Friday 28 September 2018

How to deeply moisturize your natural hair #GirlTalkZA

Curly, coily, kinky hair, whether natural or relaxed, craves moisture.  It is dry because naturally occurring sebum, which moisturises straight hair types, is not able to travel up curly, coily hair strands to moisturise them. 
 
Sebum is oily and waxy and is produced by sebaceous glands to moisturise, lubricate and form a protective barrier on hair and skin.  All mammals produce sebum, just that for those with curly hair types it is not able to travel up the hair to coat it.
 
Natural hair requires consistent infusion of moisture and requires this moisture to be a balance of water and oil in order for moisture to be kept within the hair.  This is why it is recommended that water-based products be layered with oil-based products on the hair.
 
Most curly, coily hair types require application of a water-based product followed by an oil-based product.  Water-based products such as leave-in conditioners, moisturisers will eventually evaporate and leave hair dry again.  By applying an oil-based product over the water-based product the moisturising properties of the water-based product are "trapped" within or on the hair to keep hair moisturised.
 
If hair isn't moisturised adequately it will develop split ends and break, it will also tangle very easily, feel coarse and look dull.

                             

How To Deeply Moisturise Hair:
 
Step 1:
 
Wash hair and either condition or deep condition hair.  This should be done weekly, only clean hair, with minimum products will be able to absorb moisture.
 
Step 2:
 
Let hair air dry until damp or on dry hair, applyNehanda Moisturising Leave-In Conditioner, Gwamile Curl Activator, Makeda Twist & Define Cream, Black Pearl Hair Juice, Kiddies 5-in-1 Spray or Kiddies Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and then detangle. 
             
  
 
Step 3:
 
Apply Mukaya African Oil Blend over your moisturiser of choice.  This is the oil-based layer that will keep moisture in hair.  This will be enough if you have low porosity hair or if you have looser curls such as 4a, 3c, 3a curly types.

                 
 
Step 4:
 
For 4b and 4c hair and high porosity, it is necessary to add a layer of a thicker oil-based product like our Asantewaa Healthy Hair Butteror Kiddies Healthy Hair Butter. This ensures that moisture does not escape hair therefore keeping hair moisturised, soft, detangled and shiny.



Step 5:
 
After applying the 2 or 3 products, it is recommended to braid or twist or bantu knot hair, because doing so closes the cuticles of the hair.  Closed cuticles ensure that moisture stays inside hair as long as possible and closed cuticles make hair feel soft and also look shiny.
 
Step 2 – 5 can be repeated every evening or every second day depending on your hair.  Often times after washing this must be done two days in a row and thereafter done every second or third day, depending on the condition of hair, or hair type (low or high porosity) and curl type (4c, 4b, 4a, 3c).
 
It doesn't take longer than 30mins to perform steps 2 – 5 every evening.

Its sleak, its trendy and it's hot! Fitness bunny and actress Khabonina Qubeka launches the stylish #KhaboYoga

The TV star has been on a very public fitness journey for a while now and has left many followers inspired. Actress, dancerand fitness enthusiast, Khabonina Qubeka has dropped her Khabo Yoga gear.
Khabonina QA lot of her fans have joined her on the journey to better physical, mental and emotional health. She has done so well on this journey that she has even turned it into a lucrative business. 
Her new Khabo Yoga gear comes with several different yoga outfits.
The range is made up of the Kha'Zebra Set, Kha'Camo Set, Kha'Leotard, Kha'Head Gear, Kha'YogaMat Bag, Kha'SugarFree T shirts, and the Kha'Zebra Set.
The Khabo Yoga gear ranges between R100 and R590 and is available on the official website

Thursday 27 September 2018

There is no fixed age to achieve your dreams - #etvScandal's Kgomotso Christopher challenges aspirants to pursue their #dreams

Kgomotso Christopher has never been shy of talking about her life struggles. She has had to work her way up from the bottom, and get to where she is.

For her, her life came together after she turned 30, even though many of her friends were flourishing by then.

"My life started in my 30s… had lived and worked in New York and London until this age. I had to start at the bottom. Having left SA the year I got my drivers' at 20 I had to learn how to drive a car again. (I was) jobless. I had a four week old baby and (another) 22-month-old," Kgomotso wrote on Twitter.

Through it all, she realized that there is no fixed age to achieve your dreams.

Kgomotso is currently considering taking a Ph.D.

You're never too old to achieve your dreams…at that age, people were laughing that I had Masters' degree from Ivy league varsity in the US, yet I was joblessπŸ˜‚. Last week, I was crazy enough to start looking up Ph.D programmes. Don't let others 'confirm' u, as MaBrr would say.https://t.co/J5uPdQQL60

— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) September 25, 2018

Like me, I was looking at 30 like😯😯…pregnant…lost acting gigs because when I auditioned I didnt know I was pregnantπŸ˜‚. So role wouldn't work for lady with big belly. I didn't even want a 30th. Didn't know what was worth celebrating other than a new babyπŸ˜‚. Have faithπŸ™https://t.co/XSDrSnW2y7

— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) September 25, 2018

All the best lady. You will be fine. It's not easy to see the sunshine when the clouds are covering it…but it doesn't mean the sun is no longer there. Your sunshine days will come too. In the meantime…hold on to your dreams…hard as it may seemπŸ™πŸ™ https://t.co/BAb7qUmgYm

— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) September 25, 2018




2017 is the year South Africans got richer - Report

Financial assets of South African households grew by 12.3% in 2017‚ the fastest increase in four years and almost three times the pace of the year before.

