old character from South Africa loves music (amapiano), dance, fashion and science. In his spare time, you’ll find him playing soccer or singing in his high school choir.
Six young cricket players in the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Cricket Club have been added to the Central Gauteng Lions squad. This is in addition to two UJ players, Ronan Hermann and alumnus Ryan Rickleton, having secured professional contracts at the Lions and Proteas, respectively.
Kieron Croome, Daniel van der Merwe, Ethan Perry, Zakwan Patel, Sahil Bramdhaw, Khaya Fakude, and Nicolas Whitelaw, were given the opportunity to showcase their talent at the Lions. While there are new additions, van der Merwe was in the squad since the 2022 season.
The players have played a key part in leading the UJ senior men’s cricket team to top finishes this season. Recently, the UJ Premier B T20 cricket team won the Black Widow tournament in April 2023, defeating Glenvista in the final.
The University’s Cricket Club has produced several players who have consistently went on to play for professional and national teams. Rising cricket star and a UJ student, Levert Manje, was selected as part of the Imperial Lions T20 squad that traveled to Namibia for the 2022 Global T20. The team participated in the Richelieu Eagles and Lahore Qalandars in September 2022. Manje made his Lions debut in March 2022 and has a rookie professional contract with the Lions team.
Other players such as Ryan Rickleton, who now plays for the Proteas (SA senior men’s cricket team), Liam Alder, and Ronan Hermann have made significant moves in professional teams in the past two years. Both Hermann and Alder played for the South African Under-19 squad in the 2022 World Cup in the West Indies.
Expressing his pride and confidence in their abilities, UJ Cricket Club Manager and Coach, Siyabonga Sibiya said, “We are proud of the gents and know that the journey will be great. We wish them the best of luck with their exams and preparations going into the new season.”
University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Sunel Combrinck recently published the second book in her Afrikaans young adults series, Die Ontwaking van Winter [The Awakening of Winter].
“This novella tells the story before the story,” said Combrinck, who graduated in 2016 from UP at the top of her class with a master’s degree in Business Management (cum laude) specialising in International Business. “It explains the epic tragic love story between the Winter Queen and Horror King as well as how the entire fairy world started.”
“The characters feature the traits of many people that I’ve met over the past 10 years,” she added. “I have visited so many places and read so many books in this regard that there are so many features that inspired everything. We even toured Ireland.”
Combrinck said that there are not many fantasy stories on the Afrikaans young adult publishing scene and that a series in this genre is a rare find.
“Die Ontwaking van Winter includes a map and a very rich world filled with different types of characters,” she said.
Combrinck is a high school teacher at Hoërskool Eldoraigne, and prior to that, she served as a junior lecturer in the Department Business Management at UP and taught Business Management 1 and Entrepreneurship.
She says she has always enjoyed writing and attributes the idea of writing books to her master’s course and the supervisor of her theses, Dr AJ Vögel in the Department of Business Management.
As a businesswoman and alumna of UP, Combrinck believes that alumni have a responsibility to set an example for other students.
“We should show them that dreams can be accomplished if you work hard at it.”
She says she had the best time as a student at UP. What stands out most was that she met her best friend on campus and that some of the lecturers thought they were siblings.
“Also, the campus in itself and especially the small botanical garden became my quiet place to figure out a large part of the world that I write about.”
The book can be purchased at various stores such as Exclusive Books and Bargain Books, and online shops including Takealot, Loot, Amazon and via the Lapa Uitgewers website.
Dr Nomsa Nkosi graduated as a general surgeon in 2012 at Medunsa. She worked at Tambo Memorial hospital for two years before being appointed as a HOD at Far East Rand Hospital, where she served from 2014 to 2018.
With an interest in colorectal diseases and pathologies, Dr Nkosi furthered her training in the field of colorectal surgery through Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
Dr Nkosi holds sub-speciality qualifications in colorectal surgery and surgical gastroenterology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She also works as a colorectal consultant at Helen Joseph Hospital.
