Mbali Maphumulo, Nimrod Nkosi, Lorcia Cooper, Winnie Ntshaba, #PapaPennyAhee and more stars return to #MzansiMagic this April

Fans can indulge in a variety of classic favourites, new premieres, dramas and telenovelas on Mzansi Magic come April. 

Mzansi's most popular dating show, "Date My Family," makes a much-anticipated season 7 debut on Sunday, April 7 with 31-year-old Mandla Radebe. 
Mandla describes himself as a people's person and an aspiring entrepreneur. He is looking for a lady who communicates well.  Will Mandla find the woman of his dreams?

The premiere of "The Herd" Season 2 will also follow. The new season picks up approximately seven months later and MaMngadi (Winne Ntshaba) doesn't want to be a witch anymore. Will she continue her redemptive journey, or will she fall back to witchcraft? Joining the cast for a thrilling 13 episodes are Bheki Sibiya, Nomsa Nene, Mbali Maphumulo and Nqobile Khumalo. 

Award-winning drama, "Lockdown," comes back to claim Mondays from April 8, with the premiere of Season 4. 

It is three months since the riot and Deborah (Pamela Nomvete) has clawed herself back to the top as Governor of the prison. She has placed a pissed-off-with-the-world Tyson (Lorcia Cooper) in power, allowing her access to more contraband than the prison has ever seen. 

The nation's favourite uncle, Nimrod Nkosi is once again helping people track down their fathers and reuniting long-lost family members in the new season 7 of "Utatakho," premiering Tuesday, April 9. 

In the first episode, we meet Mabuyi Ntuli. Mabuyi grew up knowing her mother could have cheated with a man from the Ntuli family, a man who happens to share the same surname as the father of her children. Will she finally know where she belongs?

Speaking of fathers, Papa Penny is back for what is easily the most emotional and intense season to date. "Papa Penny Ahee!" Season 3 premieres Wednesday, April 10 and will include an international trip, progressive views on romance and a new "addition" to the family.

"Uthando Nes' Thembu" season 3 will see Musa demonstrate how he juggles his time equally among his four wives, while running various business ventures. In the premiere episode on April 11 at 8pm, MaYeni and MaCele prepare for their weddings and Musa commits a grave error of judgement when he mingles two wives' businesses together…

Catch all these shows on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) this April.

Amazing people share their amazing stories. We feature an #entrepreneur, #engineer, #cricketer, #TymeBank, #competition, #tips, #Inspiration, #fashion #LazyMakoti .. Get #Trendnation digital on #Magzter now

Hearty April greetings!

This April don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great.

Trends Mzansi blog's Trendnation digital newsletter-mag April edition PDF is out!

The journey to success is a continuous journey paved with unlimited possibilities. We bring you those feel good, great and inspirational stories and tips to inspire you.

This month we showcase: 

* A glimpse into Protea Kagiso Rabada's prized possession and lessons learnt in his cricketing career.

* How a scholarship opened the doors for a young female engineer

* Anele Mdoda relives her #Oscars moment 

* The doll business that's crocheting its way to success

* How TymeBank is set to revolutionalize banking

* The untold story of Revolt Apparel

........ Plus

* Book Review: The Lazy Makoti's guide to the kitchen

* Investment advice for students

* Three small lifestyle changes for losing weight

* Expert tips for a startup business

* How to maintain your hair under a wig

And lots, lots, lots and lots more. Get your copy on Magzter today 

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Trends-Mzansi-blog/Trendnation-Mzansi-Edition/Lifestyle/338061

Linda Sokhulu becomes latest addition to #RhythmCity family

Linda Sokhulu is the latest addition to the cast of local soapie Rhythm City and will make her debut on Tuesday, 16 April.

She joins the cast as Ziyanda, a smart, savvy businessperson who has a booming laugh and a dirty sense of humour. She takes no nonsense, but doesn't have to prove she's tough. She is both streetwise and worldly, and knows how to use her beauty and brains to get what she wants. To top it all, men want to be with her and women want to be like her.
 
She comes into Suffo's life and lures him into a bigger world of business and power. She becomes his unlikely buddy. Ziyanda's a tough-talking broad who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She isn't intimidated by Suffo in the slightest and speaks to him in a way he wouldn't accept from another woman.
 
"I am looking forward to playing Ziyanda – it's a very challenging role. She is worldly and street smart, sexy and driver. She knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to speak her mind. David and Suffo have no idea what they're in for!"says Linda
 
Ziyanda unwittingly challenges Suffo and Puleng's compatibility, and ultimately highlights their very different goals. Will Puleng perceive her as a rival?

Ziyanda is the epitome of elegant sexiness. Catch her debut on Tuesday the 16^th of April at 7:00PM on e.tv, Openview channel 104. DSTV channel 194 .

Five modern things that #smartphone's are eliminating

By Ernst Wittmann, Global Account Director MEA & Country Manager – Southern Africa, at TCL

 

Mobile phones were originally created to enable us to take and make phone calls on the go. Today, however, voice calls comprise a small part of the functionality that most of us use on our smartphones. Indeed, more and more people don't even answer their mobile phones unless it's someone they know, but rely on their mobile device for just about everything else in their day to day lives.

