#NESCAFE Ricoffy amps up "South Africanness" with Mzansay keyboard. #SouthAfricaBlog

NESCAFÉ RICOFFY is turning 50 this year and have chosen to celebrate this achievement by celebrating our South Africanness. 

As a truly South African brand, NESCAFÉ RICOFFY is firmly grounded in our heritage and entrenched in local culture. It is therefore fitting that NESCAFÉ RICOFFY has decided to celebrate 50 years of South Africanness. 

South Africans across the country have been encouraged to share in the warmth by submitting their South Africanness words and phrases which will be featured in a special designed keyboard app called Mzansay. 

To date, thousands of South Africans across the country have answered the call, contributing uniquely South African words like "Achuz", "Bathong", "Ekse", "SBWL" and "Nine-Nine". 

The Mzansay keyboard launches in September as part of NESCAFÉ RICOFFY's year-long birthday celebrations, which commenced in April, and which will culminate in the brand's 50th birthday party on the eve of Heritage Day.

Actress Thuso Mbedu shines again! #SouthAfricaBlog #Mzansi

South African actress Thuso Mbedu, who is making waves in Hollywood, has once again made South Africa proud after she bagged the TV Breakout Star Award at the inaugural Hollywood Critics Association awards.

The 30-year-old, who is based in Hollywood, took home the gold on Sunday evening after being recognised for her Hollywood debut role as Cora in historical fiction drama The Underground Railroad.

The drama, by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, tells the story of Cora and other slaves attempting an escape from slavery in the southern US in the 1800s.

Jenkins, who presented the award to Mbedu, recalled when she auditioned for the role and said that she embodied the character.

"It's one thing to read a novel and see a character in your head, but then to see someone just give complete voice, body and soul to the character is an amazing feeling," the director said.

Jenkins said that Mbedu well deserved the recognition and the TV Breakout Star Award because of her dedication to her craft and work.

South Africa's shining star said she was "truly humbled" by the recognition. After winning the award at the virtual ceremony last night, she took to social media to share the news with her fans.

Love what you are and be happy! #MondayMotivation #SouthAfricaBlog

Happiness is not the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is the people in your life that help you create wonderful memories. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it always makes you happy.

Never look for your happiness in others, it will make you lonely. Search it in yourself and you will feel happy even when you are left alone. You don't need many people in order to be happy, just real ones who appreciate you.

Happiness is not about getting what you want all the time. It is about loving what you have and being grateful for it. You can never be really happy if you keep holding to those bad memories which make you sad. 

Real happiness is cheap enough yet how dearly we pay for its counterfeit.

Happiness is not fulfilling every pleasure or getting every outcome you desire. It is being able to enjoy life with a peaceful mind that is not constantly craving for more. It is the inner peace that comes with embracing change.

You must be happy, not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything. Real happiness requires less than you think. It is waking up and realising that you don't have to impress anybody but yourself. 

The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are, and not who people think you are.

If you keep your heart free from hate and your mind free from worry. If you live a simple life and expect little but give much. If you trust in God and fill your life with love. If you forget about yourself and think of others. 

If you remember to thank God for blessings irrespective of how minute they are.

If you continue doing all you can for people with no thought of personal gain, then happiness is bound to follow you wherever you go. Happiness doesn't depend on who you are or on what you possess.

It solely depends on what you think. Real happiness lies within you!

Turning your coffee break into a beer break. #TakeABeerToWorkDay #NowYouCan #SouthAfricaBlog #FridayFeeling

Heineken 0.0 brings a never-imagined-before holiday to SA – National Take a Beer to Work Day. On August 27 2021, Heineken 0.0 is encouraging go-getters countrywide to join in and have a fresh take on life by enjoying a cold Heineken 0.0 while on the clock.  

National #TakeABeerToWorkDay strives to express the freedom Heineken 0.0 will give to people because #NowYouCan. 

