Month: September 2024

Veteran radio broadcaster Tom London Holmes has thanked Gayton McKenzie for coming to his rescue after a “hellish” few days at the Helen Joseph Hospital.

He’s also thanked the public for donating for him to seek treatment at a private medical over a life-threatening lung infection.

The former Cape Talk presenter – who is one of several high-profile people without medical aid – documented his stay at the Pretoria public hospital in video clips that have since gone viral.

TOM LONDON THANKS PUBLIC, GAYTON FOR ASSISTING HIM
On Sunday, 8 September, Tom London revealed that he had sought treatment at Morningside Clinic in Sandton. With funds donated by the public, Tom was able to get an appointment with a private pulmonologist.

Tom – a former Cape Talk and 702 radio personality – hinted that Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie had also come to his rescue.

 

In a Facebook Live, he revealed that the Patriotic Alliance leader had a councillor sent to assist him at the clinic.

He also claimed that the Patriotic Alliance had also put pressure on Helen Joseph Hospital to improve its facilities.

He said: “Money has come to me thanks to Gayton and the PA. It’s rare that a minister puts his money where his mouth is.

“I feel that he is a politician who has my back and who will keep pushing to help change healthcare in this country. He doesn’t owe me anything, but I’m very grateful for what he’s done.”

Thank you Gayton Mckenzie for your support

Posted by Tom London on Saturday 7 September 2024
Tom London also thanked the public for putting their hands in their pockets to help it.

He said, “It’s all added up to pay Morningside Clinic’s fees. They’re not cheap. I needed over R120 000, and that’s what I received.

“The money is enough to get me treatment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”.

Tom added that he was put on a treatment plan, which included a drain in my chest and a strong course of antibiotics.

He added: “I’m on my road to recovery. I think I’m going to be ok.”

HELLISH STAY AT HELEN JOSEPH
In a video posted over the weekend, Tom London revealed the horrific conditions of the Helen Joseph Hospital.

The radio personality had been a patient at the hospital for 14 days, where he was told he had contracted a life-threatening condition of a pleural effusion, which is the build-up of fluid in the lungs.

In a clip titled “Welcome to the Helen Joseph Hospital,” Tom revealed that he had been subjected to “uncaring staff” who had “mistreated” him.

Welcome to the Helen Joseph Circus Hospital WATCH TILL THE END!

Posted by Tom London on Friday 6 September 2024
Tom revealed that he had laid in his own faeces, and slept without a pillow or blanket for several days. He also had to watch another patient die in front of him in his hospital room.

Tom claimed that the patient’s body remained in the room for four hours, covered in flies, before the mortuary collected it.

He said: “The doctors who run about here treat the patients like cockroaches.”MEC DEFENDS HELEN JOSEPH HOSPITAL
Meanwhile, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko paid a visit to Helen Joseph Hospital for an inspection following Tom London’s social media claims.

She said in a statement: “Tom London, 51, was admitted to the hospital on August 25. He was in the facility for 14 days, where he was cared for, subjected to tests and stabilised. On 7 September, he signed a refusal of treatment form and discharged himself from the hospital.

“Having received a briefing from the clinicians on the treatment given to Tom London, the department is satisfied adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition. In addition, the department is willing to allow an independent process to review the quality of clinical care provided to him while at the hospital.”

The MEC conceded that the hospital had poor infrastructure issues.

She added: “There are known infrastructure issues which are being attended too as part of the maintenance and refurbishment programme. However, these have not had a material effect on the treatment given to patients admitted at the hospital.”

Well-known Isibaya actress Gcina Mkhize says she hasn’t been able to work as an actress and her situation has become difficult.

GCINA MKHIZE: ‘OUR SAFETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED’
The former Isibaya actress, Gcina Mkhize is asking for donations and reveals that she is not coping with lack of job opportunities.

 

She says in a viral video on X: “Good morning, South Africa. As you can see, I slept in this house with only a curtain acting as my door. My safety and my children’s safety is compromised.”

“I lay awake, asking myself what can happen in the middle of the night when my home is like this. Because anyone can just come in and do as they please.”

“We need to be connected to the outside world. We don’t have any resources, and we need the help of law enforcement agencies to help us,” she adds.

The actress also says the kind of help doesn’t matter as her situation has become dire since she hasn’t been able to work.

“We need food, and I am a single mom. But I will not leave this room because what this person wants to do is constructive eviction,” she adds.

IOL reveals that it’s unclear if Mkhize is renting or owning the property.SOUTH AFRICANS REACT TO FORMER ‘ISIBAYA’ STAR’S VIDEO
@Kim_Laura1: “This mentality that we owe celebrities must come to an end someday.”