These statistics are contained in the ninth edition of the Allianz Global Wealth Report‚ which also stated that liabilities for South African households increased by 5.1% in 2017‚ broadly in line with last year's average.

The report analyses the asset and debt situation of households in more than 50 countries. The report said as a result‚ the debt ratio of households in South Africa remained at 45%.

It said in the last ten years‚ the debt ratio declined by almost 10 percentage points as a result of improved debt discipline of South African households. However‚ the country's debt ratio still stood considerably above the emerging countries average of 37%.

The report said with net financial asset per capita of EUR 7.770 (R131‚031) South Africa came in 37th on the list of the richest countries‚ rising one rung over the previous year and swapping places with Bulgaria.

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Bonang Matheba to lead discussion on girl education in #NewYork

South Africa's Bonang Matheba will be the lead moderator at the United Nation (UN) General Assembly "Leave No Girl Behind" discussion in New York on Tuesday. 

The discussion on Girls Education and Empowerment – titled "12 Years to Break Barriers and Leave No Girl Behind" will cover ways of achieving quality education for all girls globally by 2030 and will also include a number of respected professionals in the field as well as advocates from Global Citizen who are arranging the panel discussion.

The multi award-winning South African media personality who recently won an International Achievement Recognition Award for Best Media Personality will also speak at a special Global Citizen function before attending the Global Citizen Festival in New York on September 29.

"I believe that when you educate a girl child, you actually educate a community and you educate a family. As girls tend to become the head of the household, these young ladies pay their education forward; and an education is something that nobody can take away from you. It has a generational advantage and value," said Matheba.

Later this year, Matheba will also be a host at the Global Citizen Festival to take place in Johannesburg on December 2, which will see the likes of Jay Z, BeyoncΓ©, Ed Sheeran, Pharrel Williams and Chris Martin, Usher and more performing in honour of the Nelson Mandela Centenary. Matheba and Naomi Campbell are the official hosts for the festival.

Global Citizen is a global movement of engaged citizens who use their collective voice in efforts to end extreme poverty by 2030 and its festivals bring some of the world's top artists together to raise awareness and funds to impact lasting change.

Matheba is also a renowned philanthropist. In response to the student uprisings in South Africa in 2016, known as #FeesMustFall, she established The Bonang Matheba Bursary Fund, which aims to provide 10 young women each year with the opportunity to further their tertiary education with a scholarship at Boston College, South Africa.

The esteemed group of panellists will include President of France, Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British PM Theresa May and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg.

Keleabetswe Mahuma is turning #entrepreneurship into a lifestyle, one App at a time #Vanguard


Name: Keleabetswe Mahuma

Company: Vanguard Styles 

Business Line: Vanguard Styles is a mobile App that allows you to book mobile beauticians & buy weaves with a nationwide courier.

Contact: 0847027814

Entrepreneurship isn't just an art, it's also a lifestyle. 


Wits Mathematical Science student and financial advisor,Keleabetswe Mahuma, has transformed business into a lifestyle through an innovative app. 


Simply named Vanguard Styles, the technological game changer is an app that gives its users the luxury to book mobile beauticians and buy weaves in the comfort of their homes. 


This App is easy to use and caters for all ages. All services provided are done to perfection and on time. 


Vanguard Styles is ideal for people on the move, busy bees and people that enjoy being pampered in the comfort of their own space.


All this is done through a nationwide courier.


But what really inspired Keleabetswe to come up with such a super app. 


"My love for Computer science started in 2014, when I started studying Mathematical science. Although I had fallen inlove with making APPs I had always been very business oriented and loved beauty. In 2016 I started a hair sales business, which I call Queening Hair (because I believe every woman is a Queen) which was great but I needed a greater challenge. 


" Slowly I started thinking how can I put together the love I have for business, especially with regards to the female beauty sector, and what I was studying and learning at school. That's how Vanguard was born - An innovative APP that I believe will Change the industry," she attested in a free ranging interview with Trends Mzansi. 


Ever since Vanguard Styles was launched, the journey hasn't been a rosy one. But instead of breaking her, the challenges built and made her stronger. 


" I faced a lot of challenges especially financially, because I was funding the business myself with all the money I got as pocket money and/or money I would make from Queening Hair. 


"This process was emotionally and physically draining as I was working on the project on my own, making and designing the APP. Every single detail on the APP was thought through and decided by me. I was super hands on from the design to the Beauticians that will feature on The APP. 


"Today I am proud to say I'm a Young Black Business Owner and I'm going to make by mark on both the digital and beauty industries with My APP Vanguard "Making style Personal"," she alluded.


Keleabetswe has managed to build a young and dynamic team to ensure that the App continues growing and withstands the test of time.


"My team comprises of me as the CEO and Developor. I'm also working with UJ 3rd Year Marketing students to help push the Marketing. My future plans for Vanguard are to expand it nationwide and build a house hold brand," she powerfully chronicled.


And her advice to aspiring women?


"My biggest advice to other women looking to start up is to Start. No matter how small or how big you think you idea/business will be. Start. You will face challenges, you will get stressed but if you start you are one step closer. Be fearless," she concluded. 


Armed with a solid foundation, great vision and bright prospects, Keleabetswe innovative app is just what the beauty fundi's ordered for every beauty driven lady. 


