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Althea is a DIY queen and so much more!

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The days where women were expected to always be in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, while the men build houses are long gone and have been for a while. Nowadays, women embrace that they are just as capable and versatile as the next person.

One such young woman is Althea, a Do-It-Yourself queen with a face fit for television! “A woman of many talents,” in her own words. Althea has a passion for building and making beautiful homes, and recently she turned her low-cost home into a stunning upmarket guesthouse in a township.

Althea believes in staying in her own lane and focusing on her goals. ” The journey is not a race, it’s a marathon. The act of running is simple, one foot in front of the other. “The art of becoming a runner is achieved through a new mindset and commitment to change, especially if it’s new to you. It’s tough, challenging, painful, sometimes lonely, regularly uncomfortable and often excruciating…but the rewards are second to none, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that. I look at life exactly the same way,” she wrote on her Instagram account.

When she’s not busy building beautiful homes, you can find Althea’s gorgeous face on some of the most popular skin care products, proving that she truly is a woman of many talents!

Image: Twitter

The man behind the flowers, Given Kazeni

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Most women love receiving flowers, let’s face it; they’re gorgeous, smell great most of the time, and they have the ability to light up any room. And what better month than February, the month of love!

If you’re a regular on Twitter, you might be familiar with Given Kazeni and his stunning bouquets of flowers from his business, Burgeon Flora. Given started his business in July 2022, and in just a few months he has garnered a huge clientele that gives him the nod with each delivery.

Burgeon Flora, without a doubt, has a success story that keeps getting better, one bouquet at a time. However, Given is not an entrepreneur who doesn’t know humble beginnings. In September 2022 he took to Twitter to share some of the challenges of owning a business.

“Had to make one of these deliveries by Gautrain today. Uber-Gautrain-meter-meter-Gautrain-Uber. R510 one delivery. This tweet is solely so I can come back to it one day,” he wrote. And sure enough, two months later, his business was able to buy itself a delivery vehicle.

Congratulatory tweets came flooding in from all directions to Given, applauding him for his work ethic, professionalism and inspirational journey. So, whether you’re looking to brighten up your home, show love to someone special, or even congratulate a friend, Burgeon Flora has just the bouquet for every occasion!

Image: Facebook

Lavender Hill High School is determined to support its pupils succeed despite challenges

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Grade 12 class of 2022 has been one of the most inspiring classes the country has seen, specifically because we saw how students who didn’t do well the first time they did their matric, passed with flying colors this time.

It has always been preached that there is no shame in failing, especially if you pick yourself up and try again – and that’s exactly what these inspirational young people did!

One such is Whitney Hardzenberg, a 23-year-old woman who decided she wanted to return to school and complete matric. Even with a six-month-old baby and a four-year study gap, nothing was going to stand in her way.

The school Whitney previously attended turned her away, but because she was desperate for a second chance, she approached Lavender Hill High School, and they gladly accepted her. Not only that; the school went as far as supporting Whitney by sending her study material home when her little one was sick, and she had to be home with her young daughter.

When her child’s illness persisted, Whitney felt she had no other option but to drop out, but her family, schoolteachers and classmates were not about to let her give up her dream.

“The support I got from Lavender Hill High … the [school] stuff was brought to me at the hospital, each child took a book to [bring me] my work,” she said. My teacher 100% supported me, she came to drop parcels also. Lavender Hill High teachers and the kids — my classmates — they came to me, they told me: ‘You’re not going to drop out, Whitney. You came this far, you’re going to go on,'” she told the Daily Maverick.

When it comes to supporting and cheering their pupils on, Lavender Hill High School is doing a great job, and the success stories of its pupils is testament to exactly that. Such talented softball players, Amir Phillander and Jacey Fortuin who took part in a national softball tour in late 2022.

Image: Facebook

Taking to social media to encourage and congratulate the class of 2022, the school wrote: “Congratulations to all matric learners on your hard-earned results! Whether you received the grades you hoped for or not, know that your determination and effort are what truly matter. Remember, the end of matric is just the beginning of your journey, and the skills and knowledge you’ve gained will serve you well in the years to come. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! #MatricResults #Congratulations #FutureSuccess

Latest news in South Africa – Thursday, 2 February 2023

  • Beyoncé Announces tour dates for 2023.
  • South Africa is reportedly looking to spend R1 billion on Tottenham sleeve sponsorships.
  • Gauteng police seize counterfeit goods and arrest two suspects.

