Uncategorized

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South Africa has come a long way from Apartheid, but the effects are still felt almost thirty years later, especially by the poor. Many young women and girls still don’t have access to sanitary towels when they go through their monthly menstrual cycle. For little girls in school, this issue not only affects their confidence and social life, but it directly affects their studies too – as many of them tend to skip school for as long as a week every month, because of the lack of proper sanitary towels.

Menstrual coach, author and motivational speaker from UMthatha in the Eastern Cape, Babalwa Mbuku couldn’t fold her arms when she noticed this. In 2017, Babalwa sold her car to start her business, Ntombam Sanitary Towels.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ntombam Sanitary Towels (@ntombamsanitary)

Ntombam Sanitary Towels is a 100% woman owned company, based in East London in the Eastern Cape. Ntombam has achieved levels of success over the years in operation. Their core mission is to restore the dignity of a vulnerable girl child and reduce the high rate of school absenteeism by providing quality and affordable sanitary towels which they believe are a basic need.

Passionate about the girl child’s education, health and confidence, Babalwa often has pad drives and visits some disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape province.

She was inspired by a young girl who once said she preferred to get free sanitary pads from government instead of a free education, she has received some support for her business, having partnered with Vodacom in a CSI project in the Eastern Cape and being part of an incubator programme by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

Babalwa was in the top 25 of the 100 Most Influential Young South Africans of 2019 for social enterprise and philanthropy.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Esinako Ndabeni wrote her debut book, “Born to Kwaito: Reflections on the Kwaito Generation,” with co-author Sihle Mthembu while still an undergraduate student at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

The young author started a blog about kwaito and met Sihle via the internet and the pair collaborated on a podcast and from there decided to write the book. “Born to Kwaito” explores the birth of kwaito music and culture during South Africa’s Post-Apartheid era, focusing on how the political backdrop informed the music and vice versa. The book was announced as part of the longlist for the Sunday Times Literary Awards’ Alan Paton Non-Fiction Prize shortly after its release.

Kwaito can be described as an experimentation and evolution of house music with elements of disco and dancehall.

Esinako is interested in and hopes more people write about the ways in which popular culture influences people’s everyday lives and how it encourages and normalizes ideas and behaviors about race, class and gender.

She sees this as the simplest way to engage with complex issues. Esinako is working on a children’s book that she hopes will empower little Black girls to see themselves beyond the limitations that western media places on them.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The 8th of March is officially International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, International Women’s Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. It is not country, group or organization specific.

Living as a woman in South Africa is tough, with all the gender-based violence and discriminations against women, it’s easy to throw in the towel and become a victim of circumstance. However, the women of this country continually show a spirit of resilience and manage to do the most amazing, inspirational things.

Although there are countless, The Fuse – Stories from South Africa has taken the time to recognize and celebrate 7 inspirational women:

1. Divya Vasant – Co-founder of AMAZI, a social impact brand by women for women.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AMAZI (@amazishetribe)

2. Lulama Wolf – a visual artist who explores the human condition in extremely imaginative ways, creating hyper visualized characters.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lulama (@lulamawolf)

3. Lisa Adams – founder of Citizen Code, a startup of Technologists from Africa, trying to make a difference via meaningful tech, and a car racer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lisa Adams (@thereallisaadams)

4. Yoza Mnyanda-Siboto – a film director, editor and musician.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🦄✨ Yoza Mnyanda-Siboto 🦄✨ (@sheisyoza)

5. Bulelwa Mpinda – Podcaster and CEO of Young and Spiritually Inspired, a digital youth empowerment movement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Inspired Talks Podcast (@inspiredtalks)

6. Jessica van Heerden – lifestyle content creator

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessica van Heerden (@jessica_vanheerden)

7. Neo Nontso – award-winning cookbook author

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neo Nontso (@dinewithneo)

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

On this International Women’s Day, we take the time to recognize and celebrate Sejako Mtolo who is currently the Head of Facility Engineering at Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA).

Necsa is responsible for processing source material, including uranium enrichment, and co-operating with other institutions, locally and abroad, on nuclear and related matters for the promotion of socio-economic development in South Africa as well as R&D in the field of nuclear energy and radiation sciences.

Apart from its main activities at Pelindaba, which include operation and utilization of the SAFARI-1 research reactor, NECSA also manages and operates the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in the Northern Cape on behalf of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI).

Sejako is a professionally registered engineer who holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Masters in Nuclear Engineering from the North West University (NWU), a certificate in Executive Development Program from Wits Business School (WBS), as well as a certificate in Corporate Governance.

HAPPY WORLD ENGINEERING DAY pic.twitter.com/AtPcHTTwGA

— Sejako (@SejakoMTolo) March 4, 2023

She has worked in the engineering industry for more than 17 years and her experience varies from power plants, mining, and nuclear.