Recent research from the World Economic Forum paints a picture of how deeply embedded smartphones are in our day-to-day routines. The survey of 8,000 people from eight countries found that 50% of respondents are now more concerned about forgetting their phone than their wallet and only 14% of people still use smartphones purely for calls and messaging.

The majority of respondents consider their smartphone "a necessity", to be used for things like checking the local news and weather and more than a third of respondents consider their smartphone their "life". Smartphones have become the go-to device for so many things we do each day, taking the place of essentials like business cards, watches, alarm clocks, newspapers, calendars and more in our lives.

Here are some examples of tools and technology the smartphone is displacing:

 

1. Digital cameras

We've come a long way since the two megapixel phone cameras of the feature phones of the mid-2000s. Today, it's  not unusual to find eight or even 12 megapixel cameras in a moderately-priced smartphone, alongside advanced features such as HDR and wide-angle. The quality is good enough for most casual snappers, especially given that most photos are taken to be shared on social media.

 

The result is that smartphones are putting the traditional entry-level camera market under strain as amateur photographers use their mobile devices to photograph everything. GfK South Africa's research shows that sales in the entry-level camera market dropped by 17% and the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) market by 33%, in the fourth quarter of 2018, for example.

 

2. Standalone navigation devices

In the early 2000s, standalone GPS navigation devices were evolving from expensive toys to mainstream products. But the integration of GPS navigation and powerful mapping applications into smartphones towards the end of the decade meant that the growth of the market was not meant to last. Just a decade later, most people prefer to use their mobile phone to get around and the personal navigation device has become a niche product.

 

3. Fixed-line telephones

According to the World Bank, global fixed-line subscriptions peaked at 1.25 billion in 2009, then started to decline. By the end of 2017, there were less than one billion fixed-line subscribers in the world. By contrast, there were nearly 7.7 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide by the end of 2017. Rapid deployment of mobile networks and adoption of mobile phones in emerging markets mean that many people in Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America will probably never get a fixed-line service. And even in the rich world, many people would perhaps not bother with a fixed-line telephone if was not bundled with their fibre Internet service.

 

4. Portable music players

Remember portable MP3 players? Like personal navigation devices, they were a growing market for a while in the early to mid-2000s. Today, you can still buy a portable music player if you are looking for a cheap and durable alternative for hiking or if you listen to a lot of music and want to preserve smartphone battery life. But most people today find a smartphone and an app like Spotify or Google Play Music more than adequate for their needs.

 

5. Gaming consoles

The gaming console and PC market has so far proven resilient in the face of the mobile device onslaught, especially among the hardcore gamers who prefer a dedicated controller and more processing power to render high-quality graphics. But things are shifting with Microsoft, Google, Sony and others looking to turn games into a cloud streaming service similar to Netflix or Spotify. Sure, it may be while before mobile broadband can deliver games streaming with the same quality and response time as a device on your desk or in your lounge, but change is underway. What's more, many of the world's most popular games are already on mobile devices—Fortnite, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Minecraft etc—where they command massive audiences.

#Castle Lager's iconic new SA supporters jersey is the real deal towards uniting fans #BafanaBafana #Proteas #Springboks

Castle Lager has announced an iconic supporters' jersey for all SA sports-loving enthusiasts.

The uniquely threaded supporter gear, which is made up of prudently selected jersey strips from six unifying sporting moments in SA, was revealed yesterday at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton ahead of Bafana Bafana's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The selected iconic moments woven into the jersey are the 1995 Rugby World Cup, 1996 Afcon, 1998 ICC Champions Trophy, 2007 Rugby World Cup, '438' ODI and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

This newly revealed supporter's jersey was manufactured with the intention to inspire the national teams and fuel fan passion by providing them with an item that can be physically worn, thus weaving together a fabric of this nation. 

Speaking at the jersey reveal, Castle Lager brand director Vaughan Croeser said: "This is a massive year for football, cricket and rugby, and it is rare to have all three senior national teams potentially participate in major international tournaments in a single calendar year. 

"We are the only brand in SA that sponsors all three major national teams and as a result of such a truly empowering responsibility coupled with our belief in national unity, it was only befitting that we mark the year with a gesture that bears a significance." 

Sports fans can get the supporters' jersey from May 15 by purchasing the limited edition One Nation One Jersey One Beer package of the Castle Lager 500ml cans, which will feature a collector's series of the six greatest sporting moments.

#Kwesta's wedding must inspire other A listers to tie the knot

Award-winning rapper Kwesta tied the knot with his long-time sweetheart Yolanda Mvelase in a stylish Western ceremony on Friday.

The wedding ceremony took place at the upmarket Thaba Elco Hotel, south of Johannesburg.

It was the couple's second wedding after the two lovebirds had a traditional ceremony last year. 

The two have been together for eight years. According to sources, the classy wedding was attended by close friends and family members of the couple, along with several hip-hop stars. 