Days like these don't come around too often and if enjoying a beer during working hours wasn't good enough, enter the Heineken 0.0 competition to win one of two Heineken 0.0 hampers worth R1,200. 

Each hamper includes: 

1 x 6 pack of Heineken 0.0

1 x Powerbank

1 x hand sanitiser

Work from anywhere snacks

Cooler bag

Water bottle

TO ENTER

Tell us when the best time to enjoy an ice-old Heineken 0.0 beer;

Tag TimesLIVE or BusinessLIVE on Facebook and Twitter, and

Use the hashtag #TakeABeerToWorkDay and #NowYouCan on your posts.

Enhance your #FridayFeeling with the new Flying Fish Seltzer. #FFSeltzer #WhyWait #SouthAfricaBlog

The perfect accessory often goes with anything, much like the trendy Flying Fish Seltzer.  Dressed up or down, indoors or outdoors, lunch or dinner, at a braai or picnic, or even post gym sessions – Flying Fish Seltzer is the ideal drink!

Flying Fish Seltzer brings to South Africa a trend that has been making waves globally. Hard seltzers provide a healthier alternative to other alcoholic beverages, bringing excitement and versatility to any social occasion.   The relatively low sugar and low-calorie properties are some of the reasons for its early appeal and adoption.

True to the brand, innovation is at the heart of Flying Fish. With the introduction of the new Flying Fish Seltzer, changing consumer needs are met with an exciting and quality product. A simple and refreshing drink that is what it is – Sparkling water with alcohol and real fruit flavour.

Made with the highest quality ingredients – water, alcohol, fine bubbles, and a dash of fruit juice – this drink delivers superior refreshment for any occasion and for anyone. Flying Fish Seltzer is available in a premium 300ml can with two flavour varieties: Lemon & Lime and Raspberry.

Flying Fish Seltzer is available at selected Pick 'n Pay Liquor stores nationwide and online on Pick 'n Pay asap!, Bottles and most recently Takealot.

A six pack costs R85.00.

#IdolsSA is living up to its billing. #SouthAfricaBlog

IDOLS SA has kept people glued to their screens since the talent show returned to their screens for season 17 last month.

This week many were on the edge of their seats as the judges chose the top 16 during theatre week, which breaks or makes the hopefuls.

And true to form, and during Women's Month, the girls dominated this past weekend, with 10 girls making the cut, alongside six guys.

They will compete for the viewers' votes – under the guidance of judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi – in the live stage phase of the competition.

However, like last year, there will be no live audience because of the pandemic.

First to make it into the top 16 were Kevin Maduna, Karabo Mathe, Misty, Monique Erens and Berenike Trytsman (Berry), followed by Siya and Sia Mzizi, who had a tough time during theatre week, but pulled through in their final performances.

The show on Sunday ended with a cliffhanger as S'22kile waited to hear her fate after performing Beyonce's Brown Skin Girl. However, the 21-year-old from Pietermaritzburg made it to the top 16.

New breath of life for Thembisa Mdoda after she is discharged from hospital following her long #Covid-19 battle. #MotivationMonday #SouthAfricaBlog

Eastern Cape-born TV personality Thembisa Mdoda-nxumalo is out of hospital and recovering at home after a long battle with Covid-19 that started in April.

The Mdoda family asked for prayers from the public when she was admitted to hospital a month ago.

She tested positive for Covid19 and her condition was further aggravated by an allergy.

Mthatha-born Mdoda-nxumalo said she first fell ill in April and was in and out of Morningside and Sandton Mediclinics in Johannesburg receiving treatment.

"I am so grateful to all my supporters, my colleagues, friends and, most importantly, my family. My children and husband have been my saving grace," Mdoda-nxumalo said.

"I was in hospital on and off for two months from April before spending a full month in hospital recently. It has been a frightening time. I am thankful to the specialists that monitored me carefully, who were able to diagnose and treat me."

She will be taking a break from the public eye to focus on her full recovery and doctors have advised that it will take six months for that to happen.