So go on, download the app and indulge. You won't regret it . 


You can also interact with her or her team on @VanguardSupport

Tuesday 25 September 2018

#Jameson Irish Whiskey Unveils ‘Smooth Taste That’s Why’ Campaign

Jameson Irish Whiskey has unveiled its 'Smooth Taste, That's Why" campaign featuring the best of the AltΓ© scene. The cool and edgy campaign features brand influencers across music, fashion and lifestyle.

The campaign will launch across thirteen billboards around Lagos and Abuja and features talented artist, BOJ, fashion influencer, Jess Chibuze, lifestyle influencer, Muyiwa Aigbe popularly known as Aarbenco, celebrity barber, Kayzplace and Jameson brand ambassador and lifestyle influencer, TEEZEE.

John Jameson created a whiskey like no other, he didn't stop distilling after the second time either, he went further distilling Jameson three times to achieve the smooth taste that the brand is famed for. It is this relentless drive for quality in taste and attitude that still defines Jameson today.

"Our Smooth Taste, That's Why Campaign' is a fresh and engaging emotive creative that is set to continue to support our aim of building our brand presence in Nigeria. The campaign connects us back to our brand roots and we have chosen to partner with influencers who love and consume our brand and have supported our journey in the market." We are looking forward to the positive response we believe this campaign will have across the market". Craig Van Niekerk, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria.

#SerenaWilliams sings I Touch Myself and gets naked for #Berlei Bra #BreastCancer awareness campaign

Tennis star Serena Williams recently sang a rendition of the Divinyls classic song I Touch Myself as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Following weeks of controversy stemming from her US Open meltdown, the 36-year-old has used her platform to raise cancer awareness.

A preview of Serena singing I Touch Myself aired on Sunday night's episode of The Project, after she was interviewed by Lisa Wilkinson in New York. 

'I put myself in a very vulnerable moment': Serena Williams strips off and sings rendition of Divinyls classic I Touch Myself for breast cancer awareness campaign 

'It's putting myself in a very vulnerable moment, but just to make a huge statement I think is really important,' she said.

The clip showed the sports icon baring her shoulders and wearing glamorous makeup.

Another frame shows her in a white dressing robe and later modelling the special edition Chrissy bra for Berlei.

She sings the 1990 hit I Touch Myself by Australian rock band Divinyls, whose front-woman Chrissy Amphlett lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013.

Behind-the-scenes: 'It's putting myself in a very vulnerable moment, but just to make a huge statement I think is really important,' she said. A behind-the-scenes clip shows her in a white dressing robe

Lisa Wilkinson, who interviewed the sports star in New York, spoke highly of the soon to be released commercial.

'When you see that ad in full let me tell you, Serena Williams can sing like an angel,' Lisa said.

'... Well  (Serena is) actually naked in it as well so watch out for that.'

Sneak peak: Behind-the-scenes footage also shows Serena modelling the special edition Chrissy bra for Berlei

In the interview Serena, who admitted she was not a singer, spoke about the influence of Chrissy and the iconic Australian song on breast cancer awareness.

'Unfortunately we lost Chrissy to breast cancer, but the I Touch Myself song was to let everyone know that it's important to touch yourself and check up on yourself,' she said. 

Friday 21 September 2018

South Africa's economy survives as repo rate goes unchanged

The South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) governor, Lesetja Kganyago, announced on Thursday, that it would not be increasing the repo rate in this quarter.

This comes after the rand boasted a firm stance on Wednesday after Statistics South Africa announced that the consumer inflation rate was marginally lower than expected in August.

As reported by Fin24 on 19 September,

The CPI rate (for all urban areas) was 4.9% compared with July's 5.1% print. The consensus was for CPI to accelerate to 5.2%.

The rand was trading at R14.76/$ before the release of the numbers, and firmed to R14.69/$ after CPI was released. It is up 1.43% against the greenback on the day.

Off the back of Wednesday's rand performance, economists, according toFin24, were expecting the central bank to make such an announcement.

Nadia Nakai's posts positive vibes ahead of new single release - Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it!

Nadia Nakai debuted a snippet of her new single, 'Yass Bitch' over social media on Thursday, 20 September 2018.

They say they are only musicians who think of making money and don't care about what they say in their music does to people. Well, Nadia Nakai has given those critics another angle to think about, after she posted a positive message on her Instagram account.

She is Queen Bragga and she is a free-spirited person she likes to show off what her mama gave her. Queen Bragga as she is known by her fans as is one of the best female hip-hop stars we will ever have in Mzansi. She has shown that she is the real talent. Nadia Nakai is signed to Family Tree a record Label owned by probably the best rapper in Africa right now Cassper Nyovest.

The star who hosted a show recently and had a blistering performance that had us believe she is the Queen of hip-hop in Mzansi. She silenced her critics with the performance she gave. In terms of dressing, we all know that she is always on point.

The star who hosted a show recently and had a blistering performance that had us believe she is the Queen of hip-hop in Mzansi. She silenced her critics with the performance she gave. In terms of dressing, we all know that she is always on point.They've

Thursday 20 September 2018

Bonnie Mbuli redefines style in stunning #TrueLove magazine cover

Bonnie Mbuli is a vision in red as she covers the October issue of True Cover magazine

Our October issue features stunning TV presenter, actress and author @bonniembuli. She opens up about parenting boys, contributing to the fight against depression in the country with her Instagram series 'Let's Talk About It' and celebrating 25 years in the industry. True Love magazine described the actress.