Beyonce snubs Africa again as renaissance world tour dates announced – EWN

Beyoncé will tour parts of America and Europe in 2023 in support of her album Renaissance. This year’s Renaissance tour will begin in Stockholm in May and conclude in New Orleans in September. Beyoncé’s website contains additional details regarding tour times and venues. Unfortunately, Beyonce’s itinerary does not include South Africa. Read more here

SA Tourism plan to sponsor Spurs worth more than Rwanda deal with Arsenal – TimesLIVE

South Africa Tourism’s reported plan to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur could be more expensive than Rwanda’s sponsorship of Arsenal. “Daily Maverick reported on Wednesday that the government, through its marketing agency SA Tourism, is proposing a 36-month deal, believed to be a sleeve sponsorship, with English Premier League club Tottenham at a cost of £42.5m (R910m) over three years.” 

TimesLIVE reports that the SA Tourism presentation asserts that the expenditure of just under R1 billion for the sponsorship would result in a tourism return of R6 billion for South Africa. Given the load-shedding and economic crises as well as the deteriorating sports infrastructure, reports of the deal have sparked controversy. Read more here

Two arrested for possession, sale of counterfeit goods at Eastgate mall – TimesLIVE

On Wednesday, a team of law enforcement officers seized counterfeit goods valued at approximately R6 million and arrested two suspects for allegedly selling the goods in the Eastgate shopping centre, TimesLIVE reports. The article further states that Col. Dimakatso Sello, a spokesman for the Gauteng police, stated that a team comprised of different Gauteng police units, customs officers from the South African Revenue Service, brand protectors, and private security companies searched stores selling counterfeit goods in the centre. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Mzansi reacts to SA Tourism’s alleged R1bn Tottenham ‘sponsorship’ deal – TimesLIVE

Headline: Soshanguve calm after frustrated residents protest over water problems – EWN

Headline: World cup qualification not a given as Proteas wilt under late Archer blitz – TimesLIVE

Headline: WATCH | Police officers arrested in Boksburg – eNCA

Headline: New Joburg city management moves to stop corruption investigations – but then backtracks – News24 (for subscribers)

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Cloudy, warm day with severe thunderstorms in some parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Beyonce, Instagram

Latest news in South Africa – Tuesday, 31 January 2023

  • The SPCA are still searching for tiger in Edenvale. 
  • Msaki final performance schedule announced before taking a break from the music industry. 
  • Bavuma backs Proteas’ decision to rest Kagiso Rabada.

Authorities still searching for Evenvale’s elusive tiger – EWN

EWN reports that the SPCA is still searching for a tiger alleged to be on the run in the Edenvale region of Johannesburg. A local security business announced that the tiger had been recaptured and relocated to a sanctuary. However, the local SPCA and law enforcement have yet to confirm the tiger’s whereabouts. The SPCA has issued a warning to residents to exercise extreme caution and keep all pets inside their homes. Read more here

This is it! Msaki shares her final gig guide for the year – TimesLIVE

Msaki has revealed her final performance schedule before leaving the entertainment industry. After announcing earlier this month that she would be taking a break from music, the performer released photos from her shows on social media. In her statement, she explained that the relentless bullying had taken a toll on her and that she could not match the entertainment business norm of having “thick skin”, TimesLIVE reports. “Please understand why I have to leave this space. Please release me. I may seem weak because I let this get to me. But I am sensitive and sentimental, an empath (this is my most valuable creativity tool) my skin is not thick … it is porous so I feel the changes in the breeze.” Read more here

Bavuma says resting Magala, Rabada for 2nd England ODI was part of series plan – News24

Temba Bavuma has supported the decision to rest the in-form pacer Sisanda Magala, stating that it was part of their series strategy, News24 reports. Magala, who was named man of the match in Friday’s first one-day international against England, which South Africa won by 27 runs, was rested for Sunday’s second one-day international, which the home team won by five wickets. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Ramaphosa mulls national state of disaster over energy crisis – EWN

Headline: Siya Kolisi rises above loss, violence, substance abuse, and infidelity in new ‘bio epic’ – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Load shedding is affecting water supply to reservoirs rand water – EWN

Headline: ‘An honour to join a beast of a radio station’: Robert Marawa expands drive-time sports show with 947 deal – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Is that a bun she’s hiding?’ – Mihlali Ndamase sparks pregnancy rumour – TimesLIVE

Weather: Tuesday’s weather: Severe thunderstorms over parts of North West, Free State – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Image: Instagram

Mlungisi Nkosi is demystifying Mathematics, Science, and Technology one video at a time

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

After spending 13 years as an educator, Mlungisi Nkosi has developed methods of making Mathematics and Physical Science easy to understand for learners in Grades 10 to 12.