CJ, as she is affectionately known, is also a sought-after speaker who delivers high-energy keynotes presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most in the engineering and energy space.

CJ’s down-to-earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them and leaves them with empowering tools and proof points that they will use long after the lights have gone out on the event.

Sejako has been serving as a council member at Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) since 2016. She is extensively involved in ECSA accreditation on mechanical engineering programs for higher education institutions.

Talk about a boss lady!

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Local actress and businesswoman, Omuhle Gela is hosting her famous Mom’s Day Off Luncheon at a secret location in Johannesburg on the first of April 2023, and she’s going bigger and better! Omuhle envisaged creating something where moms from all walks of life – young and old – could spend the day together without their little ones, and at the beginning of 2021 she founded Mom’s Day Off.

Speaking to us last year about motherhood and the luncheon, the mother-of-one said, “We gather as moms and just have good food, play fun games, interact as moms, and advise each other, uplift each other, and empower each other as women who have experienced a lot of body and mind changes that most likely birthed some insecurities.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moms Day Off With Omuhle (@momsdayoffwithomuhle)

Because many moms often feel the pressure of constantly having to be the perfect mother, Omuhle, as a mom herself, is passionate about making sure the moms that attend her luncheon feel comfortable and pampered (as they should!).

And thanks to two of her sponsors, Easy Waves and Lifestyle Home, she will do exactly that. When these brands heard of the actress’ initiative, they couldn’t help but get involved. “I’m excited and very grateful that these brands share my vision and passion. All we want is for the mothers to have a day for themselves, be celebrated for all the work they do, and walk away feeling lighter, happier even more equipped to be the best moms to their little ones,” Omuhle tells The Fuse.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Londy Ngcobo is Africa’s first female Dredge Master and is making giant strides across the maritime industry as a Businesswoman, Speaker, Conference Facilitator, Women and Youth Activist.

Londy has over 13 years of experience in the industry; her background includes Maritime Studies, International Merchant shipping experience, and Advanced dredging from the Netherlands IHC. She is currently Maritime Compliance Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, Founder of Global Maritime Youth and Chief Executive of Womaritime Experts, a consulting firm in the shipping industry, which earned her the title – The Black Mermaid.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capt. Londy Ngcobo | Keynote Speaker (@blaqmermaid)

The award winning navigator in Scarce Skills serves various maritime business boards and influential organizations within women, youth and leadership spheres in efforts in ensuring continuous development of Africa’s maritime professions through advocacy, education and awareness .

Londy is passionate about Women and Youth Empowerment. As a mother and wife, Londy’s experiences inspired her to start her organization called Mamas Escape Club – an award-winning Best Support Group providing tools for mothers to thrive through life challenges.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capt. Londy Ngcobo | Keynote Speaker (@blaqmermaid)

Londy was born in Durban and grew up in Clermont Township, at the age of 18, she delved into the maritime world and has since been reaping the rewards with multiple awards to show.

She is a recipient of the Best Innovation Award for introducing international compliance standards in 2017 among other awards. Now that’s inspiring!

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

If you’ve spent some time on Twitter lately, you will be familiar with Dr. Sandile Qwabe who has been trending for his bubbly personality and funny videos of Tik Tok. Although some tweeps have had a few complaints about how he conducts himself on social media, the Health Professions Council of SA says it does not control doctors’ dress codes or their lifestyles.

It is easy to judge and criticize others when you’re scrolling on your phone, but The Fuse: Stories from South Africa is passionate about highlighting the extraordinary things that the most ordinary people do, inspiring us and so many others in this country and beyond.

Dr Qwabe is one such person – an inspirational doctor who gives his patients the best possible care and inspires and entertains his colleagues.

Here are 5 things we absolutely love about the good doctor:

1. He passionate about educating himself – on top of his medical degree, Dr. Sandile Qwabe also holds an engineering degree.

Not only does he have a medical degree. He has an engineering degree.

Why do we accept that white professors can be eccentric, grow long hair, walk barefoot and all manner of things but create narratives that black intelligence requires back doors and shortcuts based on… https://t.co/3ntpADhyuF

— Africa Research Desk 📚📁 (@MightiJamie) March 5, 2023

2. He’s a hands-on, fun dad!

@qwabekastufuza

Baby qwabe loading……….💚🤍#pyf #trending #qwabekastufuza

♬ First Time – TEEKS

3. He’s a devoted husband

@qwabekastufuza

Happy 2nd anniversary to us ❤️(8/4/2020)

♬ Paris (feat. Afriikan Papi) – Q-Mark & TpZee

4. He celebrates his wins

@qwabekastufuza

Syabonga kumdali🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

♬ original sound – Sandile Qwabe

5. Everyone who has ever worked with him only has good things to say about him and his work ethic.

My fave to ever work with. Very intelligent and great at what he does. As for teaching? The best! Anikahle nje https://t.co/peS1eNbfGo

— 💉Sr Bassie👩🏽‍🎓💉 (@magosibassy) March 2, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

For 50 years, TRUELOVE magazine has served style and Black excellence. Always new, always challenging, always changing. The TRUELOVE woman is navigating her many roles effortlessly – from killing it in the boardroom and living her best life on a girl’s trip, to rolling up her sleeves as a ‘makoti’ at a family gathering. And with Mbali Soga returning as editor-in-chief, the magazine promises to climb to even greater heights.

