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Da Les – real name Leslie Mampe – is one of several celebrities forced to use public healthcare over claims they do not have medical aid.

This comes amid a report that the rapper, nicknamed the “North God,” is asking his friends to assist with donations towards his medical bills.

Last week, Mampe suffered a stroke on his 39th birthday. According to a statement, he is in a “stable condition.”

DA LES ASKS FOR DONATIONS?
According to a report by Zimoja, Da LES’s family has appealed to his circle of friends for help paying for his medical expenses.

A note allegedly sent to his friends read: “As support to Leslie’s family while Les is in hospital, we are encouraging friends to assist in kind to Leslie’s mother’s account”

According to the report, Da LES does not have medical aid.

The Mampe family have neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.

 

 

According to a statement, Da LES suffered a stroke at his Bryanston mansion, known for hosting his star-studded All White pool parties.

The incident took place on his 39th birthday.

The statement read: “Whilst he is in a stable condition, this remains a challenging time for his loved ones. The family calls on the public to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period”.

da les, stroke
Da LES suffered a stroke on his 39th birthday. According to a report, he needs money to pay his medical bills.
Images via Instagram:
@2freshles
MZANSI CELEBS WITH NO MEDICAL AID
Da LES is not the only celeb who has allegedly had to foot a hefty bill at a private hospital. Some have even been forced to seek help at public healthcare facilities.

Here are more celebrities who reportedly did not have medical aid at the time of a health emergency

Last year, former Springbok Derick Hougaard made headlines after he spent a lengthy stay in a Pretoria public hospital. According to reports, this was due to a respiratory illness.

Derick’s friend Louis Liebenberg said that the retired rugby player declined an offer to be put on his medical aid.

In a Facebook comment, he said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could the Liefling van Loftus be in ICU in a government hospital?”

derick hougaard, loftus, springbok
Images via X: @derickhougaard/TORSTEN BLACKWOOD, AFP
In 2021, actress Shaleen Surtie Richards died from complications of diabetes and heart disease.

According to fellow actor and friend Lizz Meiring, Shaleen was forced to cancel her medical aid during the pandemic due to financial constraints.

She told East Coast Radio, “Millions of South Africans had to give up their medical funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Shaleen was also affected. She was a professional, so she was in Cape Town, and our mutual friend took her to the hospital as she was ill.

“The doctor wanted to book her into the hospital immediately, but she couldn’t get help because she had no money.”

Nigerian TV show, You View TVC went viral on social media on Tuesday, 30 July when they revealed that they are hoping for Chidimma Adetshina to win the Miss SA pageant.

NIGERIAN TV SHOW BACKS MISS SA FINALIST
In the video shared by @newslivesa on X, the Nigerian TV hosts said it’s important to support the Miss SA finalist, Chidimma Adetshina because of the histroy of xenophobia in South Africa.

 

“We’re rooting for Chidimma we’re hoping that she wins, it’s important to highlight these things because there is a history of xenophobia in South Africa. It’s important for us to just support Chidimma. We wish her the best that hopefully she’s able to win Miss SA and then we can also celebrate her all the way here,” said Your View TVC hosts.

They added that the goal was that Adetshina will represent South Africa in Miss Universe and they will be calling Chidimma not Bonang.

The law student and beauty queen has been receiving backlash on social media due to her Nigerian roots.

SOUTH AFRICANS SLAM THE TV SHOW

@bothomotswana: “Did you ever see a South African in your country running for Miss Nigeria? Please.”

@NdebeleMandisa: “Let her go be Miss Nigeria then if you are rooting for her simple.”

@Thee_mademoisel: “They are obsessed with this country. They want everything we have, the other one even said it’s our turn, like Nigeria doesn’t enter Miss World every year.”

@PatrigonometriM: “We don’t want to celebrate a Nigerian as South Africans, but we can gladly support her to win Miss Nigeria. And we don’t have history of xenophobia we just don’t like it when people take our kindness for granted.”

@itumelengitu_: “Why can’t these people support her there in her own country? She must go and contest in Nigeria, not here.”

Chidimma Adetshina has been announced as a Miss South Africa 2024 Top 11 finalist in the recent reality TV series, Crown Chasers which aired on SABC 3.

