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South Africans are going all out to celebrate their first gold medal at the Olympics, courtesy of swimmer Tatjana Smith. And that means bringing out all the memes in true Mzansi fashion.

The 27-year-old bagged first place in the 200m breaststroke in Paris on Monday evening.

She is now set to compete in the 200m breaststroke on Wednesday, which she also hopes to win gold.

SPORTS SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE TATJANA SMITH’S WIN
On social media, South Africans ave posted countless congratulatory messages to Olympics gold medallist Tatjana Smith.

This includes an official message from the President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

On a light-hearted note, Saffas have proved how everything can make anything and everything a joke.

One TikToker posted a funny meme dedicated to Tatjana based on US rapper Blue Face’s 2018 hit song Thotiana.

“Bust down Tatjana”, the fan sings.

@jeremy_duplessis Wooow Guys ive got no words! PROUD IS A UNDERSTATEMENT! Go Tatjan Go 🇿🇦!#jeremyduplessis #mzansitiktok #olympicspirit #olympics ♬ original sound – Javier Romero
On the X app, others have posted funny memes about SA swopping in when it came to swimmers and gold medals.

Herman Mashaba is the latest politician to weigh into the social media debate about Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s nationality.

The Action SA leader has reacted to a video of the young woman being embraced by foreign nationals.

His comments come amid Gayton McKenzie and Julius Malema’s comments about the 23-year-old pageant participant.

 

HERMAN MASHABA REACTS TO VIDEO OF CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA
Since revealing that her father is Nigerian and her mother is a South African with Mozambican roots, Chidimma Adetshina has become the victim of xenophobic comments from angry pageant fans who believe she should not win or represent Miss SA.

Over the weekend, a clip of the LLB student – who has made the Top 11 – being embraced by a group of foreign nationals, presumably her family, began trending on social media.

The clip saw ignorant comments from South Africans who accused Chidimma of being “Nigerian” and having no place in SA.

Reacting to the clip was Action SA leader Herman Mashaba, who tweeted: “This young woman is compromising herself identifying with these characters who are likely in South Africa illegally. Bad idea”Meanwhile, an X user has called on Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber to investigate Chidimma Adteshina’s nationality.

@isphera tweeted: “Please investigate the claimed citizenship of the Nigerian father and Mozambican mother of Chidimma Adetshina.

“Investigate how documents were acquired and on which date they were acquired. This is a matter of national importance & must be treated with urgency.”

Schreiber has yet to respond.

DR MALINGA WELCOMES BABY GIRL
However, Dr Malinga’s wife was pregnant with twins, Lingos and Legends, during his woes with SARS. However, during that time, Dr Malinga opened up about his woes, including not having medical aid and going to public hospitals for checkups.

His medical bills had also ballooned, but his sister came to the rescue. However, the two have since welcomed a bouncing baby girl. Confirmed reports have it that she was welcomed over the weekend.

Dr Malinga also confirmed the news with a social media post. The Petronella hitmaker wrote, “God blessed us with a baby girl, baby number six.”

 

 

 

 

However, a close family member revealed to the media that the muso intends to grow his family. Speaking to ZiMoja, the source said, “He loves family, and he is a great father; why not? Why can’t he grow his family? Money comes and goes.”

No doubt, Dr Malinga has managed to keep his private life under wraps, leaving many to guess about his immediate family. However, the rumour mill has it that four of his children are boys while the other two are girls.

Dr Malinga and his wife join a host of celebrities who recently welcomed their bundle of joy. Last week, South African rapper Anele Zondo welcomed her baby girl. Taking to Instagram, she posted, “I can’t believe I can say God bestowed upon me the blessing to birth a whole human. World, meet Princess Moä.”

MAKING HEADLINES
A few years ago, Dr Malinga made headlines when he opened up about his SARS woes. The taxman then revealed that the star singer owed over R500 000 in unfiled taxes.