Mzansi celebrities join the crusade against #BreastCancer

A host of Mzansi's celebrities are joining the crusade against breast cancer again this year in a bid to raise awareness of the disease at the annual iThemba Walkathon next month .The celebrities / well known personalities include:

 

Kay Sibiya (Actor)Thandy Matlaila (Actress – The Queen Mzansi)Candice Abrahams (Former Mrs World)Mome Nale (Reality TV star / Fashion Designer)Melanie Ramjee (PR / Social Media)Danine Naidoo (TV Presenter / Singer)Lynn Forbes (Motivational Speaker)Lerato Sengadi (PR and Brand Ambassador)Lebo Motsoelie (Radio and TV)Olwethu Leshabane (Women Empowerment Activist)Liz Khan (Radio Presenter)Courtnall Skosan (SA Rugby)TT Mbha (Real Estate Guru)Mellissa Robert (Brand Influencer)

 

 

Various professional athletes are amongst those helping to generate awareness around breast cancer by supporting the 13th annual iThemba Walkathondue to take place at Marks Park on Sunday, 21 October.

 

Breast cancer affect more South Africa women than any other type of cancer with 1 in 26 women directly affected annually according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)[1]. The World Health Organisation estimates that almost 50% of breast cancer cases are in developing countries which also reported 58% of deaths. 

Despite this, only 42% of women are confident that they would recognise the symptoms of breast cancer.

Many of the celebrities took to social media to raise awareness and confirm their attendance to the iThemba Walkathon on Sunday, 21 October this week. At least 30 000 participants are expected at this year's edition of the family orientated event which is likely the largest breast cancer awareness event of its kind in the country. Participants need to pre-register and can do so online at www.ithembawalkathon.co.zawith tickets costing just R145 per adult and R100 per child between the ages of two and twelve. Registrations can also be made at participating Sportsman Warehouse stores around Johannesburg.

 

On the day there will be lots of live performances, food and other exciting stalls in addition to exhibition stands by various NGOs, including CANSA who will have a mobile unit onsite which will be operated by qualified nurses for breast health assessments.

Female tech #entrepreneur wins top #ICT business award #SmartDigital

The founder and CEO of Smart Digital Solutions, Veronica Motloutsi, founded Smart Digital a year ago to help organisations and homes move into the digital age

Motloutsi was recently selected overall winner of the Top 50 Inspiring Women and Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in recognition of her achievements in the ICT sector.

Her company's servces include fibre-to-the-home connectivity and remote security surveillance for homes.

Smart Digital has forged a partnership with Software AG to provide smart solutions to homes and businesses by leveraging the power of data analytics, big data software and connectivity.

The Johannesburg-based company has seven full-time employees and consultants on standby that get roped in on a project-by-project basis.

"I am excited and humbled to be named the overall winner… The competition was very fierce, as I was up against remarkable women who have blazed a trail in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) field," Motloutsi said.

She said receiving the accolades at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards would boost her company's public profile, beef up its credibility and instil confidence in both employees and existing and prospective clients.

Candidates for the Top 50 Inspiring Women Awards included women who are either founders of a technology company or hold a C-level position in a technology company, as well as influencers, academics or politicians in the technology or innovation space.

– African News Agency

Wednesday 19 September 2018

First lady of sports Carol Tshabalala lives the dream as she watches #Liverpool beat #PSG live at Anfield #UCL

The first lady of sports was live in Liverpool as she witnessed the clash of the Titans. The much anticipated UEFA Champions leaguereturned and the game that took place last night. Liverpool and PSG played a thrilling encounter as the host defeated the latter 3 – 2 in a mouth-watering match.

In case you don't know yet a few personal things about this gorgeous lady well, let me fill you in just a bit: Carol Tshabalala opened up a lot about her life and what has been happening in her marriage. We round up 5 things we didn't know about Carol Tshabalala.

Carol was married for six years to her first love and got divorced in December 2006 while she was pregnant with her second son, Solomon. Carol expressed that she felt trapped in her marriage for the longest time and had to get out. Overall, the marriage was one where she was emotionally and physically abused. In 2011 when she left SABC Sport to join SuperSport, Carol used this opportunity to start afresh and use her maiden surname, Tshabalala. Carol Tshabalala is who she is now.

As always Carol was present and giving us everything as it happened. She was excited to be there she posted pictures and we all could see how happy she was. Check the pictures below…

Black Coffee set to light up TicketPro Dome this December #MusicIsKing

Music lovers are to be given the royal treatment this festive season. Soulistic Music, today together with U-Live Africa (a division of Universal Music Group), announced the inaugural Music Is King Concert set to take place at the 20 000 pax TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg this December.

 

Music Is King is an international concert experience brought to us by none other than internationally acclaimed DJ & producer, Black Coffee, who was recently crowned Best Deep House DJ 3rd year in a row at the DJ Awards in Ibiza, Spain. This year alone Black Coffee has performed at the biggest festivals around the world, such as Coachella, Tomorrowland, New York's Terminal 5, The Apollo Theatre, Sonar Festival in Barcelona and still managed a residency at HΓ― Ibiza in Ibiza Spain and another at XS Nightclub & Encore in Las Vegas.

 

Just a month ago Black Coffee released a new single titled"Drive" made in collaboration with global superstar David Guetta featuring Delilah Montagu. The single debut the Billboard Charts at no. 31 on the Hot Dance/Electronic songs chart, it is currently the most played song on radio and most streamed song in S.A across streaming platforms.

