Uncategorized

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Siphesihle Kwetana of Siphe Development and Capacitation Agency makes breakthroughs in lucrative markets. The Mthatha-based vegetable producer owns an agricultural business that produces spinach, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, three types of peppers and carrots, among others.

“After completing matric in 2013, I decided to take an entrepreneurial route because I come from a disadvantaged family, just like most young people in my town. I also had to accept that I did not do well at school so I had to come up with a plan,” she explains.

Initially, she sold food informally and dreamt of owning her own restaurant, but sadly this enterprise was not lucrative.

After realising there was a gap in the agricultural industry in the province, because not many black people farmed commercially, she decided to switch her focus from selling food to producing it.

Kwetana’s business was registered in 2014 and she acquired 85 hectares of land in Qumbu through a lease agreement.

“I was only 20 when I started and no one took me seriously, especially because I am a woman. When I started off, I used only two hectares of the land,” she said.

Over the years, her business has grown and 15 hectares are now being cultivated and worked by five permanent employees and 15 temporary workers.

She said the challenges she faced as a young female farmer persist but she remains resolute in her dreams.

Her determination is paying off, with Kwetana supplying fresh produce to local supermarkets across the province, including Spar, Pick n Pay, Food Lover’s Market and Ideal Veg. She sells her produce to a local lodge and some local restaurants too.

Because of her hard work, she walked away with the provincial Top Entrepreneur: Commercial title at the recently held Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Female Entrepreneur Awards 2019.

Siphesihle would love to see more women farmers, and thus offers training and technical support to other young producers in the province.

Image: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

‘Macabre’, an immersive theatre experience presented by UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture (FADA), runs from 6-10 June 2023 at a specially selected performance site in Auckland Park.

This psychological suspense play invites limited audiences for an experimental site-oriented theatrical experience written by award-winning playwright and UJ Arts & Culture Head of Division, Pieter Jacobs, and directed by Jade Bowers based on the direction of the play’s first director, Gopala Davies with the production designed by Karabo Legoabe.

‘Macabre’ features South African heavyweights, Judy Ditchfield and Fezile Mpela with compositions and accompaniment by musician Matthew MacFarlane. Set in modern-day South Africa, the site-orientated play delves into the experience of senescence and abandonment, tackling ageism and racism in democratic South Africa. It is a story of guilt, loss, and remorse sparked by the dramatic collision between characters Maude’s past and Abel’s future.

‘Writing the script for Macabre has been an exciting journey and where I as I playwright would normally have been done and the production be completely in the hands of the director, designer, and actors, the immersive nature and site-oriented positioning of the work requires or more sustained involvement that is extremely fulfilling and rewarding,’ says Pieter Jacobs, the playwright.

The intimate space and proximity to the action places audiences in the middle of the play, enhancing the emotional journey and dramatic arch. ‘Macabre’ experiments with the amalgamation of immersive theatre staples designed to stimulate an array of senses and narrative.

“Taking over direction of Macabre, I’m fortunate to receive the baton from the incredible Gopala Davies, who allows me to interpret the narrative through my own creative lens. The story immerses the audience, which was a stimulating factor to consider when directing, as I wanted to ensure that the audience experiences the story as opposed to merely watching it,” says Bowers.

‘Macabre’ is an intimate avant-garde theatre production that takes place at a specially selected off-campus location. Due to the immersive nature of the performance, seats for each show will be limited.

Dates: 6-11 June 2023

Venue: 53A Twickenham Avenue Auckland Park Johannesburg

Time: 18:30 for 19:00

Tickets: R150

UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.

In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The FADA has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.

Source & Image: University of Johannesburg

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

“Fun fact, Vuyolwethu was the MC for the first ever EmpowHER Conference which took place in 2017 at the age of 23. We are very excited to have her MC at all 3 regions this year! We can’t wait!”

Vuyolwethu Dubese is a leading innovation and impact professional and executive, with over 7 years of experience in business innovation and strategy, impact development and communications in growth markets across sectors including financial services, technology and agriculture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vuyolwethu Dubese (@vdubese)

She is a firm believer about the creation and execution of a new renaissance of impact-driven business and equitable economic empowerment across four broad interests: Impact and Innovation Design, Gender Parity, Entrepreneurship and Career & Development. This, she operates intersectionally, as an Innovation and MEAL Consultant, Global Moderator and (Angel) Investor.