When Kwesta, who was born Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi, was contacted for comment, he said: "I don't speak about my love life and wedding in the media." 

Musicians Ringo Madlingozi, Vusi Nova, Dr Malinga, Sjava and Musa Sukwene entertained the guests. Kwesta's groomsmen included, among others, music producer Leroy Khoza, and rapper Kid X, while Mvelase's bridesmaids were led by her sister Ayanda. 

Mvelase posted on her Instagram: "Yesterday, I married my best friend. So many people to thank, I'll get through it I promise. For now I just want to thank my husband for choosing me. I love you Mr Vilakazi."

#ChesterMissing is back home and his set to perform at #MonteCasino

The comedy duo of Conrad Koch and Chester Missing and their entourage of loyal puppets are heading back home after a five-star reviewed tour of festivals in Canada and Australia.

The duo are set to put on another hilarious season of Puppet Guy at the Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre, Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg, from March 27 until April 14.

In a statement ahead of Wednesday's show premiere, Koch says the South African audience can expect his latest offering to take them back to the lighter side of comedy ventriloquism.

"Our style of comedy has always relied heavily on social and political commentary ... but with Puppet Guy, I wanted to explore having fun with ventriloquism," he says.

The new show, which relies on a great deal of audience participation, is all about the hilarious characters, funny observations and world-class entertainment.

Puppet Guy showcases the man behind the puppets, other than just being political bad-boy and Chester Missing's "backing guy".

The #achievers tell their #success stories to #inspire you! #Trendnation April edition is out! #GirlTalkZA #MondayMotivation #Free #giveaway #magazine

Heyaaa Readers

Our Trendnation April edition PDF is out!

The journey to success is a continuous journey paved with unlimited possibilities. We bring to you those feel good, great and inspirational stories and tips to inspire you.

This month we showcase: 

* A glimpse into Protea Kagiso Rabada's prized possession and lessons learnt in his cricketing career.

* How a scholarship opened the doors for a young female engineer

* Anele Mdoda relives her #Oscars moment 

* The doll business that's crotcheting its way to success

* How TymeBank is set to revolutionalize banking

* The untold story of Revolt Apparel

........ Plus

* Book Review: The Lazy Makoti's guide to the kitchen

* Investment advice for students

* Three small lifestyle changes for losing weight

* Expert tips for a startup business

* How to maintain your hair under a wig

And lots, lots, lots and lots more

Get your complimentary issue now. Your support is highly appreciated.

You can download your complimentary copy on Magzter or Issu or from this link

https://docdro.id/6957DzZ

Plan without #Eskom and go #Solar! #Loadshedding

I agree that we must all start to plan without Eskom.

Coal power is obsolete, a major cause of climate change, and any attempt to continue with its environmentally damaging generation is futile, and criminally irresponsible. We must start using renewable alternatives: solar, wind and water.

Do not get a generator as this is more of the same, simply adding to fossil-fuel and noise pollution. It might, initially, be cheaper than solar, but the running costs are madly unsustainable.

There is a small "convenience" solar system: two large panels, four batteries, and a small hybrid inverter, switching between solar and mains, and capable of maintaining all the lights (LED) and two plugs for TV, charging cellphones, etc. for approximately 30 hours in a blackout.

This is fairly expensive to install, but then runs cleanly and without cost, giving the great feeling of using what the sun freely provides.

Yes, you must be careful to choose a competent, reliable installer, but they are around now.

And if you can, especially if you do a new build, or renovations, put in a bigger system which could run a solarfriendly fridge and a small oven.

There is also a two-plate gas hob, so we will not go hungry, either.

So, as 16-year-old Greta Thunberg says, panic, and act now!

First #Mzansi #Netflix series wows audiences

The first South African Netflix original series, Shadow, is rocking audiences at home as well as around the world.

It is gritty, edgy and unapologetically South African.

A young girl is horribly slain.

Johannesburg detective and former task force specialist Shadrach "Shadow" Khumalo quits his job to become a "fixer" for people who, like him, have been failed by the criminal justice system.

Shadow is played by awardwinning South African actor Pallance Dladla, who shot to fame as the runner-up of SABC 1's season two of Class Act.

Dladla is best known for his role as Duke on Mzansi Magic's Is'thunzi. The eight-part series takes viewers on an emotional journey.

Shadow has been affected by a personal trauma in his life and, as such, he wants to do good for others.

Director Gareth Crocker describes Shadow as a "modernday Robin Hood with a bit of a dark side".

"Because of the trauma he has faced, he seeks vengeance, which has made him bitter, making it difficult for him to move on from his past," Crocker said.

Swazi actress, model and television presenter Amanda du Pont plays Ashley, Shadow's kryptonite.

Shadow launched on March 8 and is available on Netflix globally.

Kelly Khumalo to perform in #Sandton

If you're a fan of afro pop/ soul singer and actress Kelly Khumalo, and you are in Johannesburg, you can catch her live performance at Alice & Fifth in Sandton on March 27.