 

 

"I'm in a space where I'm starting to make music not pigeon-holed into a genre and I feel music should celebrated as music not divided into different genres because that divides people, their beliefs and thoughts and that is why this show will be about MUSIC. I'm working very hard to ensure that this will be a next level show and unlike anything this country has seen before" – Black Coffee.

 

Taking place at the Ticketpro Dome on December 15th, Music Is King sets the stage for a concert of international proportion. Early bird tickets are available now atwebtickets.co.za

Why life cover is important when starting a family

Financial security continues to be one the most important factors couples consider when planning to start a family.


Therefore, life insurance policies which are structured correctly play a key role in maintaining the financial well-being of a family should both, or one partner pass away.

 

Lee Bromfield, CEO of FNB Life, says although life cover cannot take away the pain of losing a loved one, the surviving spouse or beneficiaries can use it to ensure that the family remains in the same financial position it was in before the tragedy.


"Given the diverse family structures that exist in South Africa, the policy can further ensure that extended household beneficiaries who are financially dependent on the couple are also adequately protected," adds Bromfield.


Moreover, the type of policy and cover amount should ultimately be determined by the structure and size of the family, as well as its immediate and long-term needs.


For example, couples who have big families are more likely to opt for inflation linked policies that have a cover amount that increases on an annual basis to ensure that the policy remains relevant.


Bromfield says wedded couples should also consider the type of marriage contract they have entered into. The risk often lies with uninsured or underinsured couples who are married in community of property as all assets and liabilities are shared.


"In the unfortunate event of death, the surviving spouse could be left to deal with debt obligations, estate administration costs, legal fees and personal cash flow problems, amongst other financial issues" cautions Bromfield.


He also urges couples to review and maintain their policies regularly in line with changing life events and financial circumstances.


For instance, when you have a new child or the number of your dependants increases, it is important to ensure that your life insurance is adjusted to accommodate the changes.


"Couples who are planning to start a family are advised to consult their bank or financial advisors to determine the best type of life policy and cover amount, as this may vary depending on the family structure and its size," concludes Bromfield.

 

Tuesday 18 September 2018

#Cosatu's first female president #ZingiswaLosi is committed to women empowerment

Zingiswa Losi was nominated unopposed at Cosatu's 13th National Congress in Midrand on Tuesday morning.

With an extensive resume as a unionist, Losi – the former second Deputy President of Cosatu – has been described as the perfect person to lead the federation because she knows it "inside out".

Here are four things you might not know about Losi:

1. Her political career started at the age of 10

Losi hails from a family of activists and naturally, she became politically conscious at the tender age of 10.

"I become politically aware at the age of 10 when my two brothers went into exile and little did I know that, I would follow them when I grew up," she said in a biography.

She cut her political teeth in the Congress of SA Students (Cosas).

2. She's a trained soldier

Losi is a trained soldier and served in the South African Defence Force for three years.

3. She ran for ANC Deputy Secretary-General in 2017

Losi ran against Jessie Duarte for the position of ANC Deputy Secretary-General, but ultimately lost by 484 votes.

4. She's committed to women empowerment

Losi has long been an advocate for women empowerment and has made it her mission to ensure that more women ascend up the leadership ranks at the federation. Her appointment as President will surely go a long way to realising this goal.

"I would love to see women taking their rightful place in the federation, not for the purposes of achieving gender equality, but for the transformation of the broader society. This will go a long way towards eradicating the patriarchal tendencies that still exist in our society," she said.

©Destiny 



Swazi princess #tweaks at reed dance. #Afrobotanics owner Ntombenhle Khathwane explains what the #Swazi #ReedDance is all about and what the princess's tweaking means for women #GirlTalkZA

By Ntombenhle Khathwane

About two weeks ago I was sent a video of HRH Sikhanyiso of Swaziland dancing with some of the Swazi maidens she leads as part of the Reed Dance Ceremony. The video shows Sikhanyiso, having fun like any young person her age, she starts off dancing the way girls dance in the traditional Swazi way, then she flows into twerking, and eventually goes onto the floor still in twerk mode, gyrating with a leg in the air. She does this whilst wearing the traditional Swazi emahiya, which does not show her private parts.  But it is still deliciously scandalous!  
 
See video below.

 
Phansi Nge Patriarchy Phansi!  
 
The reed dance is premised on chastity of girls.  Have you noticed how the word "chastity" is mostly related to females?  Females must remain pure, of virtue and innocent in thought and deed.  And there is heavy judgement on girls seen not to be chaste.  Boys don't receive the same heavy judgement.  And yet if we are ever to have equality we need equality to begin with equal expectations.
 
Princess Sikhanyiso is the eldest child of King Mswati III of Swaziland, the last absolute monarchy in Africa.  She is 31 and still unmarried, and therefore remains the leader of the Swazi virgins that come together at the end of winter to gather reeds that are used to refresh the royal household as per ancient custom when royal homesteads were build using natural resources like reed, wood and grass.  Off course nowadays, royal households are palatial in nature reminiscent of European palaces.  
 
Interesting how construction of royal homes has changed to reflect modern times but not customs and traditions that oppress women?
 