Amid his woes, he lost some of his flashiest cars, furniture, and other movable possessions. His lush house was also on the verge of being repossessed. Against Dr. Malinga’s woes, many celebrated celebrities, including Makhadzi, Oskido, and Black Coffee, helped him.

In one of his interviews, Dr Malinga talked about his woes: “I needed help. However, I sacrificed my celebrity status; I didn’t care about being judged. I didn’t go out and rob people like many people having financial issues. I asked for help.”

With an illustrious career spanning years, Gcina Mkhize has wowed many with her unmatched acting flair and has played lead roles in several big-budget soap operas.

The seasoned actress hogged headlines over the weekend when she revealed that intruders had pounced on her lush mansion. According to ZiMoja, the actress and her children have sleepless nights at their haven because of alleged intruders.GCINA MKHIZE’S MANSION SOLD AT AUCTION
Gcina Mkhize revealed that the intruders even ordered them to leave the mansion, as they claim to be the rightful owners despite Gcina Mkhize having owned it for years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to The South African, Tevin Mashila said he is not an intruder, as Gcina Mkhize alleged. He has it that he is the rightful owner of the property.

The businessman revealed that the mansion was auctioned in Johannesburg on 3 October 2023. The actress had allegedly failed to keep up with her instalments for months, if not years.

Tevin Mashila was the highest bidder for the mansion, and all payments for the property were made on the same day of the auction. The South African has also seen proof of payments made for Gcina Mkhize’s house. R700 000 was paid for the mansion, while additional costs were over R200 000.

The lodgement of the mansion was completed on 22 January 2024 by BVZ Attorneys, who the Sheriff’s Office appointed. However, seasoned actress Gcina Mkhize was informed of the development after the lodgement.

On 3 February 2024, Gcina Mkhize met with Tevin Mashila at Glen Shopping Centre. Tevin Mashila has it that the actress told him about her financial woes and made it known that she had nowhere to go but could afford to rent out the house.

Tevin Mashila also said that Gcina Mkhize offered to buy back the house within three months, but nothing materialised. However, Tevin Mashila revealed that the actress had not been paying rent. According to documents presented to The South African, the new owner has since served her with eviction orders.

MAKING HEADLINES
Last week, Gcina Mkhize spoke to the media about her woes. “They have been harassing me and my kids since January. I have alerted the Mondeor Police several times, but they won’t help me, and the intimidation keeps escalating,’ Gcina Mkhize said.

“I’m assuming we are all aware of the fact that there’s a huge syndicate in our country that specialises in selling people’s homes illegally. This guy bought my house under mysterious circumstances.

“The matter is still under investigation, but he wants me to vacate my home as I did yesterday. Where will I go with my kids?’ she asked.

Gcina Mkhize is making headlines after Tevin Mashila made it known that the actress’ lush mansion was sold at auction after she failed to keep up with her instalments. yuuu

Siya Kolisi’s wife, Rachel Kolisi showed her sister-in-law Tatjana Smith some love after the South African swimmer won the women’s 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday 29 July.

TATJANA SMITH WINS GOLD MEDAL AT OLYMPICS
South African swimmer Tatjana Smith bagged South Africa their first gold medal when she won the women’s 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday 29 July. She finished ahead of China’s Qianting Tang and Ireland’s Mona McSharry.

 

The Olympic swimmer took to Instagram to celebrate, and dedicate her win to South Africa. Take a look…

“For my community, for South Africa. Now for the 200 ⏰,” she captioned the post.Tatjana is married to Joel Smith, who is Rachel Kolisi’s brother. Rachel took to the comments section, along with other Springboks WAGS to show Tatjana some love.

“So so proud of you Tati! Well done ❤️,” commented Rachel.