#Vodacom users can now access the English Premier League for just R25 a month. #SouthAfricaBlog

English Premier League (EPL) fans can now get live commentary, pre- and post-match content and news updates on their smartphones through Arena Holdings' newest offering — Sports Radio.

Partnering with Vodacom through its shareholding in Bassfin Content INC (BCI), Arena Holdings launched the new platform yesterday, and will cover all 380 matches across the entire 2021/2022 season.

"We are very happy to be working with Vodacom to launch this service, which is the first of its kind in SA. We hope that football fans will enjoy this service as we believe Sports Radio is exactly what the market needs," Arena Holdings MD Pule Molebeledi said.

Molebeledi, who is also chair of BCI, said their research has shown that more people were relying on mobile devices to follow sports content.

"So BCI working with Vodacom and our technical partner PM Connect to launch Sports Radio is in line with our ambition as Arena Holdings to play an increasingly influential role in the African media landscape."

Sports Radio subscribers can conveniently use their mobile phones to keep up with the latest news, listen to live matches and follow their favourite teams.

For more information on how to access all the exclusive sports content on Sports Radio, visit www.sportsradio.co.za using a mobile phone connected to the Vodacom network.

Nodada thanks weight loss for bagging saucy Nonzi character on #etvScandal. #FridayFeeling #SouthAfricaBlog

Ex #MissUniverse Zozibini Tunzi wishes she could help. #GirlTalkZA #ThursdayThoughts #SouthAfricaBlog

Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi hopes to pay it forward in the future by helping students settle their student debts.

With the fight against high fees by students at several institutions, she said she would like to help those unable to continue with their studies because of outstanding fees.

Speaking on CapeTalk, the longest-reigning Miss Universe in history said she was in the process of making her best money decision.

"If money was no object, and because I am such a humanitarian at heart, I would pay for everyone who is in a student debt situation and can't go back to school," she said.

"I have been there before and I think that's the biggest thing I would do with money, just to make sure everyone is set for life and can get back to school."

She recently celebrated two years since being crowned Miss SA.

Beware of this latest scam that's targeting cellphone users! #SouthAfricaBlog

Cellphones have become an integral part of our lives as they help us to connect with our loved ones and also transact in our bank accounts.

While this is commendable, let' sbe mindful of the dangers this technology comes with. On top of these are scams.

A new crime has emerged where impostors call users and pretend to be agents of their network service providers, saying someone wants to hack their numbers but they can prevent that if the users share certain security details with them.

After obtaining this information, the fraudsters contact service providers to do a SIM swap. 

They then have access to the users' numbers and perform fraudulent transactions, which may include transferring money from bank accounts. 

When this happens, victims approach service providers to enquire, but it is already unfortunately too late.

I urge cellphone users to never give their personal details to anyone on the phone. Network service providers do not ask for personal and security details, beware. 

I challenge Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C to educate the public about SIM card fraud. We all need to help end this scourge and save people their hard-earned money.

Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams talks about love. #SouthAfricaBlog #GirlTalkZA

Real House Wives of Durban star Nonkululeko Williams recently celebrated her 42nd birthday and she reflected on life's challenges, being a reality TV star and her future.

"I could have not been more proud of everything that I've been through, the hurt, the failures . . . each and every thing that I experienced . . . I'm celebrating life, I'm celebrating . . . (and) I'm celebrating my children," she told TshisaLIVE.

"Time heals everything. The very same people that called me out . . . I had to remind myself that I'm also human . . . I know who I am ... people don't know the full story . . . I'm not bothered at all, I know what I stand for . . . Most people don't know what a prayerful women I am. I know the bible like I know the back of my hand." she added.

Nonku studied theology and says that she does not focus on the negative because she is a prayerful women.

"I have nothing to hide but a lot of people don't believe it . . . It was 2005 when I heard the audible voice of God . . . it sounded like a trumpet . . . it called out my name, it said 'Nonkululeko' and I responded saying 'yes Lord'. I saw a vision of Jesus Christ hanging on the cross with a crown and blood dripping on his face . . . I was chosen."