With seven studio albums to her name, the multiplatinum selling artist has won several awards, including a Sama for Best Female Artist in 2013.

The eponymous venue Alice & Fifth boasts an impressive combination of ambience, luxury, delectable local and international cuisine and top class live entertainment.

An entry fee of R1 000 gets you a full dinner, a welcome cocktail, live performance and the chance to hobnob with top local business executives, politicians and socialites.

If you want to be part of the fine music, food and company, call the restaurant for bookings. Doors open at 7pm.

#Kwese free to air TV hits Mzansi

KWESE TV has been awarded a licence to operate the country's new free-to-air terrestrial television service, the Independent Broadcasting Authority of South Africa announced.

Kwese Free TV one was of the four bidders vying for the licence, and will become the country's second free-to-air television channel after e.tv.

The service will offer five free channels, including a dedicated 24-hour sports channel.

Icasa said the awarding of the licence "will stimulate competition and increase the variety of television broadcasting services available to South Africans".

Kwese Free TV is 20% owned by Econet Group — one of Africa's leading telecoms companies, founded by Zimbabwean mogul Strive Masiyiwa.

Other shareholders include Royal Bafokeng Metix, with a 45% stake; and Mosong Equities — a subsidiary of Mosong Capital, an entity founded by entrepreneur Moss Mashishi. Mosong has a 35% shareholding.

Kwese is already an established broadcaster and the company has a presence in 19 African countries, with a strong sports offering. Icasa has given it 24 months to launch its services.

Other contenders for the licence were Infinity Media, which had Mzwanele Manyi as its majority shareholder, and other start-up media companies.

The country's first free-to-air terrestrial broadcasting licence was granted to e.tv 21 years ago.

— Fin24.

A #stokvel that builds homes? Yes #CapeTown is "reinventing" stokvels

A group of Cape Town women from Philippi, Crossroads, Khayelitsha and Strand have started a stokvel with a difference. They call themselves the Masakhe Ladies and they pool their money to build houses.

Started in January, the stokvel currently has 12 members, each contributing R2 450 a month. They then buy materials, rotating through the members one at a time.

Members decide among themselves whose turn it is for the monthly lump sum payment. The founding members met through a food stokvel.

"We can't keep on having a stokvel for food when we know that the most important thing is a roof over our heads," says Ntombekhaya Plati.

"We get a quotation and go to the hardware store to buy material or save the money to buy a house or a plot," she says.

"I am tired of staying in a shack that leaks when it rains. I want to sleep peacefully when it's raining," says Dorah Mkenku.

"I have been doing stokvel for food for more than 15 years and I have nothing to show, but this will have good results because in no time my house will be done."

She received her material on Saturday and plans to build a four-roomed house.

The members of the group have chosen a uniform of overalls and work boots to wear to their monthly meeting.

"We didn't want to wear high heels," says Lizzy Sicwebu – Republished from Groundup.org.za

#Isidingo producer takes hat off for departing Gabriel

Actor Aubrey Poo, pictured, made his final appearance on the SABC 3 daily soapie Isidingo last Thursday.

Fans of the long-running soapie were left surprised when Gabriel Mothusi had the gun turned on him by Nina Zamdela, played by Khabonina Qubeka.

"We'll miss the energy of this fluid character," said Isidingo executive producer Pumla Hopa. "Gabriel was a real opportunistic chameleon and slotted into all tiers of our world causing havoc and playing people at their own games.

"We'll forever be grateful to the exceptionally talented and professional that is Poo, who entertained and moved viewers for three seasons on Isidingo."

Muso #Berita set to light up #Sandton on Thursday

Award-winning Afro Soul singer Berita will be performing at the Sandton Hard Rock Cafe's Lasa session at 8pm this Thursday, 21 March.

Berita is currently promoting her latest single Ndicel'iKiss, from her independent recording company Assali Music.

World-renowned Berita has worked with the likes of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masekela, Oskido, Mobi Dixon and Black Motion, as well as Da Capo on the chart-topping hit Found You.

South Africa has watched her blossom into a vigorous, indestructible force that softly carpets our ears with her musical prowess.

Hard Rock Cafe's Lasa sessions are a celebration of SA music and its diversity. It's where artists come together in song and dance, sharing meaningful moments with their fans.

Tickets are R120.

Gail Mabalane goes bold by going bald! #GirlTalkZA

Television leading lady Gail Mabalane recently shocked fans when she debuted a new hair makeover. Renowned for her Halle Berry-esque cropped do, Mabalane chopped off all her hair.

Talking to Sowetan yesterday, she explained that the dramatic beauty transformation was triggered by her diagnosis with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) two months ago.

CCCA is a common cause of hair loss in black women. Two of Mabalane's aunts also suffer from the same condition.

"It has always been a thinning that I knew was there, but I never thought it was this serious. It's something that we always brush aside and move on with our lives," she said.

"The alopecia that I'm particularly diagnosed with is hereditary." Mabalane explained that before she consulted with a dermatologist, she had for years struggled with hair loss in the centre of her scalp.

She added that last year when she was expecting her second-born child, the condition got worse as she had bleached her hair a lot.