Dr Nkosi recently joined WDGMC with a special interest in the following: – Colorectal cancer – Intestinal failure – Proctology – Faecal incontinence – Rectal prolapse – IBD
The Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) is the first and only private teaching hospital in South Africa. It was established in 2002 when the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) bought the Kenridge Hospital with a founding donation from the Donald Gordon Foundation. The institution was then renamed the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
Last night, UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment won an awe-inspiring eight Naledi Theatre Awards for Hlakanyana – The Musical.
Hosted on 5 June at the Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre, the Naledi Theatre Awards recognises excellence in theatre. Hlakanyana – The Musical, commissioned for the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, was conceived, workshopped, written, and scored online during the extended Covid-19 lockdowns. The Musical written, scored and co-produced by Madevu Entertainment headed by the talented duo Zolani Shangase and Michael William Wallace and UJ Arts & Culture, with MoMo Matsunyane as head writer and directed by Janice Honeyman.
“We are so proud of the cast and crew of Hlakanyana – The Musical,” said Zolani Shangase, Co-founder and Creative Director of Madevu Entertainment about the collaborative project. “This is a truly ground-breaking production, and we are honoured to have been a part of it.”
The awards celebrate excellence in South African theatre over the previous year (2022) and UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment wins were spread across a number of categories, including:
Best Production of a Musical :: Hlakanyana – The Musical (UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Ensemble in a Musical Theatre Production :: Hlakanyana – The Musical (UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Leading Actor in a Musical Theatre Production :: Sandisile Dlangalala (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical Theatre Production :: Momo Matsunyane (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Theatre Production :: Sibusiso Mxosana (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Director of a Musical Theatre Production :: Janice Honeyman (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Musical Director :: Dale Ray Scheepers, Viwe Mkizwana & Zolani Shangase (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Best Original Score :: Sne Dladla, Zolani Shangase, Dionne Song & Viwe Mkizwana (Hlakanyana – The Musical – UJ Arts & Culture and Madevu Entertainment)
Co-founder and Creative Director of Madevu Entertainment, Michael William Wallace, attributes the success of the project to its collaborative nature and the innovative spirit and tenacity of Madevu Entertainment and UJ Arts & Culture.
This is the second year the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme production has been nominated and won various awards. Now in its fifth year, the FADA programme challenges the over 300 second-year students from across the faculty to conceptualise and design various aspects of a production produced by UJ Arts & Culture. The collaboration of students and disciplines often results in productions that are eye catching, with a flair for the unique.
“This was a production birthed during Covid-19, theatres were closed, rehearsals halted and this is when it got its footing, and to see it come to fruition and to be rewarded at the Naledi’s is an all-encompassing moment, not only for us to see through Covid-19, but also despite Covid-19 being able to produce such an important work,” said Prof Desiree Smal, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA).
“This year’s iteration is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and Madevu Entertainment and highlights the importance of collaboration both in the faculty and with creatives in the industry.”
Hlakanyana – The Musical is an original and innovative Afrofuturistic retelling of a traditional Zulu folktale and was created using FADA’s unique interdisciplinary approach. The interdisciplinary programme was reintroduced in 2022 following Covid-19, allowing the musical to be produced and premiere on Africa Day.
The Naledi Theatre Awards are the premier awards event on the Gauteng Theatre calendar and are recognised as one of the most prestigious theatre awards in South Africa.
Being a student can be quite daunting, especially if you’re unsure about the path you’re on. It’s easy to simply follow a career path because of what others have observed about you and your abilities, or even walk away from a passion because of insecurities.
KPMG director and audit partner, Zimkita Mabindla has penned down words that help youg people who are in-between about their studies in finance.
“I get a lot of young people asking for career advice, specifically whether they should remain within the audit profession. My answer is a resounding “YES”. I gave a presentation to our 3rd years, two weeks ago. Our value proposition to you has never changed:
1) We invest heavily in your CA brand. Its safety is of paramount importance to us. We provide wrap-around safety for your hard-earned brand. We were there with you every step of the way. We know what on qualifying as a CA(SA), you’re capable of. We structure your work accordingly. We’ll not ask you to take on risky tasks and shame you when you don’t have the knowledge.
2) There’s safety in numbers, and in the network of fellow CAs. We offer you opportunities to build your relationship, and intellectual capital. We offer experts to give you continued support, and to nurture you in the safety of your firm. We continue walking your leadership journey with you. We’ve invested heavily. We know how hard you’ve worked. This ensures that there are limited opportunities to compromise the integrity of your brand, and you can consult widely, if those instances occur.
