Month: September 2024

Reigning Miss South Africa Mia le Roux and sign language advocate says differently abled people should stop apologising for not being what society deems “normal”.

Le Roux, the first differently abled Miss South Africa, said this as she joined the Gauteng Department of Education’s Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival at the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria West on Tuesday.

MIA LE ROUX SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON DIVERSITY
Le Roux, diagnosed with hearing loss at the tender age of one, vowed to champion the causes that matter to South Africans and create a space where everyone can shine in their unique, beautiful way.

 

 

 

 

The 29-year-old said diversity should be embraced and told differently-abled learners to stop apologising for being different and for being something that society does not expect one to be.

“Believe in yourself because you are capable of so much. Diversity is extremely important because we all bring something unique to the table and can build something stronger, which also enriches South Africa,” Le Roux said.

GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PILOTS SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMME
The Multi-Certification Skills Programme, introduced in 2019, aims to empower learners within the Gauteng schooling system with a comprehensive set of skills and competencies that transcend the confines of traditional academic curricula.

The Gauteng Department of Education said the programme plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that sign language is integral to building a more inclusive and connected society.

Notably, since the programme’s inception in 2019, a total of 13 472 hearing Grade 5 learners have received a basic introduction to South African Sign Language (SASL).

Learners from the various hearing schools demonstrated what they had learned in the program as they interacted with their deaf peers. They also taught attendees some of the basics of SASL, including greeting and spelling their names.Deshni Naidu from the department said the programme’s purpose is to create advocacy for the SASL and a link between people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the hearing community.

“This programme allows learners to have a basic introduction to South African Sign Language, which will allow them to interact and engage with their hearing counterparts,” she explained.

Naidu said that in the future, they hope that hearing learners will want to study SASL further in higher education institutions and that they will consider becoming teachers in schools for the deaf or interpreters.

SA SIGN LANGUAGE YET TO BE STANDARDISED
The South African Sign Language was officially recognised as the 12th official language in September 2023. September also marks Deaf Awareness Month, which shines a light on the SASL.

Pan South African Language Board Gauteng manager Dr Sally Maepa said although they were making strides in promoting sign language, it needed to be professionalised and standardised.

Maepa said the SASL had many variants, and they did not want any members of the deaf community to question why their variant was not standardised.

“What we’re trying to do is formalise the language so that we can have a standard or a formal and professional vocabulary that can be used by interpreters, in the education sector and legally

“However, before we can do any of that, we need to develop dictionaries and literature of the South African Sign Language and as the time goes on, we will talk about standardisation,” she said.

DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SIGN LANGUAGE?

Singer Bucie, real name Busisiwe Nolubabalo Nqwiliso says she had to be strong for her family when she trended on social media.

BUCIE: ‘MY CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN ALL OF THIS’
The Superman hitmaker, Bucie reveals on King David Podcast that she has no idea how her divorce ended up in the papers.

 
“It’s life of someone who is the public eye. I guess it’s the downside of it,” says the singer.

David says: “You wake up in the morning and you are trending…”

The singer adds: “You take your phone, and you want to read, but you are shaking, and your stomach is turning. You find people saying whatever they want about you, and they don’t care.”

When the podcaster asks her if she’s gotten stronger, she says, she has to be, because of her children.

“At some point you have to be strong for your people. I had to be strong for my mom, I had to be strong for my sisters. I had to be strong for my children, and I had to be strong for myself,” says the singer.

“And I still had to be strong for my soon-to-be ex-husband. Because some of the people’s opinions about him, were not quite correct.”HUSBAND FILES FOR DIVORCE?
According to Sunday World, Bucie’s Zimbabwean chartered accountant husband, Nhlanhla Nkomo filed for divorce due to irreconcilable differences.

Sources revealed that Nkomo had been complaining about the lack of communication in their marriage.

TshisaLIVE revealed in July that Bucie Nkomo stepped away from the spotlight in 2017 to focus on the artists signed under her record label and spend more time with her family.

The songstress also revealed in a recent Radio 2000 interview that she was the one who planned to go on the hiatus.

“People give my ex-husband way too much credit by saying he made me quit music. He didn’t. It was time for me to take a break. I wanted to start a family, I wanted to have children, and I needed to be there for my children because I know how the industry is.”

“I wanted to be present for my children, and I knew if I continued being in the industry there was no way I was going to be that kind of mother to my children. And it was very necessary,” she said.