25-year-old Nancefield’s Taahira Katz was announced in the top three on this week’s episode of Crown Chasers.
Another hopeful who could snatch the Miss SA crown includes Nompumelelo Maduna, who’s been winning challenges on the show.
28-year-old Miss SA finalist, Mia Le Roux has also been in the top three for two weeks in a row.
Potchefstroom’s contestant, Onalenna Constantin is also a fan-favourite beauty queen who previously entered in 2020.
25-year-old Kebalepile Ramafoko is also another contestant who’s been performing well on Crown Chasers.
Kirsten Khan is a model from Johannesburg who completed her studies for a diploma in architectural draughting from Damelin College.
KZN beauty queen, Lebohang Khoza is an educator of the performing arts, choreographer and actor with a BA degree in Performing Arts.
Layla Zoubair describes herself as an outgoing and outspoken individual who thrives on challenges and exploring.
Ontshiametse Tlhopane is a 23 year old aspiring model from Protea Glen, Soweto. She has qualifications in criminology and is also the founder of #SafeHere.
Beauty queen, Palesa Lombard from Waverley in Johannesburg is a final year medical student who is interested in neurological pathologies. She says she loves to balance her creative, artistic abilities with her deep interests in science.

SUZETTE VAN DER MERWE CROWNED MISS SA IN 1990
Back in 1990 Suzette van der Merwe was crowned Miss SA. She was 21 years old at the time. The beauty queen is married to businessman Mark Weston. The pair tied the knot in Weston’s home country New Zealand, after being engaged for five years. The couple then had a second wedding when they returned to South Africa, in Cape Town.

The beauty queen revealed that Weston asked her out on a coffee date back in 2013 and she said yes. Take a look…

“Today, 7 years ago, I said yes to meet him for coffee… and the rest is history. Love my husband more and more each day 😍,” she wrote.So, does Suzette have kids? Yes, she has a 22-year-old daughter named Skye and a 24-year-old son named Gaydon Goss.

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE IS SUZETTE VAN DER MERWE NOW?
Suzette went from being a pageant queen to senior executive in charge of corporate Social Investment at a major telecom company. The beauty queen is now self employed as a brand manager, brand ambassador, astute CSI professional and experienced project manager for events and sponsorships.

She will also appear as a celebrity guest judge on Miss SA reality show Crown Chasers on Saturday 3 August. The reality TV series saw the Miss SA contestants compete for a spot as a Miss SA finalist ahead of the Miss SA finale, which takes place at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday 10 August.

When asked what she was looking for in the next Miss SA, she affirmed that it would be someone who refuses to be put in a box. She went on to say that the new Miss SA should also have an understanding of servant leadership, diplomatic and more.

“My personal criteria include qualities like is she diplomatic and articulate? Does she show an understanding of servant leadership? Does she show signs of superior emotional intelligence? Is she strong enough in her convictions to withstand criticism and mental and physical exhaustion? What is her general knowledge about South Africa’s current affairs?” she said.

Take a look at the Miss SA Top 11 here.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE MISS SA FINALIST?

Thursday 1 August 2024
Episode 69 (314)

Regenesis

With Chuma out of the house Nolitha plants her roots even deeper within his life. Solomzi and Rebs are up to the unthinkable.

Friday 2 August 2024
Episode 70 (315)

Hook, Line and Sink

Thenji goes out on her drinks with TK. Chuma is blown away by Nolitha’s response to his way of living. TK visits Nomsa with a big request. Solomzi commends a very deserving party for their co-operation.

Monday 5 August 2024
Episode 71 (316)

 

 

 

The Notebook

Chuma is due for a surprise, and that is exactly what’s in store for him. TK sees something he shouldn’t have seen. Velaphi starts to regret his impulsiveness, but it’s too late.

Tuesday 6 August 2024
Episode 72 (317)

Truth or Dare

Nomcebo is livid- there is no telling what she will do. Nolitha becomes worried when her calls are not answered by Chuma. Madvodza is quick and on his toes with everyone around him.

Wednesday 7 August 2024
Episode 73 (318)

Jezebel

The tension hangs heavy in the air as TK has everyone up in arms, as a worried Nelly sits across a panic-stricken Bandze. Malume Bulelani wipes tables when Martha who looks rugged enters the tavern.

Thursday 8 August 2024
Episode 74 (319)

Carried Away in Captivity

Madvodza is absorbed in his paperwork when Zandile enters with an objection. Rebecca and Solomzi stand solemnly, exercising the numerous ways to connect to each other’s lives with depth.

Friday 9 August 2024
Episode 75 (320)

May The Best Woman Win

May the best woman win as the ladies fight for their number one spot. Bra Solly and Bulelani sit together, sharing beers and conversation.