The Reed Dance is a ceremony held by the Swazi and the Zulu people and aside from unmarried girls being required to deliver reeds to their King, it is meant to be a ceremony to encourage girls to remain chaste until marriage and to form a sisterhood.  In the past girls were checked to ensure they are virgins, although these checks do happen randomly at times, it is no longer the norm.  Married and unmarried girls with children may not participate.
 
There is always controversy around this cultural ceremony; it is mostly based on misunderstanding of this cultural practise, and in some cases abuse of this practise.
 
Twerking is a sexually suggestive dance; the dancing at the reed dance whilst done by girls showing their breasts and naked buttocks, is not a sexually suggestive dance.  
 
This is why we love Sikhanyiso twerking:

 * Unlike the English throne where Princess Charlotte is fourth in line to be Queen of England.  - Charlotte is the second child of Prince William, who is second in line to be King – Princess Sikhanyiso is the first-born child of King Mswati and will never be queen of Swaziland.   
The only time there is a queen in Swaziland is when there is a Queen Regent, who is usually the Queen Mother of the King.  In this day and age why can't a female child be in line for succession for thrones whether chiefdoms, kingdoms or business?

 * Women in Swaziland have fewer rights than most women in other parts of the world.  Culturally, a woman is a perpetual minor, in 2018 a woman still cannot request for (khonta) or purchase common land known as Swazi Nation Land, which is administered by Chiefs on behalf of the king.  

* She needs her father, husband, son or brother to do it on her behalf. Like most societies in Africa that are organized traditionally under patriarchal chiefs, women do not enjoy much protection against gender-based violence.  Gender based violence incidents towards girls and women in Swaziland are disproportionately and unacceptably high.  

* Most women in Swaziland will be experience violence and abuse in their lifetime. Swaziland is proof that where women are oppressed there is no progress. It has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world, poverty is at 63% and high inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.52.  Swaziland is the 9thmost unequally country in the world, South Africa is the most unequally country with a gini coefficient of 0.63
 
Keep twerking Princess, you have nothing to lose, and your dance moves could fire up Swazi women to take mass action and demand equality.

Monday 17 September 2018

Savour the new #Doritos flavour and stand a chance to win one 1 of 10 #PlayStation's. #GiveAway #DoritosBoldNation

There's a new Doritos flavour in town, but fear not, it still has that familiar tooth rattling crunch you love so much. Yes, Doritos Sizzlin' Tomato Flavoured Corn Chip is the new bold and spicy addition to our range and it's going to get you wanting more before the first tortilla chip hits your mouth. It's the ultimate lit snack for any occasion. Whether you're partying, chillin' with your squad or just need to feed your Doritos craving, you're going to love Doritos Sizzlin' Tomato Flavoured Corn Chip.

As you know, fortune favours the bold. And the bold are sometimes fearless, courageous, heroic and more than a little wild. Just like you. We have created Doritos Bold Nation, an online movement that's all about releasing your inner Bold, expressing your freedom and living life to the fullest. And let's face it, no one does Bold quite like you – so check it out on Doritos social media pages.

Not only are we be celebrating the launch of our epic new flavour and the Bold Nation online movement, we also bring to you a series of bold challenges. Every time you complete a challenge, you could be entered into a weekly prize draw. The more challenges you complete, the more chances of winning. If you complete 10 challenges by 7 October, your name could go into the draw to WIN a hamper with Every. Single. Prize. *

If you are an individual who's fully engaged in life and not afraid to embrace your inner Bold, buy a pack or plenty of Doritos Sizzlin Tomato Flavoured Corn Chip, visit our boldest online community via Facebook (Doritos South Africa), Instagram (Doritos_SA) and Twitter (@DoritosSA) and find out just how daring you are.

Doritos Sizzlin' Tomato Flavoured Corn Chip: available at a store new you!

Competition runs between 30 July – 7 Oct

*Full Ts and Cs apply

Stand a chance of winning 1 of 10 PlayStation 4 consoles! Grab a pack of Doritos Sizzlin' Tomato flavoured chips, snap a pic of yourself snacking in a weird and unusual place and enter online: https://www.doritos.co.za/register.php

#Fashion trends that may compromise your #health. #MondayMotivation #GirlTalkZA

A lot of women suffer for their fashion, putting their bodies through things, and into things, that are not necessarily the ideal situations for the physical comfort.

Fashion can be a real killer sometimes, that's what they say, but have you ever taken a second to think about the truth behind that statement? Are there things that you are doing with your clothing and accessories that might be causing you harm? Here are some fashion habits that may affect your overall look and even your health.

Badly fitting bra

A high percentage of ladies are walking around every day wearing bras that don't actually fit properly. You are wearing the wrong size if the band rubs against your breasts, if you can slide your fingers underneath it with ease, and if your straps are constantly digging into your shoulders. Making this mistake every single day can lead to lots of back and posture problems.

Big handbags

The trend for large handbags is big right now, and most women tend to wear their bags on one shoulder all the time. The heavier your the bag gets, the more strain gets put on this particular shoulder, and over time your posture will suffer.

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans aren't going anywhere soon, but the extremely tight ones can have some negative effects. Low rise varieties can have the effect of dragging your pelvis down and putting extra work on your joints, which are the joints that connect your sacrum to your ilium bones. It can cause lower back pain.

Tight-fitting underwear

Heavy duty body shaping underwear can lead to things like acid reflux and heartburn, because lots of excess pressure is being put on your stomach, restricting your internal organs and making the digestion process harder for your body to complete. In extreme cases, it can even restrict your breathing.