Springbok Makazole Mapimpi’s rumoured wife, Sasha De Sousa, has confirmed the arrival of their baby.

The shock announcement was made by coach Rassie Erasmus, who explained the player’s absence at the test match against the All Blacks over the weekend.

According to rumours, Mapimpi welcomed his first child last Friday.

 

 

 

MAPIMPI’S ‘WIFE’ MAKES BABY REVEAL
In several Instagram posts, Sasha De Sousa showcased a look at her pregnancy professional photoshoot.

The rumoured wife of Mapimpi shared of her little one: “God’s timing is perfect.”

In another, she posted: “A blessing straight from God…”In the comments section, Sasha used plenty of pink heart emojis, fuelling speculation that she had given birth to a baby girl.

Rassie Erasmus revealed the real reason for the winger’s omission from the squad against the All Blacks.

He said of the Mapimpi, “His wife is giving birth. We do not want to keep him away from that.”

OFF TO ARGENTINA
While Mapimpi has been given a little time off to bond with his new wife and baby, he will be travelling with the Springbok squad to Argentina this weekend.

The Boks will play Los Pumas at the Estadio Unico Madre Ciudades in Santiago on Saturday, 21 September.

A week later, they will play Argentina again at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.mapimpi wife, springboks
South Africans are shocked at news that Springbok Mazakole Mapimpi is not just a husband, but a father too. Images via Instagram: @makazoli/ @swatisoil
Rassie said in a statement about the selected squad: “Although it will be tough, we want to see what these players can do in such a pressure cooker of a game, and we are going there with the goal of winning the competition.

“This squad boasts a good mix of youth and experience, which we feel will bode well for the tour.”

Bawinile ‘Winnie’ Ntshaba celebrated her birthday with orphans from the Khayelihle Children’s Home in Pimville, Soweto. The House of Zwide actress posted videos and pics from the party on Instagram on Monday, 9 September.

HOW OLD IS WINNIE NTSHABA?
Winnie opened her heart and wallet when her “road to 50” years began. Celebrating another trip around the sun, she spent the day with kids from the orphanage. Like a true angel, she brought gifts and goodies and documented the whole thing on her Instagram page.

The former Generations actress turned 49 on 1 September. Winnie Ntshaba was born in Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. Unlike her previous star-studded parties, Winnie decided to give back to the community. Instead of taking her celebrity friends to a fancy restaurant, she invited them to the children’s home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of her industry peers accompanied her to the township and entertained the orphans. In her videos, Winnie is seen playing with the excited children.

WINNIE NTSHABA’S ‘ROAD TO 50’ BEGINS
In her post, the actress showed gratitude to her family, friends, and the House of Zwide crew for making her birthday a special one. Can we all agree that 50 will look good on her?

“We really entered this chapter 49 with a beautiful bang! God bless each and every one of you. I received the love and I appreciate it! The road to 50 begins,” part of her post reads.Is Winnie Ntshaba the Only Celeb SA Who Celebrated Her Birthday With Orphans?

Earlier in 2024, Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize spent her birthday with young orphaned children in Durban. The opulent businesswoman sang, danced, and ate her cake with young girls from St Philomena’s Children’s Home in Sydenham.

Before sharing clips from her birthday celebration, MaMkhize flexed her wealth when she shared images from a glamorous birthday shoot. According to The Citizen, the flamboyant reality TV star’s masterpiece-of-a-cake was made by the award-winning Chef Simphiwe Nzuza.

THE ACTRESS APPLAUDED
khaya_dladla said: “It was amazing and it made more sense than anything we have done. Thank you.”

punky_yola wrote: “What a beautiful birthday you had sharing it with others.”

bongekilendaba commented: “What a special birthday! You showed love while celebrating. God bless you.”

sewela.masipa added: “I am touched, very thoughtful. May the good Lord keep His blessings overflowing unto you so you can continue to touch many. Wish you more grateful years ahead.”

South African sensation Tyla continues to make waves on the global stage.

She has received the prestigious Global Impact Award at Billboard’s R&B No.1s event in New York City.

TYLA AND BILLBOARD
Tyla is already proving herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her success story is not just one of talent but of sheer determination and cultural pride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The star looked absolutely stunning as she took to the stage, according to Billboard.