She is often described as an advisor, a pioneer and a change agent driven by the work that she does in inclusion to unlock and catalyse innovation, investment and impact.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Architecture graduate Luzuko Funda won the annual national Corobrik Student Architecture Awards, the fourth winner from Mandela University over the past five years keeping the tradition strong.

His winning project entailed designing the Agriculture department’s buildings at Fort Hare University in East London and aiming to revitalising the city around the campus.

Luzuko completed his fifth year in Architecture in 2022 and was selected as top student from his class to represent the University’s School of Architecture at this national competition.

Luzuko has always been a hard-working student, even through adversity, and is truly a deserving recipient of the national prize, says Architecture senior lecturer Clayton Johnson-Goddard.  

His project creates an ‘edge building’ that interacts with the public realm while lightly touching the natural landscape. It adapts the existing Old Miriam Makeba building on the site and uses modular systems to create a sustainable structure that fits the context.

“In architecture, I have discovered a platform that allows me to express my art and creativity. Coming from a technical background helped me to understand the nature of construction and architecture taught me a way of communicating through art in a way that others can visualise by means of a physical model or building. Architecture has allowed me to find my own creative path and leave a mark wherever I go”, Luzoko says.

The technical design looks at the adaptation of the existing Old Miriam Makeba building located on the site and the use of modular systems as an architectural expression to create a sustainable building that fits the context.

Luzuko is now working as a candidate architect at SVA International Architecture and Urban Design.

“This year, the judges felt it was such a close competition that they wanted to commend a student who delivered outstanding work,” commented Corobrik chairman Peter du Trevou.

The finalists were selected from the eight major universities based on architectural master’s theses from the class of 2022.

The judges were Wandile Mntambo from GASS Architecture Studios, Jodi Davids-Harber from TJA Architects, and Henry Pretorius from Typology Architects. The judges commended the eight finalists for the high quality of the work produced, which they said bodes well for the next generation of architects in South Africa.

Source & image: Nelson Mandela University

Compiled by Y Nkosazana Ngwadla

Sarah Kazembe’s journey to graduating cum laude with a degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Johannesburg is a story of perseverance, determination, and faith. In her own words, Sarah describes the experience as “a dream come true” and a testament to the power of hard work and a steadfast belief in oneself.

“Philippians 4: 11-13 has been my mantra, and it reads ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Finally graduating with distinction, also known as “Cum Laude”, was one of my biggest goals on my vision board, and on March 7, 2023, it became a reality.

It was a day of great joy and a dream come true after three years of hard work and perseverance at UJ in the field of Strategic Communication. I firmly believe that this is just the beginning of my journey, and God has been faithful to me.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by sarahkazembe (@sarah_kazembe)

As a person from an underprivileged background, I know the saying “Dear black child, your dreams are valid” is now unapologetically applicable to me. I feel blessed to have received support and prayers from my family, who have been with me throughout my journey. I am a living testimony to the fact that “anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it”.

One thing that will always remain with me till the end of time are my mother’s prayers and her wise words on education saying, “Mwanami dinza, ifuku ikwinza ukuzangalala mulonga wakudinza” which translates to, “My child study hard, a day will come on which you will celebrate because of education”.

Her words have ignited my passion for education, and I believe it is one of the keys to success.

During my time at UJ in the department of Strategic Communication, I received many blessings and lessons. My lecturers, such as Miss Seriane Morapeli, were amazing and understanding, and they wanted to see us achieve above average. Miss Morapeli ensured that we experienced being great strategists by developing a campaign that landed us as finalists in the New Generation Awards.

Despite spending the first two years in lockdown, I was able to achieve the following during my three years at UJ:

An overall average of 78% in my final year
Obtained a degree with distinction, also known as Cum Laude
Received 15 distinctions
Became a finalist in the New Generation Awards
Received 2x Dean’s list awards
Received 1x UJenius award
Received an African insights certificate
I am looking forward to adding more achievements to this list in my honours year, God willing.