@IronFistBattleT: “The problem is that these artists go to sangomas for blessings and protection instead of God who gave them those gifts. The Bible is clear about the consequences of visiting spirit mediums. The devil thrives on spiritual ignorance. You can argue until you turn blue it is what it is.”

@sindi_ndimande: “I remember reading her story on one of the newspapers. She failed to keep up with the payments of the house. The house got sold at an auction & the new owner had been trying to move her without success.”

@Lindo_Mnisi: “Is she willing to move into a backroom ekasi (township) in order to regroup her life?”

@MakiMarish: “Not to be harsh. The landlord is trying to evict her for rent. She admits she is not getting gigs and has no income What help does she require?”

@SthembiD: “Buying property needs financial advisors. Most artists end up struggling because they buy properties, they won’t be able to pay up long term. She allegedly failed to pay, then the house got auctioned, now she is resisting eviction. I pity her. But can you imagine what the owner is going through too?”

Linda Sebezo, Best Known as Mam’Rebecca, Causes a Stir at Shoprite

Linda Sebezo, who plays the iconic role of Mam’Rebecca in the popular TV series Isitha: The Enemy, was recently spotted doing her grocery shopping at a local Shoprite store. A video of the encounter, captured by TikTok user Unathi Hlongwane, has since gone viral, with fans expressing surprise and admiration for the actress.

Mam Rebecca at Shoprite
Social Media Reacts to Linda Sebezo Shopping at Shoprite
In the video, Linda Sebezo can be seen casually loading her trolley and paying for her groceries at a busy Shoprite store. While many people expect celebrities to shop at high-end stores, Sebezo’s choice of Shoprite—a well-known and affordable supermarket chain—caught the attention of social media users.

Hlongwane, who filmed the video, shared it on TikTok, where it quickly garnered views and comments. Some viewers were amused to see such a well-known TV villain shopping at a place where the average South African buys their daily necessities. “I never thought I’d see Mam’Rebecca at Shoprite,” one user commented, highlighting the contrast between Sebezo’s on-screen persona and her everyday life.

Fans Share Their Experiences with Linda Sebezo
The video also sparked a discussion about fans’ personal encounters with the actress. One lady, who commented on the TikTok post, mentioned that she had met Sebezo once but found her to be unfriendly. “I met her once, she wasn’t friendly at all,” the comment read, reflecting the mixed feelings that fans often have when meeting their favorite stars in real life.

Despite the mixed reactions, the video has shed light on the down-to-earth nature of Linda Sebezo. Shopping at Shoprite, a store known for its affordability and accessibility, has only added to her relatability with the general public. It’s a reminder that even the biggest TV stars live regular lives when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Shoprite as a Go-To Shopping Destination
Shoprite, with its wide range of products at competitive prices, has long been a favorite among South Africans from all walks of life. The store’s accessibility and affordability make it a go-to shopping destination, even for celebrities like Linda Sebezo. The sight of Mam’Rebecca filling her trolley at Shoprite serves as a testament to the store’s broad appeal.

In conclusion, while some fans were surprised by Linda Sebezo’s choice of shopping at Shoprite, it ultimately shows that the store caters to everyone, including South Africa’s most beloved TV personalities. The video has certainly made waves on social media, reminding us that celebrities, too, appreciate a good bargain.

Dave Bautista’s fans struggled to recognise him when social media user @creepydotorg shared his before and after photos on X on Sunday, 8 September.

DAVE BAUTISTA: NEW LOOK
Some WWE fans also expressed concern for the iconic wrestler and actor Dave Bautista after his photos were shared on social media.

 

 

In the photos, the 55-year-old actor appears slimmer than usual with some fans speculating whether the images are “photoshopped”.

@OhUniverse_ shares a video of Bautista’s recent interview, where he shares that this is the lightest he’s been since he was 19 years.

Parade reveals that Bautista’s photos were taken at The Last Showgirl premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, 6 September.

The former professional wrestler posed on the red carpet wearing a black suit with a black shirt paired with black shoes, and black sunglasses.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO ‘WWE’ STAR’S VIRAL PHOTOS
@royal_bobby24: “Batista is 55 years old. He is supposed to get smaller everyone. He has gradually and naturally gotten smaller over the years muscle wise.”

@AimThaMachine_: “What happened? He was a wrestler and now he is an actor. Two different stages of his life and he is smashing it like a boss.”

@ProduKtJRG: “N**ga look like he accidentally walked into a gay bar and immediately left 8 hours later.”

@VitalMen360: “He stopped doing steroids and lifting heavy. He also switched to a predominantly plant-based diet. I think he is more concerned with being recognized for his acting and doesn’t want to be type-cast. He looks decent for 55 and his acting is better than most wrestlers.”