"With me what aggravated the condition was that when I was expecting I must have coloured my hair like 10 times in a space of a month to get to a certain colour." "On top of that I used gel for that particular hairstyle for a while and that did some serious damage to my scalp." CCCA primarily occurs in the crown top of the head, before spreading outward. Failure to treat it can result in permanent hair loss.

"I just want to educate women about hair loss. We take whatever the hairstylist gives to us and we resort to hair growth activations," she said.

"In actual fact we need to consult a professional and understand what is going on. I'm grateful that my hair is growing back and it's something that can be managed."

#RussianBear #IAMNEXT winner proving his mettle

At 21:30 on Wednesday, 06 March 2019, NankOo, the winner of Russian Bear's 2018 #IAMNEXT competition, achieved what many aspiring hip hop artists only dream of: having his very own music video screened on MTV Base. The video was for his collab single, Sosha, which was created in conjunction with award-winning South African rapper, Kid X.

Khayelitsha born NankOo, whose real name is Onke Nomangola, was voted by South Africa as the 2018 #IAMNEXT winner out of over 400 contestants from across Mzansi. He says: "I have been trying to make it in the industry for 10 years and it got to the point where I was really tired of not being recognised. I felt like it wasn't worth fighting for any more, but after winning the Russian Bear #IAMNEXT competition, everything changed and I got the motivation to keep going. I now finally have a chance to break through."

Between May and July last year, aspiring hip hop artists, from across the country, had the chance to lay down their best bars during recording sessions in each city. The country then had the chance to vote for their favourite. On the 13th of August, the top 3 artists were announced and two weeks later, South Africans crowned NankOo as the #IAMNEXT king.

Featuring fire flows backed by a track guaranteed to give listeners goose bumps,Sosha tells NankOo's story. "It's about who I am and how I got to the stage that I'm at right now.  The song also features Kid X's side of the story. We started rapping back when it wasn't cool, but it's now popular so the song is also a warning, as you will hear the hook says passop to others not to rap just because everyone else is doing it."

On having his own music video shown on national television, he says: "Its dope hearing that your mother and the people you grew up with are proud of seeing you on TV. I felt like the video really portrayed what I was saying and what the song is all about."

"We are proud to be the catalysts for grass roots talent, like Nankoo, to be able launch their musical careers and take South African hip-hop to the next level" says Russian Bear Brand Portfolio Manager, Lauren Justus.

"Khayelitsha this one's for you!" says NankOo.

Check out the video on YouTube and stream, buy or download the song onacross all digital platforms here:  http://africori.to/sosha. It will soon be on the airwaves too.

Seven habits of highly successful #investors

By Linda Stonier

Investment success is attributed to behaviour and adopting these habits…not luck or mathematical genius.

Here are seven habits of successful investors, based on years of experience in financial planning and investing for clients with optimal results:

Commit to your long-term investment strategy and don't fall victim to your emotions.

Human emotions can be the biggest destroyer of wealth over time. You should only concern yourself with two value points, those being the inception and exit dates of your investment. The rest is noise. Learn to be patient.

Understand that the long-term investor's true nemesis is inflation.

Don't be tempted to invest in a cash-only portfolio, as this is a reckless decision.

Expect financial emergencies and prepare accordingly.

Always set money aside so that you don't have to access your investments. Continuously accessing your investments can be detrimental to them long-term.

Make sure you are well diversified. Understand that you need to diversify your portfolio. The asset allocation is vital - it explains 94% of the variance in return.

Use specialist skills and expertise.

Select highly-skilled financial advisors who have the tools to bring you the optimum return on your investments to achieve your financial goals. Don't time the markets. In doing this, you face a huge risk of diminishing your returns.

Practise these habits … constantly.

Healthy investment habits keep your investments on track and give you long-term peace of mind.

Although there is seemingly a lot of complexity in the financial sphere, these seven habits are pretty simple. The power of investing to build wealth and achieve long-term goals is not out of most people's reach. It comes down to having the discipline to follow the guidelines that work, and when in doubt – to contact a trusted financial advisor to help you reach the finish line.

Linda Stonier is CEO and head advisor for Stone Wealth Management

South Africa hands over humanitarian package to Zimbabwe

Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and Transport Minister Blade Nzimade handed over a humanitarian package in Harare on Tuesday to the people of Zimbabwe on behalf of non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers.

Following a successful two-day bi-national commission between Zimbabwe and South Africa in Harare, the ministers handed over the package, which contained medical supplies, school stationery and other immediate personal needs as a gift "from the people of South Africa to the people of Zimbabwe". 

"On behalf the Gift of the Givers, we extend this consignment to the people of Zimbabwe. We hope this little contribution of medical and other urgent necessities will assist families," Sisulu said. 

Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo, Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister, accepting the gift said: "On behalf of the Zimbabwean people, we welcome the gift; and this shows the strong bond of friendship that exists between the two countries. 

"This is a true, lifesaving friendship between the people of South Africa and Zimbabwe".