“Being back at the helm of TRUELOVE feels like a ‘homecoming’ after a decade at the magazine (in various capacities),” says Mbali. “I’ve missed telling authentic stories that spark something in you – just as my dreams started becoming a reality when I picked up my very first issue. But what I’ve missed most are the readers! You taught me humility, showed me the value of community by welcoming me into the sisterhood, and having those dynamic, culturally relevant conversations. I am excited to be a part of this next chapter!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TRUELOVE Magazine (@truelovemagazine)

TRUELOVE will now be published quarterly, with a new issue each season, in spring, summer, autumn and winter, along with other projects. It will be a quarterly handbook on all things career, money, and relationships – think of it as the girlfriend in your handbag. The four issues per year will be paired with three high-quality brand extensions, one of them being TRUELOVE Hair.

Mbali spent 10 years working with TRUELOVE in various roles, including as editor between 2017 and 2022. In 2019, the vision and new direction that she brought to TRUELOVE captured the attention of FIPP (The International Federation of Periodical Publishers) and UPM (United Paper Mills), who named Mbali as the overall winner of their Rising Stars Award.

Local and international advertising and marketing authorities have also taken note. Over the past two years, during her time as Head of content at South Africa’s no.1 online fashion retailer, Superbalist.com, Mali worked on two Lorie award-winning campaigns as well as one Effie award-winning campaign.

Mbali’s eye for style and her knowledge of our local design community made her an essential part of the Superbalist team that created the corporate uniform for SA’s newest airline, LIFT. She was also on the creative team that brought you the hottest retail collaboration with visual artist Lulama Wolf. And now, after a year stretching her wings in the digital space, Mbali is back at TRUELOVE to lead this exciting new part of our journey.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

On Thursday night, 26-year-old visual artist Masonwabo Ntloko took Johannesburg down a visually gripping journey when he held his first ever painting solo exhibition “ILISO LO MOYA” inspired by the richness of his spiritual nuances and Xhosa heritage.

Earlier this month, Masonwabe and Katmo Gallery announced their collaboration aimed at providing art and design enthusiasts the opportunity to witness Masonwabe’s latest projects. His previous exhibition was of his rug collection “Ilifa Lethu” in collaboration with Airloom. 

Iliso lomoya directly translates to “the Eye of the spirit”. This body of work focuses on his spiritual growth and experience of the world around him. The month-long exhibition explores themes of identity, transformation, healing, and the power of the human spirit it. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Masonwabe Ntloko 🇿🇦 (@masonwabentloko)

It features his paintings, and mixed media works that explore his journey into self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. The artworks showcase the artist’s use of colour texture, and form to create a visually and emotionally charged and stimulating experience for the viewer. At the core of the exhibition is Masonwabe’s personal stories of spiritual exploration and growth, which he hopes will resonate with viewers and provide them with insight into their own journey self-discovery.

Through the use of various artistic mediums, Masonwabe hopes to create an immersive experience that encourages viewers to deflect on their own lives and to seek out their own inner truths.

Many people have fallen in love with the young artist’s work, and admire his talent, including American singer-songwriter and actress, Kelly Rowland. In December 2022, while Kelly was visiting South Africa, she couldn’t help but stop at the studio with Masonwabe’s work and celebrate his work.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Masonwabe Ntloko 🇿🇦 (@masonwabentloko)

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Shoki Mmola fans are in for a treat as the talented actress joins eTV’s Scandal! as Reverend Prudence Molepo, a is a woman of the cloth who has wholly given her life to the faith. She holds herself in high regard and expects others to do the same for themselves.

But, she stands on moral high ground to mask her own flaws. The Reverend is a strict mother and can often be too hard on her children. In her eyes, they cannot be failures because they were birthed by a woman who is moulded in the image of God.

The Reverend comes in as Vuvu’s mother, and she holds Nhlamulo and Vuvu’s kids close to her heart. But she does not agree with Vuvu’s sexuality and writes her off completely. She feels Vuvu and Nhlamulo are not fit to raise the children and wants to raise them for herself.

We can’t wait to see Shoki’s portrayal of the Reverend!