The times I faced, what seemed to me to be ethical dilemmas while outside the firm environment, I felt extremely isolated. Fortunately I’d stayed in the firm longer in my career than out, so I’d amassed relationship capital and networks with some of the experts. They came through for me. Hence I believe in the strength of building a network of experts.
3) We expose you to C-Suite executives early in your career path. We’re focused on developing “Confident leaders of sustainable organizations” and we expose you to successful leaders early on. When I ventured into “commerce”, I was surprised by the number of people I met who’d never met or presented to C-Suite executives, I’d done so since my early 20’s.
4) We train you to be thought leaders. We train you to give opinions and invaluable input to public policy, legislation, standards and best practice. We train you to inform strategies, facilitate implementation. We train you to have integrity to understand that you serve public interest daily, through doing your jobs and doing those excellently. We train you to be focused and resilient. We train you to be change makers and leaders and not just doers of tasks.
Before you make your decisions, I’m going to ask you to pause and reflect a little. Don’t make hasty decisions.
Above all for me though, audit firms have produced thousands of leaders for our country and the world. It’s our purpose. The core of our existence. Who’ll nurture the next generation of leaders if we don’t try? Who’ll ensure the sustainability of our profession?
I believe this with my whole heart – The profession is infinitely more important than any individuals or individual corporate brands. We have a track record of developing for our country and the world, a sustainable pipeline of magnificent leaders.”
Uzalo, South Africa’s beloved and critically acclaimed television series, is thrilled to announce the addition of two captivating characters to its already stellar cast. Mzamo Shezi, portrayed by the talented Linda Majola, and Nomkhosi Mhlongo, portrayed by the brilliant Sibusisiwe Jili, are a dynamic duo set to bring a new dimension of excitement, drama, and intrigue to the show.
Mzamo Shezi, a self-proclaimed “wanna-be influencer, wanna-be fashionista, and wanna-be celeb,” is an entertainer with dreams of fame and recognition. Having faced rejection and prejudice due to his sexuality, Mzamo seeks to prove himself and gain the respect he deserves. His journey takes an unexpected turn when the death of his best friend’s father becomes a turning point for his aspirations, setting him on a path intertwined with power and influence.
As he navigates the complexities of village life and faces numerous challenges, Mzamo’s character promises to captivate viewers with his resilience and determination. Nomkhosi Mhlongo, the strong-willed daughter of Chief Shepherd Mhlongo, is a natural-born leader with a fierce sense of justice.
This feisty and wise young woman challenges the traditional norms of her rural village, advocating for gender equality and fighting for what she believes in. With her university education and deep-rooted conviction, Nomkhosi returns to her community with a mission to lead and uplift her people. As she confronts obstacles and contends with her own cousin, Nkunzi, for the coveted Chieftaincy seat, Nomkhosi’s character promises to bring forth intense conflicts and showcase her unyielding determination.
“The talented Linda Majola brings Mzamo Shezi to life with his impeccable acting prowess. Linda’s portrayal of Mzamo’s resilience, vulnerability, and quest for acceptance will undoubtedly leave viewers enthralled and eager to see what lies ahead for his character,” comments, King David Mukwevho, series producer.
“The renowned Sibusisiwe Jili embodies the strength, intelligence, and unwavering determination that defines Nomkhosi’s character brilliantly,” he adds.
Linda and Sibusisiwe’s exceptional talent and magnetic performances bring Mzamo Shezi and Nomkhosi Mhlongo to life with unparalleled depth and authenticity. Audiences can catch Sibusisiwe Jili’s debut as Nomkhosi Mhlongo on Wednesday, 7 June, 2023, and Linda Majola’s debut as Mzamo Shezi, premiering on Tuesday, 13 June, 2023.
Prepare to be enthralled as Uzalo expands its narrative universe with these two exceptional characters. Tune in to SABC1 and join the journey as Mzamo and Nomkhosi embark on a relentless pursuit of their dreams.