Stilettos

If you were to see the position of your foot in a stiletto, but without the stiletto actually being there, you would be completely shocked! Not only is your foot contorted, but to achieve balance, you have to pull forward slightly which over time can start to cause problems with neck and back muscles.

Rihanna is wearing this season's most unlikely trend #Heatwave

Love it or loathe it, the colour brown has been cropping up everywhere from fashion weeks to street style, and there's no escaping it now.

The 'it' dress colour, which was once dominated by the classic LBD, has been swapped for this season's brown, and all the cool girls are wearing it.

Rihanna proved just how on trend the shade really was when she rocked up at her NYFW lingerie show in a stunning sheer brown dress with matching accessories last night.

It seems it's the perfect shade come summer, its warm tones means it's flattering on all skin types and won't leave you looking washed out like grey or navy shades can.

Friday 14 September 2018

How Falling Pregnant At 16 Taught Ntombenhle Khathwane To Have A Business Plan For Her Life. #AfroBotanics owner tells her story in her own words #Inspiration #FridayFeeling

By Ntombenhle Khathwane

Life is a live event with no pause and rewind. We do have opportunity to look back and learn, we can even pause and check out so to speak, but everything else around us keeps on moving.


I learned this when I fell pregnant at 16 in 1994. There was no way to go back and undo my wrong decision of engaging in sexual intercourse. Moreover, the consequence, my baby, was permanent. Nothing changes a woman's life like having a baby. Having a baby when you are still a girl, a child is traumatic to say the least.



Before my pregnancy I was floating through life without much regard for the future. I did well at school and I knew subjects that interested me but I was likely to study anything I was told was good for my livelihood. Pregnancy changed that in many ways. I started questioning the purpose of life, the purpose of my life, I explored my spirituality deeper but importantly I started planning.

 

I knew I had to finish high school and go to university to be able to give my child half the life my parents had given me. I no longer had the luxury of time. I would have most likely studied up until my PHD at once had I not had a baby. Now I had 3 years to finish a degree and work to support my child.

 

The good work of searching myself deeper when I was pregnant meant that I knew my interests and chose to study what I was really passionate about even though I had no idea what kind of jobs lay on the other side of a politics and philosophy major. I knew I was passionate about African development and wanted to be involved in the African Renaissance project and end poverty in Africa and end us being dependent on aid. I knew I had a profound love for the continent and it's people and used university to learn about our history as much as possible considering most of our historical texts have been destroyed.

 

Fast forward to now that I am an entrepreneur, I knew that my entrepreneurship still had to speak to what I have been passionate about since young. And so last year for the first time I took on the task to write my Personal Mission Statement.

 

All companies, even governments, have vision mission statements. This tells the world and employees "who" the company is, "what" it wants to accomplish, and then the different departments and employees must craft the "how" through business plans and strategies. If businesses have mission statements and business plans, so should we, right? Life is a serious business.

 

Most of us realize this later in life, we don't sit down and right a business plan for our lives that covers all aspects of our human experience. We have goals for our career and maybe family, but neglect health and spirituality. We don't set measures for success and evaluate our progress yearly.

 

I only started doing this a couple years ago and boy has it made a huge difference in my life. Last year I was finally able to craft my personal mission statement that resonates to the core of my being. And it was by connecting the dots in my life that I was able to do so and really define my values and my purpose.

 

"I create a world of equal opportunity by igniting African capability."

 

It would take pages to unpack how I arrived at this statement and how I am working towards it now. What I can say for sure is that ever since defining it I wake up excited every day with goals to achieve towards creating a more equal world. Even my business AfroBotanics is built around my mission statement, and I did so unconsciously at first and do so deliberately now.

 

Other people define their personal mission statements earlier in life, like my friend Tracey Webster, CEO of The Enterpriseroom wrote hers in 1999 and finds that it still applies almost 20 years later. Watch her short video on her beautiful, powerful personal mission statement and brief explanation how it came about. I can testify to the fact that she lives it every single day!

 

"To be a voice for the voiceless.

To be a bridge between the people that have and those who have not.

To always have an ear to hear the cry, a heart to respond to the need, a voice to verbalize that need out to a global platform."πŸ‘ŠπŸΎ - Tracey Webster

 

All successful people the world over have a personal mission statement. A personal mission statement is grounded in your purpose. Purpose is not some wishy washy thing that only NGO workers have. Even if your pursuit is to acquire wealth you can do that purposefully. The thing about purpose is that it includes being of service to others.And being of service to others influences how we do things, and not what we do. So you can still build a profitable business, have 3 mansions if you please, travel the world and do it in a way that purposely positively impacts your community and the environment.

 

If you would like to work on your business plan for your life and work on your personal mission statement. Then join our free "My Beautiful Life" on 22nd September at 12pm - 5pm in Midrand.

Please RSVP attendance by emailing us atMyBeautifulLife@afro-botanics.com

 

"To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be." -Oprah Winfrey

 

"To have fun in (my) journey through life and learn from (my) mistakes." - Richard Branson

 

"To raise a family of leaders" -Rose Kennedy

 

"To improve lives" - Will Smith

 

 

I look forward to meeting you.

Tumi Morake's book to detail body shaming, the infamous radio race row, her accident, her relationship with hubby and a lot more #AndThenMamaSaid #FridayFeeling #GirlTalkZA

Tumi Morake has detailed how she was body shamed in her upcoming book And Then Mama Said.