Monday 12 August 2024
Episode 76 (321)

Pride Aside

Nkanyiso and Martha make a verdict on the winner. The tension rises as Nomsa, Thenjiwe and Bra Solly settle down in the Lounge.

Tuesday 13 August 2024
Episode 77 (322)

Loony Friends

Chuma is astonished as he watches the patients roaming the streets. Matshidiso is in her full uniform and is feeling confident.

Wednesday 14 August 2024
Episode 78 (323)

Loonies on the Loose

As Nolitha makes to wipe the TV, she frowns, recognising something on the screen. Martha stares at her phone in total disbelief as she approaches Nyiko and Phara.

Thursday 15 August 2024
Episode 79 (324)

Friends To Enemies

Chuma is still reeling from the shock of Madvodza’ s request. Velaphi lies on his belly, counting the rows to keep himself distracted. Bandze’ s day turns sour quicker than he anticipated.

Friday 16 August 2024
Episode 80 (325)

Nomsa’s Disciple

Nomsa’s moments at church start to improve. Malandela lies fast asleep on the couch when suddenly, Patience shakes him awake. Jobe walks into church flashing a smile as he approaches Nomsa.

Monday 19 August 2024
Episode 81 (326)

Entanglements

The sun has set on Nolitha, as she looks at the menacing faces of her friends. Chuma on the other hand is up to no good, but so are Matshidiso and Bulelani.

Tuesday 20 August 2024
Episode 82 (327)

Death and Freedom

Paranoid Malandela and Patience pay Nolitha an unexpected visit to the mansion. Nomsa finds herself in a very compromising position.

Wednesday 21 August 2024
Episode 83 (328)

A Life for a Life

Tension runs thick in the air as Chuma and Mbuso drive down the road in silence. Jobe’s prayer request leaves Nomsa utterly shocked.

Thursday 22 August 2024
Episode 84 (329)

Fooled

Martha finds that there is a foul smell coming from the kitchen. Nomsa stands tall at the pulpit, her voice echoing through the sanctuary as she preaches.

Friday 23 August 2024
Episode 85 (330)

Pray For Me

Nomsa sits at the kitchen table, her hands trembling, a sign of her enduring emotional turmoil, with the tea in front of her going cold, untouched.

Monday 26 August 2024
Episode 86 (331)

An Enemy Within

Zandile questions Madvodza about the Ngwenya’s history while they prepare for a press conference.

Tuesday 27 August 2024
Episode 87 (332)

We Are All Going To Die Anyway

Rebecca is hit by the reality of her health. If Nka thinks he’s had a bad day, he hasn’t experienced this one.

Wednesday 28 August 2024
Episode 88 (333)

Rebecca’s Wishes

The Mabuza household watches Rebs’ will and are stunned by what she left for each of them.

Thursday 29 August 2024
Episode 89 (334)

Man Against Family

Nka know that he is a changed man. The Gumede’s learn some interesting news. Mbuso is left curious about Zandile and Madvodza.

Coming up on the new season of Muvhango which premieres this Monday 5 August 2024:

Leleti Khumalo as Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba who arrives with her husband Avhatakali Ramabulana and her son Sakhile.

Lloyd Nedohe, who was on Muvhango years ago as a different character, plays Avhatakali and Tyson Mathonsi, who’s currently on the new season of Sibongile & The Dlaminis, portrays Sakhile.

If you’ve missed the memo on why Muvhango’s suddenly back when the SABC and Word of Mouth Pictures announced that it was over: turns out they just said it to buy time and build hype.

You’ll find more about this in the replies under this article here: Shocker! Muvhango shuts down after 27 years

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As for Leleti’s character… Dr Ximba’s described as formidable, intelligent, resourceful and determined.

She’s a medical doctor who’s changed profession to business and construction, and she’s CEO of Siyabusa Construction.

She has her eye on MMC with ambitions to expand it and wants to create a lasting impact to reflect her tenacious spirit and unwavering dedication.

She’s a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a strategic leader in the business world.

However, her fierce independence and high expectations, both of herself and others, add layers of complexity to her persona and how others respond to her.

She has a relentless drive to protect her family and uphold her professional legacy and faces the challenges of balancing her personal and professional lives.

She struggles with trust, control and fear of betrayal.

Actor Vuyo Dabula has made an epic comeback with a new role in Showmax’s highly anticipated film, The Butcher’s Soul.

After being shot in 2022, the thespian took a break to focus on his recovery.

A few weeks ago, he revealed that he was fully recovered and ready to return to the industry.