His passion for teaching and seeing others do well led him to start a YouTube channel that has since become one of the fastest-growing YouTube Channels in the area of Education. His channel has impacted over 250 000 individuals, with over 106 000 subscribers to date.

Mlungisi is one of the 13 content creators who were selected to be part of the YouTube Black Voices fund program, class of 2022.

His content continues to inspire those who want to excel in Mathematics and Physical Science. The channel has an impact in sub-Saharan countries, the USA, the UK, and Northern and Southern Africa.

“The aim is to change the narrative of South African youth and young adults in the area of Mathematics and Physical Science to become globally competitive,” he writes on his website.
And with the new academic year about to start, it’s people like Mlungisi’s content that students and pupils should be binging on right now.

Latest news in South Africa – Monday, 16 January 2023

  • Tiger escapes enclosure in Gauteng, attacks dog and human. 
  • Arsenal moves eight points clear at top of the table. 
  • Emtee cautions booking agents and fans about imposters. 

Female tiger on the loose south of Johannesburg – TimesLIVE

A group of trackers, police and residents are searching for a female tiger that escaped its enclosure in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, TimesLIVE reports.

Gresham Mandy of the local community policing forum (CPF) stated that the “big cat escaped from its cage” on a smallholding where it was kept with a male. He reported that the owner asserted that the fence was cut and the animal escaped on Saturday evening.

It was then reported in a separate eNCA article that the tiger had been spotted near the Daleside Vet and had attacked one person and killed a dog. Citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and avoid approaching the tiger because it is aggressive and will attack without provocation. Read more here

Arsenal sink spurs to move eight clear, Chelsea ease pressure on Potter – EWN 

Arsenal moved eight points clear atop the Premier League standings with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday, while Chelsea relieved pressure on manager Graham Potter with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal will be difficult to stop if they are to be denied their first league title since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2003-04, following their first league road victory against Tottenham in nine years, EWN reports. Read more here

‘Please do not give him money’ — Emtee cautions fans about fake manager – TimesLIVE

Emtee has cautioned booking agents and his fans about a man posing as his manager. Recently, the rapper revealed on Twitter that his former driver had been impersonating his manager. After being exploited by individuals claiming to be affiliated with them, numerous artists have had to clarify their timelines. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: The people rise up: top lawyers, politicians take aim at govt, Eskom as load shedding crisis deepens – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: President to meet with Eskom board – eNCA

Headline: Critics Choice Awards TV Winners List – TV Line

Headline: ‘I don’t have dinner, sleep or breakfast’ – Pirates coach Riveiro – Scrolla

Headline: Stormers lose Springbok Manie Libbok for at least a week to concussion – News24

Weather: Today’s Weather Condition – South African Weather Service

Image credit: Pixabay

Latest News in South Africa – Thursday, 15 December 2022

  • The departure of André De Ruyter exposes Eskom’s dysfunction.
  • 2022 FIFA World Cup: France defeats Morocco in the semifinal
  • DJ tWitch found dead in Los Angeles hotel

Eskom sabotage: How De Ruyter was undermined by new board, excluded from meetings, forced to resign – News24 (for subscribers)

André de Ruyter, who resigned as Eskom’s group chief executive, was reportedly sabotaged by the company’s board after its October appointment, with the chairperson failing to sign critical paperwork to aid in reducing load shedding, News24 reports. The article further states that shortly after Mpho Makwana was installed as board chair, De Ruyter gave him a document to sanction the purchase of 585 MW of electricity from existing suppliers. The document was never signed, and more capacity hasn’t been bought. “In the past week, De Ruyter has been excluded from crucial meetings and it has emerged the board and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan have seemingly dealt directly with senior Eskom staff – bypassing the company’s chief executive.” Read more here

Mbappé-inspired France just to good for brave Lions of Morocco – TimesLIVE 

In the World Cup semifinal at Al Bayt Stadium, France defeated Morocco, 2-0, despite Morocco’s grit and tenacity. According to TimesLIVE, Morocco’s wasted opportunities cost them dearly as they challenged the reigning champions. The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab World Cup semifinalists. Read more here

Ellen DeGeneres DJ tWitch dies in apparent suicide – eNCA

The apparent suicide of DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss, as reported by Los Angeles media, has been confirmed by his wife. The DJ and dancer was found in a hotel in the city with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the entertainment website TMZ. Allison Holker, the 40-year-old man’s wife, reportedly contacted police out of fear for her husband. His body was found shortly thereafter. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Load-shedding reduced to stage 4 on Thursday, stage 3 on Sunday – TimesLIVE