“Woohoooo!!! WELL DONE @tatjanaschoen 🥳🙌🥳😁💕,” commented Anlia Etzebeth, the wife of Springbok Eben THE OLYMPIC SWIMMER: ‘IT TOOK A VILLAGE TO GET ME WHERE I AM TODAY’
Tatjana revealed that it took a village to get her where she is today and she knows they would be so proud of her. She expressed that she dedicates the win to her village, and her country, South Africa.

“The emotions were really … it took a village to get me where I am today. I know they would have been proud, even if I didn’t get a medal, but it was really for them,” she said.

“It was for everyone that has been with me, who believed in me and for my country as well. Our hashtag is ‘for my country …’ it really is, just to inspire someone at home and to know that they don’t have to disqualify themselves and potentially be an Olympic champion,” she continued..

South Africans were surprised this week when Da LES’ friends reportedly asked for assistance to raise funds for his medical bills.

The appeal comes after the rapper’s family revealed on Friday, 26 July that he suffered a stroke and is currently in hospital.

 

FRIENDS APPEAL FOR DONATIONS
Zimoja confirms that Da LES’ close friends asked to assist his family in raising funds for his medical bills.

The musician’s mother, Priscilla Mampe reportedly sent out a note to close friends to ask for assistance in raising funds for his medical bills.

“Hi Friends, 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 below,’ the note said and included her banking details. The Mampe family has confirmed that Da LES is making improvements to his health.”

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

The request didn’t sit well with South Africans who lambasted the “North God” for his lavish lifestyle and wearing designer labels.

Social media users have suggested that the musician should be taken to a public hospital. While some revealed that the rapper’s friends who attended his annual All White Party in Bryanston should foot his medical bills.
SOUTH AFRICANS DRAG THE RAPPER
@Mashiyamahle08: “Da Les had many opportunities to manage his finances wisely and plan for unexpected expenses like medical bills. He missed the opportunity. He should pack for public hospitals and not expect public donations.”

@Am_Blujay: “Hosting an annual All White Party every year while not saving anything in case of a medical emergency is crazy.”

@RichRakgadi: “I thought Da Les was “my family stole land and mines in apartheid South Africa” rich.”

@kwenasekwele: “Was this after winning that million rands on tropical?”

@tsheko2020: “Yes, because he won 1 million around 2013.”

DA LES IN HOSPITAL
Sowetan reports that Da LES, real name Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr, is recovering after suffering a stroke on Friday.

“The family of renowned South African musician Da Les is deeply saddened to inform the public that he suffered a stroke at home on Friday, 26 July 2024, and has been hospitalised.”

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

“Updates on Da Les’ condition will be provided as they become available. Thank you for your continued support,” read the statement.

The South African reached out to The Mampes for a comment on Tuesday, 30 July.

Erica Ash, renowned for her roles in Scary Movie V and Survivor’s Remorse, has passed away at 46.

The news was confirmed by her family, who shared the tragic loss with deep sorrow.

ERICA ASH’S PASSING
Her mother, Diann Ash, released a heartfelt statement, according to TMZ

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend Erica Chantal Ash (1977-2024).

 

 

 

 

 

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she transitioned peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.”

Erica Ash was much more than a talented actress. She was a beacon of light and laughter.

Diann added, “Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humour, and genuine zest for life.

Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.

ERICA ASH’S FAMILY ASK FOR DONATIONS
In honour of Erica’s memory, the family asks that any donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice.

We are grateful for the kind expressions of love and support during this difficult time.”

Loni Love, Erica’s close friend and former co-host, was the first to pay tribute on Instagram, according to the Daily News.

She wrote, “She would put her all into her work. She would always just be there. Now she’s gone.

My sincere condolences to her family and fans.”

ERICA ASH’S CAREER
Erica’s journey began in Florida, but her life took her across various locations, including Germany, due to her parents’ military service.

She found her calling in acting at a performing arts school in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

She stayed in Atlanta for college, attending Emory University.

Her first significant break came with Logo’s The Big Gay Sketch Show, produced by Rosie O’Donnell.