“I’ve been hitting the gym quite hard, and I am now fully recovered. I’ve also been focusing on recovering mentally and spiritually from that horrible near-death experience,” he said.In The Butcher’s Soul, set to debut on 2 August, Dabula portrays the character of Saul.

 

 

 

 

 

He stars alongside a stacked cast that includes Melusi Mbele, Katlego Danke, Zinhle Mabena, and Bokang Phelane.

About ‘The Butcher’s Soul’
Directed by the award-winning Kagiso Samuel Leburu, the film tells the story of a man driven to do anything to protect his family.

After his family is attacked, a butcher is given seven days by the Angel of Death to deliver the guilty souls in exchange for his daughter’s life.

Katlego Danke, who plays Emma in the film, took to Instagram on Tuesday to thank Leburu and the team for a memorable shoot.

“My hat goes off to the crew and staff who made the experience an effortless joy. It reminded me of why I started acting in the first place,” she wrote.

Danke also shared that she is anxiously looking forward to seeing The Butcher’s Soul on screen.

“Never have I been so anxious and excited to see the finished product as I was with this production.

“The work was gruelling but such a pleasure! I really am embarrassed to say I enjoyed every single minute – it felt like a guilty indulgence. Can’t wait to see it!”

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Legendary Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu, 72, slumps and passes away after a performance at a party in Lagos.

The music icon reportedly d!3d on Tuesday night, July 30, at Reddington Hospital, Lagos. 🏥

 

She was 72.

According to a family source, Onwenu was at Fidelity Bank MD, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s birthday party when she performed.

After her performance, she returned to her seat and suddenly slumped. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Onyeka Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, had a career that spanned over four decades. 🎶 She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Her first album, “In The Morning Light,” was released in 1984.

Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,”ekwe.May her soul rest in peace.

The Department of Home Affairs has cleared up the confusion surrounding Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina, whose nationality has been questioned.

Since revealing that her father is Nigerian and her mother is a South African with Mozambican roots, the 23-year-old has been victimized by angry pageant fans who believe she should not win or represent South Africa.

On social media, various high-profile figures, including Prince Kaybee, Pearl Thusi, Gayton McKenzie, Herman Mashaba, and Julius Malema, have shared their comments on the scandal.

 

 

 

 

HOME AFFAIRS SPEAKS: WHAT MAKES YOU A SOUTH AFRICAN
Speaking to Clement Manyathela on 702, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza attempted to set the record straight on Chidimma Adetshina and questions over her citizenship.

Nzuza began by claiming that he was not at liberty to publicly reveal confidential information about any citizen, including Chidimma.

However, he did clear up confusion on what constitutes citizenship, which, according to the Citizenship Act, is acquired by birth, descent, or by naturalisation.

Nzuza said, “It is commonly acquired either by soil or by blood. When we say soil, it’s because you are born in that country, and then you become a citizen.Chidimma Adetshina has suffered xenophobic comments by the hands of fellow South Africans. This, despite revealing she was born in SA to a South African mother.
Images via Instagram:
@chichi_vanessa
“One country which has adopted this is America, whereby if you are born there, you become a US citizen. [However], in South Africa, you get citizenship by blood. One of your parents must be a South African. Then you qualify.

He continued: “If a person suspects that there is a person who is unworthy of citizenship or might have wrongly obtained citizenship, they do have a right to come to Home Affairs, and then we investigate.

“If citizenship has been obtained in a wrong way, we have taken back the citizenship and indicated that it was obtained via fraud.

“In some cases, its not the actual person, but it is the parents of that person who have obtained citizenship. When we take away the citizenship which was erroneously or fraudulently obtained, then the child also loses “I’ve heard a lot of people say that if you are born in South Africa, you are a citizen. No, in South Africa, citizenship is by blood”.

BORN TO FOREIGN PARENTS
Clarifying, Nzuza added that a child born in South Africa to foreign parents could obtain citizenship if their parents had a permit residency.

He continued: “The children follow the status of their parents.citizenship”.Miss SA insists that Chidimma Adetshina is a South African.
Images via Instagram: @chici_vanessa/ @official_misssa
“If a parent is here on a permanent residence and their child is born here, then that child qualifies for permanent residency.

“If a South African mother adopts a child, then that child can become a South African.”

MISS SA ON CHIDIMMA: IS SHE A SOUTH AFRICAN?
The South African reached out to the Miss SA organisation for comment. It confirmed that both Chidimma Adetshina and her mother are South African citizens. It also confirmed that Chidimma met all the necessary criteria to enter the pageant.

