Poetry knows no language as Sizakele Nkosi presents "u-Grand Malume?"

South Africa, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and proud heritage of 11 official languages, faces unique challenges when it comes to publishing books in indigenous languages, particularly in the realm of poetry. 

However, as International Mother Language Day approaches, the AVBOB Poetry Project is shining a spotlight on the multilingual and vibrant work of Sizakele Nkosi, a poet, children's writer, and creative writing lecturer at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley.

Nkosi, through her House of Siza platform, has been a pioneer in facilitating poetry and jazz sessions for years. Her debut collection, "u-Grand, Malume?" published by Botsotso last year, showcases her exceptional talent and deep connection to her roots. 

While most of the poems in the collection are in English, the title itself reflects Nkosi's keen ear for the urban slang of Johannesburg.

In a poignant reflection on her personal history, Nkosi reveals the inspiration behind her work, stating, "These poems are my way of preserving and celebrating the people in the township and bringing my uncles' spirits back home." 

The collection pays homage to her uncles and the role they played in her life, highlighting the importance of family and heritage.

Nkosi's decision to present several poems first in isiZulu, her mother tongue, before translating them into English underscores her commitment to making her work accessible to a broader audience. 

By incorporating elements of both isiZulu and English in her poetry, she creates a unique and inclusive literary experience that resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Nkosi remains hopeful about the future of poetry in indigenous languages, emphasizing the need for continued support and recognition. 

As she aptly puts it, "I believe poets should use language that is true to them, that expresses them. Our indigenous languages shouldn't be stuck in some pure form either."

Through her evocative poetry, Sizakele Nkosi is not only preserving the beauty of indigenous languages but also sparking important conversations about social realities in South Africa.

Volvo launches its fastest and most affordable electric car in South Africa

Volvo has made a significant stride in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its most affordable EV yet, the EX30, in Johannesburg on February 22, 2024. 

The arrival of this compact SUV marks a pivotal moment for Volvo Cars South Africa, as CEO Greg Maruszewski hails it as one of the company's most important launches to date.

The Volvo EX30 is available in both single and dual motor models, offering customers the choice between two battery options. 

With three trim levels – Core, Plus, and Performance – and a total of five variants to choose from, the EX30 caters to a wide range of preferences and needs.

Priced at R775,900, the Core model stands out as the third most affordable passenger EV currently available in South Africa. 

Equipped with a single motor delivering 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque, the Core Single Motor model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

 Additionally, its 49kWh battery provides up to 344km of range on the WLTP cycle, making it a practical and efficient choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

That bottle of whisky will cost you R6 more

Beer drinkers across the nation are facing the harsh reality of paying a whopping 14 cents more per can of their beloved brew. 

Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, dropped this bombshell during the 2024 National Budget Speech, leaving beer enthusiasts everywhere reeling in disbelief.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Cider and alcoholic fruit beverage lovers will also have to dig a little deeper into their pockets, with a 14-cent increase per can. 

And let's not forget about the wine connoisseurs - a bottle of wine will now cost an extra 28 cents, while fortified wine aficionados will need to fork out an additional 47 cents.

If you're a fan of bubbly, brace yourself for the news that a bottle of sparkling wine will set you back an extra 89 cents. 

And for those who enjoy the stronger stuff, such as whisky, gin, or vodka, get ready to swallow a bitter pill as prices soar by a jaw-dropping R5.53 per bottle.

While the price hikes may leave some drinkers feeling a bit flat, perhaps it's time to raise a glass (albeit a slightly more expensive one) to the resilience of beer bellies and wine cellars everywhere.

 Cheers to surviving the great beverage inflation of 2024!

Ayakha Ntunja says dreams come true after landing the leading lady role on #Showmax's Youngins

Ayakha Ntunja, the lead actor of Showmax's Youngins, is making waves in the entertainment industry with her authentic portrayal of a Gen Z character.

 The series, which debuted on 12 February, has been praised for its realistic depiction of the challenges and triumphs faced by young people today.

In a recent interview with News24, Ntunja expressed her love for being part of the show, stating, "Much of it is very much relatable to many people's storylines, being part of the storyline is a dream come true." 

Her passion for the project shines through in her performance, bringing a sense of authenticity to her character that resonates with audiences.