@AimThaMachine_: “He’s transforming into one of the greater actors that’ll let his work speak for him. He doesn’t want to just wait for Action or Shooting movies, he wants to act. That’s his passion. He was a wrestler, he built his body for that sole purpose and now, he lost the weight and build.”

The 65-year-old, whose real name is Solomon Molokoane and who is from Soshanguve, north of Tshwane, went to the neighbouring country to perform, but was admitted to the hospital straight after.

He became well-known with hits like Robala ka Kgotso, Ke Latlhile Bokinza, and Thaba ya Sione. Furthermore, Solly has become well-known for her attempts at amapiano and baby shower performances.

A statement regarding his condition was released by his team. “For the pre-release of Wubani O zo Pepeza, his next album, Solly Moholo travelled to Botswana. The press release stated, “Ntate Solly Moholo was warmly received by the people of Botswana and performed brilliantly at all his gigs there.”

 

 

 

They said that after his performance, everything had changed. The group said, “Unfortunately, Ntate Moholo became ill and needed to be taken to the hospital after returning to his residence in Botswana.”

They gave him the assurance that they would all still be available to help. Now that Solly is in the hospital recovering, his management team is still in Botswana. He’s come a long way since then.

Sophie Ndama gets real about her shortcomings
Despite a recent ankle injury that left her with a cast on her leg, this did not stop Sophie Ndaba from sharing her life story and speaking on her shortcomings.
The 016FM actress spoke at a recent Women’s Day conference, where she told the ladies about how God took everything away from her because she was acting carelessly.

 

 

 

 

Sophie reveals that she was stuck in a cycle of splurging on her friends and alluded to her partner milking her dry and being a serial cheater. She further revealed that some of her “friends” were also after her man:Be careful of the friends you choose; don’t ever sleep on the job. By the time I was quarter-past dead, that’s the time when God started renewing me, and I knew. The amount of time I used to build an empire is not the same amount of time I’ll use to restore; I don’t have time anymore.”
Twitter (X) user MDN News shared the video:

Mzansi shows love to Sophie Ndaba
Netizens were moved by Sophie’s message and proud of her journey:

Zweli_Thixo said:

“A fighter, she is one strong woman.”
__ThapeloM showed love to Sophie:

“Sophie is the woman she thinks she is.”
Palesa_Dichaba was happy:

“What a journey, but she’s back, and I’m extremely happy for her.”

WHERE IS FORMER ‘SKEEM SAAM’ ACTRESS?
Talented Skeem Saam star Lesego Marakalla surprised soapie fans, when she quit the show as Rachel Kunutu in June 2020

Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela revealed on Twitter: “Lesego Marakalla quits Skeem Saam after eight years on the hit SABC1 youth soapie playing Rachel Kunutu.”

Mphela added that the actress resigned to take a break from acting and focus on school full time. Her final appearance on the educational soapie was on 19 June 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marakalla added in a statement that she was not sure if she would return to acting: “To all my fans, I really appreciate the love and support you have given me since day one.”

The actress returned to television for a short period as Dr Cele’s (Pearl Monama) patient and Winston’s (Lehasa Moloi) ally in Generations: The Legacy in May 2022.

It is unclear at this stage if Marakalla will ever return to the youth, educational soapie. The South African will give an update when details emerge.

ALSO READ: ‘Skeem Saam’s’ Rachel returns as Winston’s ally in ‘Generations’ [WATCH]

SOAPIE FANS RECALL RACHEL ROLE
@dilamakgai: “Tjoo bathong, dynamite ya Marothi!!! Really miss her character, the Magongwa household needs her spice.”

@SphethoSimelane: “Didn’t she once tell her stepdad that the refrigerator light is blinding her when does he plan on filling it up with groceries.”

@ntasana_makuwa: “I want Rachel Kunutu to come back till this day! I’m sure she’ll come back as a doctor.”

@Relebog59093876: “Girl bought herself a bed ebe dula mo sitting room cos she didn’t have a bedroom, Rachel nahlopha.”

ALSO READ: Hungani Ndlovu says ‘Skeem Saam’ wanted new character, Tbose

ALSO READ: Former ‘7de Laan’ actress Heléne Lombard: Where is she now?

Former **Rhythm City** actor, **Setlhabi Taunyane**, popularly known as *Bra Kop*, recently opened up about the hardships he has faced due to his marriage to a Zimbabwean woman. In a candid conversation on **King David’s Podcast**, the actor revealed that his family never accepted his wife, and this has led to significant strain on their personal lives.