Erica Ash’s performance on the show was stellar, sharing the screen with talents like Colman Domingo, Kate McKinnon, and Stephen Guarino.

In 2008, Erica joined the cast of MadTV in its 14th and final season.

Her celebrity impressions, including Naomi Campbell, Whoopi Goldberg, Mo’Nique, and Michelle Obama, were unforgettable.

TV AND FILM CREDITS
Her sharp wit and comedic timing made her a standout. Erica Ash’s career spanned various notable TV and film credits.

She starred in Real Husbands of Hollywood, In Contempt, Scary Movie V, Uncle Drew, and We Have a Ghost.

Each role showcased her versatility and immense talent.

“Erica was a force of nature,” said a close colleague.

“Her energy was contagious. She brought joy to everyone she worked with. Her absence leaves a void in the industry and in our hearts.”

Fans and colleagues alike mourn her loss.

TRIBUTES POUR IN
Social media flooded with tributes, reminiscing about her roles and the laughter she brought into their lives.

Erica Ash’s portrayal of Mary Charles on Survivor’s Remorse remains iconic.

It highlighted her ability to blend humour with heartfelt moments.

“She was a trailblazer,” said a fellow actress.

“Her work on The Big Gay Sketch Show and MadTV opened doors for many.

She showed us what it means to be fearless in comedy.”

BATTLE WITH CANCER
Erica’s battle with cancer was long and arduous. Yet, she faced it with bravery and grace.

Her family’s statement reflects the deep love and admiration they hold for her. Erica Ash’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and resilience.

Erica Ash may no longer be with us, but her spirit and humour will live on.

She has left a mark on the entertainment world and in the hearts of those who knew her.

Her laughter will echo in our memories, reminding us of the joy she brought into our lives.

Rest in peace, Erica Ash. Your star will forever shine bright.

Since his dismissal from the SABC 3 show, the former Expresso presenter Thabiso Makhubela has made headlines for the wrong reasons.

Reports have it that he was sent packing last year for misconduct. However, Expresso content producer Lucian Albertyn said, “He wasn’t fired. He left of his own accord.” On the other hand, the rumour mill has it that his dismissal was dru g-related.

 

EXPRESSO PRESENTER THABISO MAKHUBELA OUT ON BAIL AFTER ARREST
Since his dramatic exit last year, Mzansi has been trying to connect the dots about his whereabouts. He has managed to keep his private life under wraps, leaving many to guess. However, against the trends, The South African has connected the dots about his whereabouts.

A former colleague told ZiMoja about his dismissal. The source said, “We were all shocked because none of us saw that coming. We knew he was confident in his job and life in general. Little did we know the source of that confidence.”

Rumour has it that his boyfriend, who happened to be a politician at the time, tried to help him recover, but nothing materialised. His situation got worse, leading to a string of arrests.

Thabiso Makhubela is trending after he was allegedly arrested for shoplifting. A close source confirmed the news to ZiMoja. The source said, “He was then arrested for shoplifting due to his drug situation. He needed money to satisfy his cravings.”

Singabakho Nxumalo, a media liaison spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, confirmed Makhubela’s arrest.

Nxumalo said, “The Department of Correctional Services can confirm Thabiso Makhubela was admitted to a Johannesburg correctional facility on April 4, 2024, for charges relating to theft. The court granted him bail, which he paid, and he was released on April 16.”

Another source added, “When he was back home in Hammaskraal, he constantly became agitated and lashed out at his sisters and neighbours. First, he assaulted his neighbours and damaged their property. They opened a case, and the police arrested him.”

However, Thabiso Makhubela committed the same offence after being released by the police. He assaulted his sister, who turned to the police for protection. “The police took him because he kept on repeating the same crime. The magistrate was made aware that he is a drug addict,” said the source

South African swimmer Tatjana Smith, formerly Schoenmaker, bagged South Africa’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 when she won the 100m women’s breaststroke on Monday, 29 July.