Tyla wore a daring black lace mini-dress. The dress featured an intricate web corset design with a V-neckline and frilly hem. It exuded both elegance and edge.TYLA STYLE DETAILS
She paired the look with black-and-white faux-fur thong sandals adorned with a diamante embellishment.

Her makeup was on point, with striking winged eyeliner and a nude lip. She completed the look with statement earrings.

Tyla’s presence was undeniable, and she carried herself with grace and confidence.

TYLA’S THANK YOU SPEECH
Tyla delivered her speech with emotion and gratitude as she accepted her award.

“Thank you so much, Billboard. Thank you to my team, my label, my family, God,” she began, beaming as she held the award.

“This is crazy, that I’m being honoured tonight, thank you so much.”

Tyla then reflected on her journey. “I remember when everyone used to feel like this was so unattainable, especially where I’m from,” she shared.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
For Tyla, who hails from Johannesburg, this moment was more than just personal achievement; it was a victory for South African music on the world stage.

“The fact that I’m able to be here today and just live out a dream that never felt real, it’s just such a beautiful thing to be able to experience.”

Tyla’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable, according to IOL.

TYLA’S BREAKOUT HIT ‘WATER’
Her breakout hit, “Water,” made history by becoming the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years.

The track spent a jaw-dropping 46 weeks at number one on the US Afrobeats Songs chart.

Tyla also won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the youngest African artist to receive such an honour.

QUEEN OF POPIANO
No wonder people have dubbed her the ‘Queen of Popiano,’ a genre blending pop with South Africa’s amapiano sound, according to Daily Mail.

Despite her success, Tyla remains grounded and appreciative of her roots.

She said, “Thank you to everyone who cares to learn about other cultures and other styles of music and truly appreciates and loves it for what it is.”“Because it’s not just a trend, it’s not just a dance move, it’s not just a sound, it’s culture.”

RESILIENCE AND DEDICATION
This year has not been without its challenges for Tyla.

After sustaining an injury earlier this year, she had to cancel her first headlining world tour and Coachella performance.

Yet, she bounced back with performances at Spotify Beach in Cannes and Afro Nation Portugal.

Tyla’s resilience and dedication to her craft have only added to her growing legend.

SOUTH AFRICAN PRIDE
For South Africans, Tyla’s triumph is a source of immense pride.

She’s not just representing herself on the global stage; she’s representing a nation, a culture, and a sound that’s taking the world by storm.

Tyla continues to rise, leaving no doubt that she is a global force to be reckoned with.

WHAT OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS DO YOU THINK DESERVE GLOBAL RECOGNITION?

Former Orlando Pirates star Zvenyika Makonese is making headlines after his video loading a cross-border bus went viral online.

The video has gained thousands of comments and reactions since it dropped online.

However, against the trends, The South African has since connected the dots about the whereabouts of the former Zimbabwean central defender.

Is the former Orlando Pirates star now down and out, as rumour mill claim?

 
FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES STAR’S CAREER
Little is known about Zvenyika Makonese’s youth career. However he started his senior career with Shabanie Mine. Zvenyika Makonese joined the club in 2001.

In 2004, he joined Cape Town-based outfit Santos from Shabanie Mine. His command of the game undoubtedly saw him win big with the Cape Town-based side.

In 2009, after over 90 appearances, Zvenyika Makonese joined Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.

However, reports have it that in 2007, English football outfit Stoke City monitored his situation, but nothing materialised. Zvenyika Makonese later settled for Orlando Pirates two years later.However, Zvenyika Makonese’s stint with Orlando Pirates was not as colourful as many thought it would be.

After a few appearances, he left the club in 2011. The star returned to Shabanie Mine for his second dance with the Zimbabwean outfit.

Rumour mill has it that he also joined Mozambican team Deportivo after his second stint with Sabanie Mine.

Despite not openly confirming his retirement, reports have it that he called it a day after leaving Deportivo.

DEATH HOAX AND BANKRUPTCY RUMOURS
Zvenyika Makonese was once a victim of a death hoax after a near-fatal accident. A few years later, it was reported that he had fallen hard times.

In 2015, reports said he was employed by K&M Buses as an assistant conductor. A few years later, it was reported that he had fallen on hard times and had become a tout to make ends meet.

However, Pindula revealed he was allegedly a tout at Newtown taxi rank in Johannesburg.