After getting divorced, Nonku says that she is not looking to get married again.

"I'm still young, I know that I will find someone who is right but I know I do not want to get married again . . . I've got three kids . . . I knew before I got married that it wasn't it . . . I divided a paper in half and I wrote all the reasons why I should get married and all the reasons why I shouldn't, and I think there were two reasons why I should but I went ahead and got married anyway.

"I've had right relationships before but I want someone that will be perfect in my eyes.

"When nature calls, obviously I'm human. I'll find myself indulging in sin . . . I told God that I do not want to get married again, but at the same time I'm longing to have a partner . . . I'm not saying that I don't sin, I don't indulge . . . in my weakness God makes me stronger." — Times

You can never go wrong with accessories #WomansDay #GirlTalkZA #SouthAfricaBlog

We are all more than ready to ditch the sweaters and get dressed up. Dramatic statement pieces provide the perfect addition to any look.

Charmed and beaded accessories pair well with anything – from flowy dresses to simple jeans-and-tee combos. They carry a delicate feminine quality that is very alluring.

If you really want to turn heads, then look no further than shouldergrazing earrings. The bejewelled versions are exceptionally striking.

Link chain, crushed metal and mixed metals continue to dominate as the accessories of choice, as showcased by international designers. We are sure to see the continued rise of this trend on our local scene.

South Africans are taking China by storm. #GirlTalkZA #FridayFeeling #SouthAfricaBlog

As tough as it is trying to make it in the music industry, it takes much more courage to make a breakthrough in a foreign country, with an unknown audience and in a new language.

This is exactly what 27-year-old
South African-born singer and songwriter Eli Zaelo has done. She took up the challenge, crushed it and became a household name in Hong Kong, with performances in jazz, blues and R&B in venues across the city.

Earlier this year, she released her first R&B Mandarin single titled Aiqing Gushi (Stories About Love), followed by an English single titled Human.

In a blend of R&B, house, reggae and African instrumental, Zaelo is looking to make the most of China's rapidly growing digital music industry, which surged with the pandemic as demand grew for homegrown talent.

"I'm just studying the (Mandopop) greats and seeing how they did it. Hopefully, I can follow in their footsteps," Zaelo said in an interview with CNN.

"I'm hoping it (her singles) will open up the doors to other people who have thought about doing it, and maybe it will spark something in them," she said.

Zaelo's journey started as a drama student at Pro Arte Alphen Park in Pretoria before she moved to California in the US at the age of 19.

In the States, she underwent an 18-month music programme at the Los Angeles College of Music, where she attended seminars by music icons such as Black Eyed Peas and Damian Marley.

According to the South China Morning Post, she moved to Hong Kong for a role in Hong Kong Disneyland's Lion
King musical in 2015, where she spent 18 months. 

"After Disney I went back to South Africa and got a tutor from Taiwan. I wanted to sing in Mandarin," said Zaelo.
She also teaches African dance, which allows her to introduce her culture and "bridge Africa and Asia". |

Nude shoes could be summers hottest trend because of the connection they have with skin #FridayFeeling #GirlTalkZA #SouthAfricaBlog

Shoes are always a trending thing Al over the world. 

You can never separate women and shoes. Ladies just love shoes with a passion for colour and elegance. And shoe makers always offer beautiful footwear using the finest leathers and materials. 

Leathers are folded and manipulated into forms drawn from origami to achieve elegant patterns and structures which are intricate, original and fresh. 

Designs are hand created to the highest standard by experienced craftsmen. 

Nude shoes are for women who love great design and want to express their own identity and style.

These shoes could bounce into the fray as the hottest shoe trend in the summer. They have been threatening to take over the world but they have never been more publicized than now. 

Top fashion magazines have been profiling nude shoes and the connection they have with their skin is unbelievable.