Headline: SA’s electricity crisis | Fire breaks out at Matla Power Station – eNCA

Headline: Megan Thee Stallion & “BFF” Kelsey Harris Testimonies Differ in Trial Against Tory Lanez – Mefeater

Headline: Nomcebo Zikode takes Open Mic to court after it gets ‘Bayethe’ taken off streaming service – TimesLIVE

Headline: Kehlani ‘Sick To My Stomach’ After Alleged Sexual Assault By Fan – Huff Post

Weather: Severe thunderstorms and disruptive rain expected in parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Latest News in South Africa – Monday, 12 December 2022

  • Ramaphosa says ANC is ‘committed’ to fighting corruption and crime. 
  • Samoa defies the rain to beat New Zealand for the Sevens title. 
  • Actor Tom Cruise spotted at Killarney country club. 

‘Many who have eyes can see that things are changing’: Ramaphosa – EWN

On Saturday President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed ANC members at Hanover Park during the party’s Letsema campaign. Ramaphosa said his administration is “pushing back” against corruption, as evidenced by arrests. A disunited ANC can’t lead the country, he argued, and renewal is needed. “We are pushing back, we are fighting back, and I guess the state capture experience that we’ve been through should be demonstrated enough because, beyond the state capture process, many who have eyes can see that things are changing, the wheels of justice are moving.” Read more here

Samoa triumph in the rain at Cape Town Sevens – News24

On Sunday, Samoa won the men’s final of the Cape Town leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series by defeating New Zealand 12-7 in heavy rain, News24 reports. After a storm erupted over the Cape Town Stadium, the conditions were nearly unplayable, which prevented television coverage of the tournament. Large puddles of water have accumulated on the surface, making running and movement impossible. Read more here

Tom Cruise spotted in Mzansi – TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE reported that Tom Cruise was sighted at Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg, and multiple photographs of the actor with club workers were shared on social media. The celebrity resides in a luxurious lodge on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and takes a helicopter to the neighbouring filming location each day. “Fans have started a ritual of gathering to meet him when he returns to the lodge.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: WATCH | City Power working hard to restore supply – eNCA

Headline: Ramaphosa’s foes target his stronghold provinces in a last-ditch attempt to sway voters – News24

Headline: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first South Africa Test but captain Cummins likely to play – The Guardian

Headline: ‘It’s time for me to hang up those Sunday eve headphones’- Kid Fonque bows out after six years at 5FM – TimesLIVE

Headline: EXCLUSIVE: Jantjies’s wife says ‘affair’ began the year they wed – The South African

Weather: South Africa Weather Report – WeatherSA

Image credit: Gallo Images

Image: Instagram

Zikhona Sodlaka’s stellar performance on Showmax’s The Wife

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

If you’re a fan of The Wife on Showmax, or if you’ve seen even one episode of the South African telenovela drama locally inspired by author, Dudu Busani-Dube’s beloved novels, you’ll agree that actress, Zikhona Sodlaka delivered a stellar performance from the beginning until her very last (and very emotional) scene.

The Wife is centered around the Zulu brothers and their love interests – Mandisa was the wife of the second eldest brother, Nqoba Zulu played by Abdul Khoza.

Her very colorful wigs, tight clothing with very loud prints, and heavy makeup are quite different from Zikhona’s more natural look and bald hairstyle. But when Zikhona stepped into Mandisa’s shoes, she delivered a convincing performance.

Since The Wife made its debut, Zikhona has been celebrated by viewers and has even earned herself nominations for Best Female Actor at the 2022 DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards and Best Supporting Actor at the 2022 South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).

Mandisa was the type of character you hate to love because if she wasn’t being funny (and boy was she hilarious!), she would do very questionable things like burning millions of rands that were meant to help a family member.

Love her or hate though, you must admit Zikhona made the viewer understand Mandisa’s frustration with the Zulu brothers. Being in a relationship with a man whose family is involved in criminal activities that she sometimes had to cover up, give them an heir (we all know how precious boy children are to the Zulu brothers), and still be disrespected and not deemed worthy enough to be married into their family got the better of her.

The last on-screen moment of Mandisa is when, after losing everything; her husband, child, home, and business because of the Zulu brothers’ shady ways, she sits hopelessly on the ground, gripping the lifeless body of her son, and warns one of the other wives, Hlomu played by Mbalenhle Mavimbela, that she too might experience this pain one day, and then pulls the trigger that takes her life.

South Africa is filled with talented creatives, and Zikhona Sodlaka is certainly one of them! She’s definitely a The Fuse favorite! We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Image credit: Zikhona Sodlaka instagram

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