#YouTube music launches in Mzansi

YouTube Music is a new music streaming service that offers music videos, official albums, singles, remixes, live performances, covers and hard-to-find music you can only get on YouTube.

YouTube Music is available for free, with ads of course, as well as a premium membership that you gives you background listening, downloads and an ad-free experience for as little as R59.99 a month.

As a welcome offer, and for a limited time only, music fans can get three months of YouTube Music Premium free. Standard rates apply after the first three months. 

Google SA Head of Marketing Asha Patel explains that they have a number of features lined up for music fans:

"A home screen that dynamically adapts to provide recommendations based on what you've played before, where you are and what you're doing."

Users can also created thousands of playlists across any genre, mood or activity, including new releases. No internet? No problem. The world of music is your oyster with YouTube Music Premium.

Listen ad-free, in the background and on-the-go with downloads as if bad network is not a problem.  Plus, your Offline Mixtape automatically downloads songs you love just in case you forgot to.

Meet Kgosi Modisane: The first non gender face of #LUX

Meet Kgositsile Modisane, the first non-gender influencer roped in by popular soap brand LUX to promote their product.

Modisane, a transgender who prefers to be identified as non-gender, is a first in beauty brand ambassadorship that the international brand includes members of the LGBTQ+ community. She follows in the footsteps of Somizi Mhlongo, who was announced the ambassador of Black Opal last May.

Modisane, who hails from the East Rand, was announced as the LUX ambassador in Houghton, Joburg, last week.

She is one of SA's first gender-neutral influencers to collaborate with the heritage brand. In February last year, Modisane received a call from LUX to be part of their team.

She said she had to keep tight-lipped about the news.

"Until you have the actual contract you can't really speak. But also, it was so big for me at a time when I had lost my mom and grandmother, and those two women were literally my pillars," she said.

"Having lost them, I was distraught and did not know who to tell the good news ... and if I told someone and it didn't happen, everyone will be like, 'so where is it?'"

Known in the entertainment industry as a content creator, celebrity stylist, fashion and entertainment commentator, Modisane said she is fighting off flu after shooting brand-related content she couldn't disclose.

"There is something that I shot where I had to be in a tub with ice-cold water ... that's all I can say."

With images of Modisane in a royal-blue Rubicon Spring/ Summer 18 dress on social media, the 30-year-old said: "I am living my life. I am different and not apologetic about that. I am comfortable in my skin.

"I am not conformed by the beliefs of society."

Former faces of LUX include businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo and singer Nandi Madida.

Unilever beauty and personal care spokesperson Sphelele Mjadu said Modisane forms part of a formidable group of content creators that LUX has collaborated with over the last three years.

"This includes fashion and beauty personas such as Nadia Jaftha, Tshego Manche, Aqeelah Harron and Thuli Mola. As a result, our brand partners create content that is unique to their audiences," said Mjadu.

"It is for this very reason that the brand continued to evolve and change the way we collaborate with our brand partners, [and] this is no different to the relationship we have established with Kgosi."

#MondayMotivation lives in the life of Mpumi Madisa as she prepares to lead #Bidvest as CEO

Women are doing it for themselves in the corporate sector. 

Our charmza is Mpumi Madisa, a black woman who is making waves in the corporate industry after being appointed the next CEO of Bidvest.

Born and bred in Sebokeng in the Vaal, Madisa is the only woman to lead a Top40 company and will take over in 2021. She will be at the helm of SA's largest trading, services and distribution entities that was founded by Brian Joffe in 1988. She has been with the company for 12 years.

Faith Nketsi explains her social media blackout

Faith Nketsi has explained why she has not been on social media for a month. 

If you are one of her followers, you would have noticed that she hasn't posted anything for almost a month now, especially on her Instagram account. 

The star has revealed the reason for that absence in her new posts. Check what she had to say, as we serve you with her new pictures…

Last picture until next month  I'm kidding….. On the real though, I've been getting dms like "where are u, we miss u" or she's back and this is from me not posting in a month. I've come to realize that constant use of social media can turn into a distraction, which can lead to procrastination and isolation from the people you love.

I've seen so many people lose themselves because of social media, people forget to have fun, achieve their goal for themselves and start doing things for social media, even though there are also endless benefits to it, It's important to periodically take a break when you feel like you're spending too much time on social media, even if it's for a short period of time.

Fact: A break from social media improves common health issues such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Anxiety and depression reduce significantly when there's no pressure to meet the standards you see on social media, I say this all the time; people tend to forget that we only post the good things, the good angles, never our battles or failures, so not everyone's life is perfect.

So with that been said, Instagram has changed my life for the better in such a dramatic way and I will forever be grateful, but once in a while I need that break, just to be me. 

Pallance Dladla is the #Netflix superhero #Mzansi never knew it needed

"My mom," he says and then nods profusely. "When I was growing up, my favourite superhero was my mom." Either Pallance Dladla has been asked this question before or he really means his answer.

In "Shadow," the first South African Original Series acquired by Netflix, Dladla plays the lead character, Shadrach "Shadow" Khumalo. He's a former task force specialist in the South African Police Services. He is also a superhero who is immune to pain.