Source & image: University of Johannesburg

By Nkosazana Ngwadla

Qaqamba Ntshinka is an upcoming Afro Jazz singer, songwriter, poet and model. Based in a township of Mfuleni, situated in Cape Town South Africa, Qaqamba is passionate about impacting people’s lives through her gift. Qaqamba is also a social activist, standing up for people’s rights and uses her craft as an awareness tool in her community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Qaqamba Ntshinka (@qaqamba_ntshinka)

Qaqamba is a Bridges Academy alumni, and her dedication, talent, and hard work over the years have paid off, and she’s become an inspiration to many who follow in her footsteps. She’s a shining example of what it means to strive for greatness.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Your chance to ask your favourite stars any question, as they chat about what you’ve always wanted to know!

Every weeknight, you turn your TV to e.tv from 6.30PM to 10PM to watch your favourite telenovelas. Now, featuring stars from Nikiwe all the way to Isitha, the Enemy, e.tv has launched its very own YouTube Channel called – Behind The Camera.

The focus of this show is to finally give viewers the chance to engage with their favourite actors – in real life.

The first show – Pillow Talk with The Black Door launched on the 16th of February. This show dived deep into “Is the sex on this show actually for real?”, because let’s be honest… things really do get steamy!

The 2^nd  YouTube episode is a conversation people might be too shy to speak about but do really think about – “Friendship” in the workplace- with House of Zwide.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Directors of Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability for Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), Nozicelo Juqula Ngcobo, and The Coca-Cola Company SA’s Babongile Mandela, recently shared a panel with Dr. Jennifer Molwantwa, CEO of the Water Research Commission, at the Business Day Dialogue ‘Water Sustainability’ webinar.

With water being a finite resource and demand in South Africa surpassing supply, this timely discussion brought together industry leaders to explore partnerships, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to build water resilience in local communities.

Key highlights from discussions include:

Strengthening Community Partnerships – Emphasizing the importance of private, public, and community stakeholders working together to address water scarcity and ensure long-term sustainability.

Innovative Solutions – Adopting cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable practices that can help conserve water resources and promote responsible usage.

Building Water Resilience – Developing strategies for communities to better withstand water challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and create lasting solutions to secure South Africa’s water future.

Develop a Collective Conscientiousness: Communities, businesses and government to put water stewardship at the forefront of their initiatives and measure their results to achieve real impact.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

From the onset of her directing career, Gale Maimane has drawn on her background in photography, animation and graphic design to effortlessly blend concept and aesthetics in her work. Her trained eye, point of view and affinity for authenticity, enables her to craft impactful visuals that resonate with local audiences. Gale has now returned for her second collaboration with Jägermeister.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐠𝐲𝐞𝐥 🔮 (𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞) (@galerekwemaimane)

Gale’s latest work for Jägermeister is a deep dive into a microcosm of South African nightlife. Gale cast a range of artists all representing different subcultures. The spots star a red-carpet of local stars like Amapiano sensations DJ Uncle Waffles and Young Stunna, the effervescent Peach van Pletzen and LVMH Prize winner and Designer Thebe Magugu.

After working as a researcher and assisting almost all the directors at Darling, Gale officially began her directing career three years ago, smack bam in the beginning of the pandemic. But no matter the challenges she’s faced, she has brought her perspective, taste and often editorial lens to her work, to create a reel that is visually rich and authentically South African.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The second exhibition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in partnership with Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel opens from 24 May to 28 August. The exhibition will be displayed in different areas of the hotel.

For our second exhibition we are pleased to have Cape Town based curator Anelisa Mangcu on board. Referencing the everyday, Mangcu’s perspective hones in on the pressures of ordinary existence: “We fill up our time with tasks, purpose, duty and creating memories, in hopes of taking our subjective existence seriously with intrinsic value. This way, we create value by affirming time and living it, and not simply obsessing over its passing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Investec Cape Town Art Fair (@investeccapetownartfair)

You can expect to see works by artists; Mary Sibande, Trevor Stuurman, Mongezi Gum, Kimathi Mafafo, Feni Chulumanco, Buqaqawuli Thamani Nobakada, Shakil Solanki, Richard Templeton Smith, Anico Mostert, Ayogu Kingsley and Nedia Were.

“Time is our scarcest resource. It is completely non-renewable. The artists in this exhibition are encouraged to explore the passage of time that allows questions to unfold, characters to be drawn and findings to be resolved.”

Image: Instagram