At some point, local media revealed that the former Orlando Pirates’ star family was once supported by donations from Impact for Christ Ministries.rank.

ZVENYIKA MAKONESE: ‘I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THOSE STORIES’
Zvenyika Makonese revealed that he had two taxis that operated the said route.

Speaking to the media, he said, “I have heard about those stories, and I am really disappointed. Is it a crime for me to be seen at the Park Station or anywhere like it?

“People must first confirm their facts because I run a transport company. This is not the first time this kind of stuff has been written about me and I am now getting used to these rumours that are always floating about me.However, the viral video has since left many confused. Is the former Orlando Pirates star running a transport and logistics company, as he claims?

After all, little is known about when the trending video was taken despite being shared recently.

However little has been heard about the star over the years except the viral videos that often thrust him into top trends.

Former Imbewu: The Seed actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones will reportedly replace Slindile Nodangala in Sibongile & The Dlaminis.

THEMBI MTSHALI-JONES PLAYS ‘NEW’ DELIWE?
Sources from Sibongile & The Dlaminis tell Zimoja that Thembi Mtshali-Jones has joined the cast as Deliwe. The role was previously played by former Generations actress Slindile Nodangala, who recently exited the show.

 

 

 

 
It is believed Mtshali-Jones has began shooting her scenes to replace the former Generations star.

The former Imbewu: The Seed actress is the latest star to join the Mzansi Wethu telenovela after Baby Cele, who plays Deliwe’s sister in the show.

The South African reached out to Mzansi Magic for a comment on Tuesday, 10 September.SLINDILE NODANGALA DEPARTURE
Mzansi Wethu recently confirmed the departure of Sibongile & The Dlaminis actress Slindile Nodangala who played Deliwe Mbambo.

The channel revealed on X: “Mzansi Wethu bids farewell to Slindile Nodangala, who played the role of Deliwe Mbambo, on season 1 of Sibongile & The Dlaminis. With the story evolving and new characters joining the cast, Deliwe’s journey has come to an end. Nodangala’s portrayal of Deliwe was both captivating and divisive, making her a standout character.”

“Her talent has shone brightly on this show and others across Mzansi. Despite her departure, there’s plenty to look forward to in the new season, including new secrets, Sibongile’s next chapter, and the future of Vuma’s love life without Deliwe,” adds the channel.

The Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa (BRCSA) reports that the telenovela remains the most-watched TV show on DStv. The show recorded 1.3 million viewers in June and July.

The second season of the telenovela premiered on Monday, 29 July with Nsikelelo Mthiyane as the new Sibongile

Minister of Sports, Art, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has sensationally revealed that he has fathered eight children with six different women. He’s also admitted to being a “player” when it comes to relationships.

But, who are the women behind the outspoken politician, and has he finally settled down?

 

 

 

 

‘8 KIDS WITH 6 WOMEN’
In an old clip doing the rounds on social media, Gayton McKenzie admitted to having a philandering past.

In it, Gayton – appearing in 2015 before he pursued politics as a full-time venture – spoke to Leanne Manas on Morning Live about his book titled The Uncomfortable Truth.

The book was written from the former convict’s experiences with love, c and relationships.

“I’ve got eight kids with six different women. Those were in my player days…in my very naughty days”, he told a surprised Leanne.

gayton mckenzie, wife, children
Gayton McKenzie and three of his sons. Image via Facebook: @mackenzie.gayton
However, he added that despite the unconventional dynamic, he was not an absent father.

“Their surnames are all McKenzie; I look after all my kids.”

Gayton added that the book was filled with words of advice for women, including his three daughters. He added, “I want to leave them much more than money. I want them to be different. I don’t want them to be played like I played women.”

In an interview with MacG on Podcast and Chill last year, Gayton revealed that he was now single. He also confirmed that he had been unfaithful in his marriage.

He said: “I’m not married, I was, and I cheated in my marriage a lot. I realised that this is not me.”

Gayton did not reveal the identities of any of his other baby mamas.

When MacG asked him for marriage advice, Gayton responded, while laughing: “I’m the worst person to ask.”

He added: “Respect is what you should always have. Once you lose it, you have no relationship”.

As anticipation builds for Pharrell Williams’ latest venture, Piece by Piece, the music mogul has shared intriguing insights into his creative choice for the film’s medium: LEGO.