Dambisa Dube is a visiting fellow of the German Africa Foundation in Berlin, holding Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Federal Chancellor Fellowship. Her research focuses on youth engagement, participation in Germany and South Africa, digitalisation effects, shaping political discourse of the younger.
Dambisa is also the founder of the Civic Youth Initiative, an initiative initiated in 2022 that is committed to highlighting the importance of civic education by placing young people at the forefront of the discussion (youth centred approach).
CYI is committed to finding youth centred and innovative approaches to fostering democratic values and encourage the active citizenry of young people. CYI also aims to do this by building on existing research and efforts to strengthening civic education.
The first phase of this initiative is guided by project outputs which form part of a larger a project led by Dambisa as part of her German Chancellor Fellowship supported by Deutsche Afrika Foundation. Through dialogue, research and exchange CYI aims to make efforts to strengthening civic education with a specific focus placed on South African youth.
The first phase of CYI work will focus on establishing a network of civic education experts/stakeholders, ground our work in research & using innovative formats to encourage and foster dialogue about politics. CYI understands that civic education is a ‘prerequisite to functioning democracies’ further highlighting the cost of the exclusion of young people from participating actively in politics.
We also aim to make politics interesting, digestible and relatable by engaging future generations who will continue to shape the pace and ‘identity’ of politics by ensuring they are not sidelined but are equipped to lead the discussion.
Nal’ibali, together with its implementation partners, Total Energies and Breadline Africa, officially inaugurated a brand-new literacy centre at Glenover Secondary School in Chartsworth, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The aim of this project is to provide the school with a dedicated facility that offers reading material for learners in grades 8 through 12.
Beyond being a literacy centre, this space will also function as a multipurpose literacy space, offering training for literacy facilitators and serving as a safe space for reading clubs and storytelling activities. Total Energies believes that giving the gift of quality education is priority.
CSI and Corporate Affairs Manager Talitha Sachane said “Giving the gift of quality education is something that Total Energies prides itself with, that we must always deliver on resources needed by learners. In line with our priority areas of which one is Inclusion and Education, this was only fitting for Total Energies to be part of such an initiative”.
Mpho Ramasodi, Head of Programmes of Nal’ibali, added that, “This new library will complement existing literacy initiatives in the community by consistently providing access to books and a space specifically designed for reading. It will create opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading and unlock new worlds of knowledge and awareness.”
During the ceremony held at the school, the new library was unveiled, and the learners received the much-needed learning materials. They excitedly perused a diverse selection of their new books to take home for lending purposes. Currently, the library houses over 180 titles in two languages.
This successful project has already been implemented in two other schools: AA Khumalo Primary School in Mpumalanga and Nompumelelo Primary School in the Eastern Cape. The previous launches of libraries coincided with the 2023 annual “World Book Day”.
Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign. It seeks to spark and embed a culture of reading in children from birth to 12 years of age, across South Africa, through cultivating, enticing reading content in all South African languages.
Nal’ibali promotes the use of home languages in nurturing and strengthening reading culture in children as home language is transparent, easy to learn and is the first language that children connect with, in order to socialise and make sense of the world around them. Nal’ibali stories build a healthy ongoing appetite in children to engage more with reading, and to develop other important literacy skills while creating their own reading experiences. Children who develop strong relationships with books and reading materials.
Former Surfing South Africa President and Mandela University Labour Law doctoral student and attorney Johnny Bakker from Gqeberha, has recently been elected as Vice-President of the African Surfing Confederation at the AGM, which was held in Dakar, Senegal. His term runs until 2027.
Backed by the surfing federations of Senegal, Nigeria and Morocco, Johnny hopes to grow the membership to about 30 African countries, as this is his main goal.
In addition, he will assist with legal expertise and multilateral relations between the African surfing nations.
Senegal, one of the current 25 African surfing organisations, is preparing to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.
The Games will be the first International Olympic Committee Event on the continent and also the first time that surfing will join the 28 core disciplines.
“I am humbled to be elected to the position, The objective is for Africa to speak with one voice in the international surfing world,” he says.
For his doctoral thesis Johnny is researching the sponsorship agreement between a sponsor and an athlete / surfer as an employment contract and his supervisor and co-supervisors are Professors Lynn Biggs and Patrick Vrancken.