 

Bra Kop touched on how xenophobia plays a role in their estrangement, as his wife is referred to as *lekwerekwere* (a derogatory term for foreigners). This exclusion has become a painful reality for the couple, but Taunyane remains strong, accepting the situation for what it is.

The actor also addressed the viral Thai massage videos that circulated in 2023, which led to speculation about his health. He clarified that the massage was part of a wellness routine and not an indication of any serious illness, despite rumors circulating at the time. “People were saying I must get well soon because they thought I was dying. They just didn’t understand it was a regular massage,” he explained humorously.

“I just heard that one of my cousins in Diepkloop was getting married two weeks ago and no one phoned me. It hasn’t changed because I’m married to lekwerekwere (outsider).”

“Do you understand my brother? I’ve learned to live with that. Once you are abandoned by the family, this thing grows bigger, even outside the family,” says the veteran actor.

THIS WEEK ON SKEEM SAAM
Monday 9 September 2024
Episode 51
• Meikie and John learn how much Tbose and Mapitsi are struggling to run their household.
• Toby ruins his chance of getting legal representation as his trial looms closer.
• Letetswe is unsettled by Salamina’s interpretation of the events involving him and Smaki.
Tuesday 10 September 2024
Episode 52

 

• Opposing debate teams seek guidance from their parents on the 30 years of democracy.
• Tbose and Mapitsi continue to grapple with the challenges of their newfound independence.
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Episode 53
• Charles suggests a risky plan to save his family.
• Evelyn and Toby face the consequences of Toby’s reckless actions.
Thursday 12 September 2024
Episode 54
• The Grade 10 learners engage in a heated debate about 30 years of democracy.
• Mapitsi’s interview rubs her mother-in-law the wrong way.
• Charles makes a pact with someone to get rid of incriminating evidence.
Friday 13 September 2024
Episode 55
• Kwaito and Elizabeth seem to have conflicting expectations regarding their marriage.
• Bopape triggers Evelyn’s anxiety attack.
• Pax makes plans for Lewatle, and they are not pure.

Veteran actor Setlhabi Taunyane, widely known as Bra Kop, has not shied away from speaking about the personal challenges he faces due to his marriage. In a heartfelt revelation, Taunyane candidly discussed how his life has been impacted by societal perceptions and family estrangement, primarily because his wife is from Zimbabwe. “I’m trying my best, especially because my wife is from Zimbabwe. We have suffered because she’s from Zimbabwe,” Taunyane reflected, expressing a sentiment shared by many who have faced discrimination due to their loved ones’ backgrounds.

Having been married for nearly two decades, Taunyane has grown accustomed to the exclusion that comes with his cross-cultural union. He shared a poignant and painful example of this: “I just heard that one of my cousins in Diepkloof was getting married two weeks ago, and no one phoned me. It hasn’t changed because I’m married to lekwerekwere (outsider).” His words reveal the deep hurt of being left out of family gatherings, not just as an oversight, but as a direct consequence of his marriage. This feeling of exclusion is not only limited to missing celebrations; it extends to a more profound sense of loneliness and estrangement that lingers over time.

 

 

 

Taunyane’s experience highlights the complex dynamics that can emerge when familial bonds are strained due to societal biases. He poignantly described his struggle, stating, “Do you understand my brother? I’ve learned to live with that. Once you are abandoned by the family, this thing grows bigger, even outside the family.” His words serve as a stark reminder of the powerful role that family support plays in shaping one’s sense of belonging and self-worth. The absence of that support can leave a void that is difficult to fill, a reality that Taunyane has come to know all too well.

Despite the heaviness of his experiences, Taunyane has managed to find moments of light and humor, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Earlier this year, a series of viral Thai massage videos and photos of the actor sparked rumors and misunderstandings about his health. Laughing off the incident, he recalled, “Ne bare get well soon, bare kea shwa” (they were saying I must get well soon because ‘I’m dying’). He clarified the confusion surrounding his relaxing massages, jokingly adding, “And you know when you are getting a massage, you have to go with it, ahhh and it works.” His ability to find laughter in difficult situations is a testament to his enduring spirit.

Setlhabi Taunyane’s story is a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between love, culture, and family dynamics. Though he faces challenges, his unwavering love for his wife and his resilience shine through. In a world where societal and familial pressures often weigh heavily on relationships, Taunyane’s openness encourages others to embrace love in all its forms, even when it defies expectations. His journey speaks to the courage required to navigate the intersections of personal and cultural identity, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar struggles.

As Taunyane continues to share his truth, he not only advocates for acceptance but also highlights the importance of standing firm in one’s choices, even when faced with the weight of familial rejection. His story is a celebration of resilience, love, and the courage to hold onto one’s convictions in the face of adversity.