 

PHARRELL WILLIAMS AND LEGO
The biopic promises a unique cinematic experience unlike any other.

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Pharrell explained the rationale behind using LEGO as the vehicle for his life story.

“Unlike most documentaries that rely on captured visuals and audio, LEGO allowed us a cinematic freedom. They let us illustrate both literally and figuratively what was being discussed,” Pharrell revealed.

PHARRELL WILLIAMS AND DIMENSIONS OF STORYTELLING
This choice, he believes, provided a distinct artistic licence that traditional methods couldn’t match. Pharrell’s decision to use LEGO was not merely about novelty.He emphasised that it granted a special liberty to present the film in a way that was both engaging and unorthodox.

“It’s the first of its kind,” Pharrell said. “This unprecedented approach was not only fun but also added a fresh dimension to storytelling.”

PHARRELL WILLIAMS AND ENHANCING THE FILM’S AUTHENTICITY
Pharrell added another layer of intrigue by revealing that he did not inform any of the interviewees about the LEGO theme beforehand.

“We didn’t tell anyone about the LEGO aspect,” Pharrell admitted.

“We wanted their reactions to be genuine and unfiltered.”

This choice aimed to capture raw, unedited insights, enhancing the film’s authenticity and vibrancy.

‘OVER THE MOON’ LEGO SET
The launch of a special LEGO set complements the film’s innovative approach.The 10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams, is set to debut on 20 September, according to Lego.

This LEGO model features elements from the film and is set to be a hit among both LEGO enthusiasts and Pharrell fans.

PIECE BY PIECE
The trailer for Piece by Piece hints at a vivid, lively experience, blending the playful essence of LEGO with the depth of Pharrell’s story.

“We’re not making this just for kids,” Pharrell Williams stressed. “We want this to be a universal story that resonates with everyone, regardless of background.

Using LEGO was a way to make the story accessible and relatable on a global scale.”

EARLY REVIEWS
Early reviews of the film have been overwhelmingly positive. Reviews praise its innovative approach and Pharrell’s ability to convey his story in such a unique format.

For South African fans, this film offers a fresh perspective on biographical storytelling.

PERSONAL HISTORY
Pharrell’s use of LEGO provides a playful yet profound way to engage with his life’s journey, according to Rolling Stone.

Pharrell Williams’ Piece by Piece is shaping up to be more than just a biopic.

It is a creative endeavour that uses LEGO to transform personal history into a universal narrative.

With its innovative format and heartfelt storytelling, it promises to be a film that resonates across cultures.

South Africans revealed on social media this week why they are now voting for Miss Kwara in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, instead of Chidimma Adesthina.

This comes a week after entertainment commentator, Phil Mphela revealed on X on Saturday, 17 August that Adetshina is leading Miss Universe Nigeria with 7712 votes.

 

 

 

The 23-year-old law student was forced to back out of the Miss SA finale following online bullying and a petition to remove her from the competition.

MISS KWARA: FIRST PLUS-SIZED WOMAN IN MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA
East Coast Radio reports that Ufa Dania aka Miss Kwara is the first plus-sized woman to take part in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

The 25-year-old beauty queen who sympathises with Adetshina says she too suffered online harassment herself because she’s a plus-sized model.

Ignoring the critics, Dania says she saw the beauty pageant as a means of “empowerment” for women to “show their talents, their beauty, their intellect and their professional life”.

South Africans have taken to social media to reveal that they are rooting for Miss Kwara to win the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

South African X user, @nelly_weideman says she’s voting for Miss Kwara to change stereotypes about beauty pageants.

She adds: “We made history with our first ever deaf Miss SA, let’s make history for Nigeria too. Let’s vote for Miss Kwara.”

SOUTH AFRICANS ROOTING FOR UFA DANIA
@Wonder158304 said: “Body shaming Miss Kwara won’t work. Let us be honest she is brave and breaking the stereotypes. She is just a true African woman with confidence. Let us vote for her. Miss universe Nigeria.”

@Only_Botake: ” Miss Kwara is our queen. She deserves to be crowned as Miss Universe Nigeria. She deserves it, give her your vote please.”

@Proverbs31Aunty: “I love her confidence and how she fought for that confidence.”

@Wonder158304: “It is very rare to find a girl like her in these beauty competitions.”

@uJabuSibeko: “I fell in love with her on her Insta. Very gorgeous girl with a great personality!”