 

Bonolo Molosiwa's #KAYAFM gig is a dream come true. #SouthAfricaBlog

Bonolo Molosiwa believes it's her time to shine as Kaya FM's new presenter.
Media personality Bonolo "Bee Sting" Molosiwa is the latest addition to Kaya FM family, a dream come true for the Mahikeng-born star.

Labelled "Madibuseng of Radio", the bubbly personality says she's ready to dazzle in her own brand new show The Hive, on Friday and Saturday, between 6pm and 9pm.

Reflecting on this great milestone Molosiwa reveals: "One sunny day when I was in my early 20s in the 1990s, I walked into Kaya959 with my CV without knowing absolutely no one. This was when Kaya959 was still at Newtown.

"You can say this has been a lifelong dream. Sbongile Mtjale has always been an advocate for uplifting and increasing the numbers of women in the radio industry."

With a radio career dating back to the late 90s, Molosiwa discovered her passion for radio and music while working at the campus radio station at the University of Free State.

She then moved to the University of the North West and continued as a presenter on campus radio. She later moved to Lesedi FM to learn about the business of radio as a sales assistance, before joining YOU FM, where she was a midday host for four years.

"As long as there is good music and good vibes the rest will fall into place," admits the star.

Molosiwa begins her run on Kaya FM in the 6-9pm slot on Fridays and Saturdays from August 6.

#ProductReview: There is a new beer in town - Castle Double Malt. #SouthAfricaBlog

South African Breweries has announced a brand-spanking new beer in the Castle Lager line-up: South Africa's first-ever double malt lager, Castle Double Malt. This new addition to the Castle family is another celebration of Castle's 126 year legacy in beer.

The launch of Castle Double Malt is a testament to the brand's commitment to being proudly local, by combining two carefully selected South African malts from Caledon and Alrode to bring you a superior lager. The combination of these two special malts and the Castle brewmaster's expertise is the secret to a perfectly balanced beer that has full body, creamy foam, and a rich golden colour.

In the new sleek 410 ml pearl, green, and gold can or the premium 340ml green bottle containing 4.8% ABV, and it will be available in all major retail outlets and online on Takealot, and the Bottles app for R79.99 for a six pack.

For more information check out the Castle Lager website, and find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Bucy Radebe thrilled by #SAMA win but misses out on United States tour

The sky is the limit for gospel rising star Bucy Radebe, who walked away with two accolades at the South African Music Awards (Samas) on Saturday.

Radebe bagged the White Star Newcomer of the Year and Best Traditional Faith Album during the 27th edition of the Samas, which was staged virtually.

Radebe, who stepped out of the shadow of backing many gospel artists last year and launched her own career, was competing against Xolly Mncwango, Banda Banda & The Crocodiles and Azana in the best newcomer category.

The 34-year-old said it was an honour to win two awards in her first year as a solo artist.

"I am very happy and excited. I don't have words to express what I am feeling right now. But I am over the moon. I have never thought I stood a chance to win against some of the greatest talents that I was nominated with.

"I was happy and satisfied with just a nomination. Winning two Sama awards with just my debut album is just out of this world," she said.

Her debut, titled Spiritual Encounter, was released in February last year. It opened international doors for the singer and won awards in the process.

Radebe scored a US tour, which had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 last year. The album won the best newcomer award at the Crown Gospel Music Awards in November and is also nominated for the Ingoma Awards set for August 28.

#Lootlove explains why you won't see her wearing tights! #MondayMotivation

After her exit from MetroFM this year, the media personality announced last month that she'd be taking over as the new host of Apple Music's first African music radio show Africa Now Radio. We caught up with the media darling to find out what makes her tick. Who is Luthando "Lootlove" Shosha?

What would you never be caught wearing in public?

"Tights! There was a phase where those tights, the black ones, were worn too much. We know they are tights and we're supposed to wear them underneath something, like a revealing skirt for example. I could definitely wear tights at home, but not when outside, no!"