She is set to release her book in the first week of October.

"The book is the voice of Tumi in private, as well as a behind-the-scenes perspective of a pioneering South African star who has been deeply loved and viciously hated by her audiences," the Tumi's publicist Monica Steyn said in a statement.

Tumi will talk about the body shaming she endured, the race row on radio, the accident she had last year, and her relationship with her husband.

"Throughout her story, she carries the voice of her mother, and with it the indispensable life lessons that made her who she is today," Steyn said.

The book is based on Tumi's mother.

"It's the personality that Tumi took on stage in the mostly male space of stand-up comedy, and the one that gave her the courage to comment about apartheid on air."





Thursday 13 September 2018

Want a free treat? #AfroBotanics To Host Free "My Beautiful Life" Workshop on 22 Sept 2018. Become Your Own #WomanCrushEveryday, Live Your Best Life. #GirlTalkZA

Do you go to bed every night looking forward to the next day?

Do you jump out of bed every morning excited about going to work?

I do! 

And I want to help as many women as possible feel as excited as I do about waking up in the morning and getting on with their work. 

Whatever your "work" is, whether a stay-at-home mom or an executive of a blue chip company, we all want meaning and purpose and we can find that. As long as we are living our purpose our lives will be and feel beautiful. Just that sometimes it is hard to really know what our purpose is and to take the bold steps to follow it.  This is one way AfroBotanics is giving back and saying thank you!


AfroBotanics is presenting a FREE workshop for 100 women who want to create their BEAUTIFUL LIFE (VIEW VIDEO). 

It's a workshop that will be conducted by renowned leadership coach Rachel Adams in Midrand on 22nd September 2018 from 12 noon.
Rachel will give us tools and take aways on:
  • Defining and clarifying your vision for your life
  • Taking that bold step towards a passion drive life
  • Assistance with achieving personal mastery
  • Understanding why goal-setting is important and how to do it
  • Getting tools and strategies for achieving goals

Rachel Adams is walking the talk, she is an ontological coach, a leadership practitioner who has worked with leaders throughout the continent and abroad. She left a lucrative job at an Ivy League University in the USA to return to Africa, to actively contribute towards building the African Dream instead of participating in the blame game and the complaining we have become accustomed that paralyses us from taking action. A move many deemed stupid, a move driven by her passion and purpose.


See Rachel's powerful TEDx Talk Gaborone titled "A Crisis of Courage: Africa's 21st Century Challengehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDgIXsiWeTw&t=91s


If you are at a place in your life where you need inspiration to make the next move, clarity before making a big decision, or need assistance with crafting a vision for your life and setting goals, then this is the workshop for you.


The only way to have lasting inspiration and motivation is to find it within you.  Reading inspirational stories and how those we admire made it is great, but the inspiration is fleeting.  You need to see the power you have within and capability you have to achieve whatever you want in order to be inspired to act and live the life of your dreams. we all are really power and each have a unique gift and purpose to offer the world. Only you can be your continuous and consistent inspiration.


RSVP by emailing MyBeautifulLife@afro-botanics.com with your contact details and the reason why you want to attend as well as the accountability partner you want to attend with if you have one.
AfroBotanics manufactures natural hair and body care products using African botanical ingredients at our factory in Midrand, South Africa. Our products are available in over 600Clicks, Game & Pick n Pay Stores.
A proudly African brand with a mission to contribute to the ending of a singular beauty standard and to elevating inclusive and empowering narratives in beauty, media, community and business.

Five #smartphone apps that are #empowering South African women #GirlTalkZA

Smartphones have changed our lives for the better over the past 15 years, evolving from a neat toy into an everyday essential. Today, there are thousands of apps that empower women by putting information and services at their fingertips. Alcatel suggests some apps for women from all walks of life.

 

1.       Health and fitness

 

Women with Android smartphones are spoilt for choice when it comes to health and fitness apps. In addition to the many wonderful, non-gender specific apps like the Google Fit  fitness tracking app or the MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter, there are many apps that offer fitness programmes tailored for women.Female Fitness - Women Workout is just one example.

 

 

2.       Reproductive health

 

There's a huge variety of Android apps to help women stay on top of their health – from the myPill Birth Control Reminder that helps you remember to take your contraceptive pill to the Eveperiod and ovulation tracker that help you track the cycles of your body. If you're pregnant, there are also fun and insightful apps that help you track your pregnancy and your baby's development.

 

3.       Personal organisation

 

A smartphone helps you to get organised and stay on top of your financial, social, family and work obligations. A tool like Wunderlistmakes it a snap to create and share grocery lists, holiday plans, to-do lists, and more.  Personal finance apps likeMoney Lover take the stress out of financial planning, budgeting, and expense tracking.

 

4.       Safety and travel

 

With South Africa's high rates of crime and violence against women, the many safety apps available for Android devices can help you to feel more secure. Namola is a security, policing and emergency response app that helps you get assistance when you're in a dangerous situation. Navigation apps such as Waze  can help you prepare a route and plan for a trip when you need to take a long drive on your own.

 

5.       Dating and social

 

Dating apps and social media apps have made it easier than ever to meet new people. Meetup, for instance, helps you to connect with other people who share your interests. And if you have had a bad experience with a creep or stalker on a dating app, you might appreciate one of the dating services that enables heterosexual women to make the first move when matching with men. Bumbleis one example of an Android app that focuses on nurturing respect on its platform.