Disappointed by the lack of service in the SAPS, he quits the force and takes cases into his own hands. Vengeance is his as he helps those in need against the grip of murderers, human traffickers and more. So when I ask him which superheroes he liked when he was a kid, I'm expecting him to say Superman or Jean Grey or Luke Cage. Hell, I would have even taken Batman, who isn't a superhero but is labelled one anyway.

But he continues: "I had to think about your question and make it personal because the thing about being a superhero is not about the mask you put on in front of your enemies. It's about when you take off the mask and the humanity and vulnerability comes through."

"That makes the bravery. It's not someone who doesn't have fear. It's someone who faces their fears. And when I saw that in the Shadow script, it resonated with me because it reminds me of people like my mom."

"Shadow" premieres all eight episodes across the globe on March 8. Ahead of the world premiere of Netflix's "Shadow," Dladla spoke to IOL Entertainment about his role as Mzansi's first Netflix superhero.

Q: You had to bulk for the role, tell us about your journey.

A: What usually happens in my preparation for roles is: I imagine how the character looks while I'm reading the page and I try to not see myself or my physical appearance. Shadow is military trained and comes from a task force so I had to work out and make sure I bring that to life.

Q: What is Shadow's kryptonite?

A: His heart. Physically and otherwise. He's hurting, man. He's a man who is trying to heal and forgive himself. He gets lost in this self-destruction phase where he crosses the line between justice and vengeance.

Q: When Shadow has an intimate conversation with his sister's friend, Ashley (played by Amanda du Pont), they speak about how they think they're on earth to fix people. But the concept of a fixer suggests that you can't fix yourself...

A: It all stems from somewhere, though. Usually, when someone is trying to fix a situation, they are also trying to fix themselves. There is vulnerability behind bravado. It's an internal journey - that's what I think is the most important part about being a fixer.

Q: But that opens the door for narcissism, right? The police captain even says Shadow is playing God and "sooner or later, he's going to fall from his tower."

A: That's what the show actually explores: the line between vengeance and justice. It's easy to cross that line when you get pushed to a certain point. So in watching the series, things will unravel to you.

Q: This is a global series but how do you feel about Maboneng being heavily highlighted on Shadow?

A: I'm born and bred in Johannesburg and we shot scenes in Soweto - by the towers. That's like a walk away from my home. I grew up looking at those towers and that as a point of reference for viewers is great! Joburg is the kind of city with momentum and diversity that other people can relate to.

Q: Which superpower do you wish you had?

A: Reading minds! I could do so much with that (laughs)!

IOL Entertainment

#Recipe: How to make delicious #dumplings

International Women's Day celebration is left with a few hours to kick off. We are thinking that Dumplings would be tasty for you and your family on such a day.

One might ask, what are Dumplings?

Dumpling is a broad classification for a dish that consists of piece of dough wrapped around a filling or of dough with no filling. The dough can be based on bread, flour, or potatoes, and may be filled with meat, fish, Chicken, cheese, vegetables, fruits, or sweets. 

Try it out . This is all you need to enjoy your tasty Dumplings on Women's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1/2 cup milk
• Add all ingredients to list

Directions

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in medium size bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk to make a soft dough.
2. Drop by spoonfuls into boiling stew. Cover and simmer 15 minutes without lifting lid. Serve.
3. To make parsley dumplings, add 1 tablespoon parsley flakes to the dry ingredients.

#Facebook plans to create crypto coins for #WhatsApp

Facebook is reportedly planning to create a cryptocurrency coin for WhatsApp.

This is according to a New York Times report which states that Facebook's "working on a coin" that will allow users to send and receive virtual cash to contacts, similar to Venmo and PayPal.

However, the report showed that the publication reached out for comment and Facebook did not directly address its work on a digital coin.

Cryptocurrency publication Coindesk also reported the same news stating that a source confirmed that the company is working on a stable coin, based on past meetings with the Menlo Park company.

In December 2018, Bloomberg was the first to report the news stating that the coin would allow users to transfer money on WhatsApp and that it would be a type of digital currency pegged to the US dollar.

Other messaging services such as Signal and Telegram are also reportedly working on their own digital currencies.

Farieda Metsileng talks about how she got into acting as she bags #Uzalo role

Media personality Farieda Metsileng recently announced that she is joining season 5 of Uzalo.

In a previous interview, she talked about how she has always wanted to be an actress.

"I wanted to become an actress for a very long time, it's been my life long dream but couldn't go through the avenues that were needed to get an agent to go through to auditions, so after having studied at AFDA for a year, I was like ok…Can't continue, let me get an internship. I got an internship at Red Pepper and then I stopped working in 2015."

Farieda's former boss is the one that encouraged her to follow her dreams.

"My former boss said to me, what's happening with your acting career, and I said, no one wants to hire me and she said well…use your social media platforms, create a character and that's how it started.

#Facebook partners with #Cell for brand new #WiFi service

Social media giant Facebook has announced that it will partner with Cell C to launch its Express Wi-Fi service in South Africa.