TATJANA SMITH WINS GOLD MEDAL AT OLYMPICS
South Africa’s Tatjana Smith won the women’s 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday 29 July, receiving South Africa’s first gold medal of the Olympics.

 

 

 

As reported by The South African, Smith surged late to touch the wall first in a time of 1:05:28. She finished ahead of China’s Qianting Tang (1:05:54) and Ireland’s Mona McSharry (1:05.59).

Tatjana will be competing again on Wednesday, 31 July in the heats and semi-finals of the women’s 200m breaststroke and in the final on Thursday, 1 August.

Tatjana dedicated her gold medal to her country, South Africa. She explained that she hopes to inspire someone at home.

“The emotions were really … it took a village to get me where I am today. I know they would have been proud, even if I didn’t get a medal, but it was really for them,” she said.

“It was for everyone that has been with me, who believed in me and for my country as well. Our hashtag is ‘for my country …’ it really is, just to inspire someone at home and to know that they don’t have to disqualify themselves and potentially be an Olympic champion,” she continued.

So, what do we know about the star South African swimmer?

SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MRS SMITH
Tatjana is the first South African woman to win two Olympic gold medals since Penny Heyns did so in Atlanta in 1996
The Olympic swimmer is married to Rachel Kolisi’s brother, Joel Smith. The pair tied the knot at the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve in the Western Cape in 2023.
Tatjana’s maiden surname was Schoenmaker.
The swimmer, who hails from Johannesburg, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in financial services. She studied at the University of Pretoria (UP).
She made her Olympic debut in Tokyo and became only the third South African woman to win an Olympic swimming title, following in the footsteps of Joan Harrison at the Helsinki Games in 1952, and Heyns
Before marrying Joel Smith, Tatjana was reportedly in a relationship with fellow swimmer Ruan Ras

Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has been accused of causing faux outrage after he seemingly referred to Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s nationality and called her a “Nigerian”.

The outspoken Patriotic Alliance leader – known for his tag phrase “Abahambe,” referring to foreign nationals – even claimed the young woman’s case gave him “funny vibes.”

Gayton’s comments come shortly after Julius Malema hailed Chimma as a “South African.”

Both the pageant organisers and the 23-year-old model have stood by their claims that she is eligible to participate in the competition.

GAYTON MCKENZIE CRITICISED OVER CHIDIMMA COMMENTS
Since revealing that her father is Nigerian and her mother is a South African with Mozambican roots, Chidimma Adetshina has become the victim of xenophobic comments from angry pageant fans who believe she should not win or represent Miss SA.

On his official X account, Gayton McKenzie responded to “troll” Chris Excel, who asked him for his opinion on the pageant finalist.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture – who returned home from the Paris Olympics—tweeted: “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it”.already gives funny vibes

While some agreed with the minister, others accused him of being irresponsible and promoting xenophobia.

@VimleshRajbansi: “Gayton, you need a spokesperson because you are a Minister and can’t blurt out xenophobic statements like this.

@Inqama97: “She’s legally South African, and any intervention you make will be a violation of her human rights and will be in contravention of the constitution. As a cabinet Minister and member of Parliament, you have a duty to protect her rights not violate them. Delete this tweet.

@TrueNorth_Hlubi: “You shouldn’t involve yourself over petty gossip and bullying. It’s not appropriate since you’re a Minister and a diplomat. You should rather condemn the unprovoked bullying of Chidinma, Miss SA.”

@IrisNzolantima: “I didn’t know you were xenophobic to that level.”HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER CALLED IN TO INVESTIGATE
Meanwhile, another tweep has called on Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber to investigate Chidimma Adteshina’s nationality.

@isphera tweeted: “Please investigate the claimed citizenship of the Nigerian father and Mozambican mother of Chidimma Adetshina.

“Investigate how documents were acquired & on which date they were acquired. This is a matter of national importance & must be treated with urgency”