The organisation also declined to comment further on the social media backlash.

Francine Pascal, the creative mind behind the iconic Sweet Valley High series, has passed away at the age of 92.

Her daughter confirmed that Pascal died from lymphoma in New York. The news has sent waves of nostalgia through the many fans of her beloved books.

FRANCINE PASCAL AND SWEET VALLEY HIGH
Born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, Pascal was a true New Yorker, according to Remind Magazine.

 

She studied journalism at New York University and began her career as a freelance writer.

She published her first young adult novel, Hangin’ Out With Cici, in 1977, and later adapted it into a TV special titled My Mother Was Never a Kid.

However, it was in 1983 that Pascal truly made her mark with Sweet Valley High.
The Sweet Valley High series became a phenomenon.

It centres on the lives of identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who navigate high school life in Los Angeles.

The series captivated readers with its engaging storylines and relatable characters, according to The Guardian.

Pascal’s creation led to the publication of an astounding 181 books.

After the initial twelve books, Pascal handed over the reins to a team of ghostwriters to continue the series.

SWEET VALLEY HIGH: THE BEGINNING
Reflecting on the creation of the series, Pascal revealed in a 2019 interview, “A friend of mine had lunch with a [book] editor, a man, who said, ‘Why isn’t there a Dallas for young people?’

I thought about it, and I actually had a book [proposal] due. There are a lot of twins in my life.

People are always fascinated by twins. You’ll never be alone.” She continued.

“I thought about it, and this other soap opera thing was in my head, the one that I couldn’t sell.

I sat down and I wrote a [character] bible and the first 12 stories. It went quickly because it was such a fertile idea.
SWEET VALLEY HIGH THE PHENOMENONBantam Books loved it. They ordered all 12.”

TV ADAPTATION
The success of Sweet Valley High led to a TV adaptation featuring twins Brittany Daniel and Cynthia Daniel, according to the New York Times.

Pascal’s creative influence extended beyond Sweet Valley High.

She penned several other novels, including If Wishes Were Horses, The Ruling Class, and the Fearless book series.

Her talents were not limited to novels; she also wrote scripts for the soap opera The Young Marrieds.

She wrote these alongside her husband John, who passed away in 1981.

LITERARY WORKS
Pascal’s legacy is profound. Her stories touched the lives of many young readers, offering them a glimpse into the glamorous, sometimes tumultuous lives of the Wakefield twins.

The Sweet Valley High books are remembered fondly by fans who grew up with them.

In addition to her literary achievements, Pascal is remembered for her dedication to her craft.

She meticulously detailed every aspect of her characters’ lives, ensuring that her ghostwriters followed her vision closely.

FAMILY
As she once described, “The story outlines weren’t chapter by chapter, more like acts.

Don’t forget, they already had the bible, where I had written deeply into the lives of the twins and their backgrounds.”

Francine Pascal is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her passing marks the end of an era for many who cherished her books and the world she created.

A LEGACY
As fans and readers reflect on her contributions, the impact of her work remains clear.

The Sweet Valley High series will forever be a testament to Pascal’s imagination and storytelling prowess.

Her work continues to inspire and entertain, a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Lady Gaga joined dancers, an opera diva and even a heavy metal band in an opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics that sought to proudly showcase French culture with a modern twist.

Enjoy the Paris Olympic Games 2024 experience at your favourite ATKV Resort!

The first-ever opening ceremony held outside a stadium – on the River Seine – had to battle driving rain that cast a pallid gloom over the City of Light.

The fast-moving and multi-location ceremony masterminded by acclaimed French theatre director Thomas Jolly was aimed at impressing the global TV audience as much as those who braved the weather and intense security to watch live.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION TO LADY GAGA’S PERFORMANCE
In a nod to her passion for French culture, US pop star Lady Gaga appeared from behind a fan of pom-poms held by her dancing troupe to sing “Mon truc en plumes” (“My Thing With Feathers”), an iconic French music hall hit by the legendary Zizi Jeanmaire.

“It is my supreme honor to sing for you and cheer you on,” Gaga wrote on her social media channels after the performance, saying she always “felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music.”

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content

But how many The South African readers were aware that there was a South African connection to Lady Gaga’s performance?

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the new Minister of Agriculture in the National Assembly, took to social media to write: “I received an exciting letter from the MD of Cape Karoo International, informing me that the pink ostrich plumes and black ostrich feather outfit used during Lady Gaga’s Olympic Games performance were sourced from South Africa’s ostrich farms and are proudly South African. 🇿🇦“