"With Express Wi-Fi, Facebook works with Internet providers and mobile operators to help build and grow their Wi-Fi businesses in a sustainable and scalable way," the company said.

In other words, people can buy vouchers from a small business owner to access and use Facebook Express Wi-Fi via a hotspot.

"People typically access Express Wi-Fi hotspots by signing up with a participating retailer and purchasing a prepaid data pack," Facebook says.

"Using Express Wi-Fi hotspots, our partners can easily expand their services and provide faster, more affordable connectivity to rural and urban areas."

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said Express Wi-Fi is a project to get more people online. "Anyone can run an Express Wi-Fi hotspot, which means entrepreneurs across the country can offer their communities faster and more affordable internet," he said in 2017 when it launched in India.

The Internet service is low cost while providing a strong and stable connection.

Facebook already has Express Wi-Fi in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. It will also partner with Vodafone in Ghana and Globe in the Philippines to increase its footprint in those countries.

Patrice Motsepe's #TymeBank ticks all the right boxes

If all goes according to plan, TymeBank – the digital bank backed by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe – will attract around 2,2 million new customers.

And if they manage to accomplish this ambitious feat and lend to 6% of customers, TymeBank Deputy CEO Tauriq Keraan says the bank will be well on its way to breaking even within just three years.

"We really believe that if we push it that hard it is possible for us to get to those kind of numbers in that period," CEO Sandile Shabalala told Reuters.

The bank officially launched this week.

Having already attracted 80 000 customers during its three-month soft launch phase, the bank's projections, which are earlier than previously expected, aren't as far-fetched as you might think if you consider the level of growth it has experienced thus far in a short period.

TymeBank's unique selling proposition lies in its promise to deliver affordable and accessible banking services. To this end, it has partnered with Boxer, a subsidiary of retail giant Pick n Pay, to enable customers to set up bank accounts and be issued with debit cards from over 700 kiosks.

Being a fully fledged digital bank, Shabalala says the bank will be able to leverage on significantly reduced operating costs to pass on savings to consumers, giving them a competitive edge.

Targeted client segments include unbanked and under-served clients as well as small and medium enterprises, with an overall target of reaching 21 million people.

There are broader plans to establish kiosks at spaza shops and universities to offer financial products provided by Motsepe's portfolio of partners under African Rainbow Capital.

Shabalala said plans are afoot to launch a credit card and unsecured lending business unit that will be piloted during the second half of the year.

In time, the bank plans to expand into the rest of Africa and some Asian countries.

Everything you need to know about the SA Classic

The SA Classic, held on Saturday 02 March at the Turffontien Race Course was the second leg of the SA Triple Crown. Esteemed guests included Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai, whose three-year-old racehorse, Hawwaam smashed his rivals in the 2019 renewal of the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m. Victoria Gin also showcased all of their best products to media and public, who enjoyed the offering in the racing.

 

Hawwaam powered home 5.75-lengths clear of stable mate Barahin, with National Park a further 1,50-lengths back.

 

Wilgerbosdrift enjoyed their afternoon as sponsors of the Fillies version, the SA Fillies Classic, won emphatically by the top class Return Flight. It will be very interesting to see what route she takes next, we all hoping she takes crack at the SA Oaks on Derby Day. 

 

More about Derby Day: The third leg of the Triple Crown take place on Saturday 30 March where Hawwaam is likely to come back and show his stamina! 

 

The It's a Rush lounge has much to offer whilst the ground floor will be celebrating Joburg's official Prawn Festival at the most affordable prices, which will also offer a plethora of entertainment for  the whole family. Block the diary now and come enjoy a super outing! 

 

Dates to Diarise:

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene race day

Saturday 13 April:

Theme: Tops and Tails

 

For more info visit: itsarush.co.za

#AKA shows off his DJing skills alongside DJ Zinhle

Rapper AKA had an amazing day with his baby mama and South Africa club Disc Jockey Zinhle.

AKA just showed off his DJ'ing skills to DJ Zinhle and this got the internet wild and happy for Kairo's parents that they having a great time together as they put in more efforts to co-parent together for their daughter's benefit.

However, fans think that AKA and Zinhle are back together.  It should be noted that AKA and DJ Zinhle had a nasty break up a few years ago when he cheated on her with Bonang Matheba while she was pregnant with their child Kairo Forbes. The two haven't yet come out to confirm the dating rumors but are seen together on many occasions. They claim that they are friends now and co-parenting together.

DJ Zinhle shared a video on her Instagram Stories in which AKA gave her a private show of his best DJ skills and game face. AKA performed well that Zinhle had to capture the moment. She didn't expect her baby daddy to be this good at the DJ'ing game.

In the video, she shared via Instagram stories, Zinhle is had laughing so hard as the two enjoy their time together.

Watch the clip below;

View this post on Instagram

#AKA DJ'ing for bae #DJZinhle

A post shared by Everything SA Hip Hop (@everythingsahiphop) on Feb 26, 2019 at 3:47am PST