The show, which follows a group of friends navigating the complexities of young adulthood, has struck a chord with viewers who appreciate its honest portrayal of the Gen Z experience. 

With three new episodes streaming every Thursday, fans have been eagerly tuning in to see what challenges and adventures await the characters.

Mandoza and HHP widows share a strong bond

Mpho Tsabalala and Lerato Sengadi, the wives of the late musicians Mandoza and HHP, respectively, have come together in a powerful display of strength and friendship on the new Showmax Original reality series, Widows Unveiled. 

The show follows the lives of five women who were married to public figures and prominent businessmen, offering a glimpse into their personal journeys of loss, resilience, and healing.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Mpho and Lerato have forged a deep bond on the show. Mpho affectionately refers to Lerato as 'Auntie Hip Hop,' showcasing their close connection and mutual respect.

 Reflecting on their friendship, Mpho shared, "Jabba passed on after Mduduzi. 

When all of that was happening to Lerato, you know when you see someone from afar, I've always wanted to give her that hug and just say it's gonna be okay… Time heals."

Describing Lerato as a vibrant and joyful individual, Mpho highlighted her friend's resilience and vulnerability.

Kgomotso Christopher ready for her new role on Generations: The Legacy

Renowned actress Kgomotso Christopher is on a mission to inspire and uplift aspiring actors from her hometown of Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. 

With a stellar career marked by memorable performances, Christopher is gearing up for her latest role on SABC 1's iconic soapie, Generations: The Legacy, where she will portray the character of Keabetswe Moloi, the twin sister of the notorious Khumo Moroka, played by Aubrey Poo.

Reflecting on the process of bringing Kea to life, Christopher shared, "The producers and I opened a dialogue regarding this role in April last year. Bringing Kea's role to life was a collaborative effort between my team and the producers of the show." 

This collaborative approach allowed for a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of the character, highlighting the importance of teamwork and creative synergy in the entertainment industry.

Describing Keabetswe as the antithesis of Khumo, Christopher emphasized her character's qualities as an open, honest, and passionate individual with a keen business sense and a generous heart.

 Kea's storyline will also explore her philanthropic endeavors, leveraging her Moroka status to make a positive impact on society.

In addition to her on-screen dynamics, Christopher will share dialogue with seasoned TV presenter and actor Nimrod Nkosi, who plays the role of Minister Walter Nkaba.

Rebecca Oppenheimer donates staggering R15 million to Rise Mzansi

Rise Mzansi, a new political party on the South African landscape, has made headlines recently with the announcement of receiving a substantial amount of funding since its formation last year. 

The party revealed that it has received over R16.7 million in funding, with the majority of the funds coming from Rebecca Oppenheimer, who donated a staggering R15 million to the party.

Rebecca Oppenheimer, the granddaughter of mining magnate Harry Oppenheimer, has a history of funding political parties in South Africa. 

She has previously supported the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA.

 Oppenheimer's significant contribution to Rise Mzansi has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the influence of wealthy donors in politics.

In addition to Oppenheimer's donation, Rise Mzansi also received funding from Main Street, InJozi Design, and Kairo Communications. 

Main Street donated R1 million, while InJozi Design and Kairo Communications contributed R160,000 and R559,000 respectively in donation in-kind.

Rise Mzansi's leader, Songezo Zibi, had previously stated that the party would be transparent about its donors before the elections. 

The party has upheld this promise by disclosing the sources of its funding, emphasizing their commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Makashule Gana, Rise Mzansi's chief organizer, reiterated the party's stance on accepting donations, stating, "We do not accept donations where we suspect the funds may be the proceeds of crime or where prospective donors want to unduly influence our policies, politics, and decision-making processes." 

This declaration highlights Rise Mzansi's dedication to maintaining integrity and independence in its political endeavors.

As Rise Mzansi continues to make waves in the political arena, its funding sources and commitment to transparency will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.

Scammers using AI to charm users on dating Apps

The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) has issued a warning about scammers utilizing advanced technologies, particularly deep fake AI, to deceive users on dating apps. 

With the rise of AI and AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT, scammers have found new ways to enhance their fraudulent activities.

Nazia Karrim, Head of Product Development at SAFPS, explains that AI technology has made it increasingly difficult to track down fraudsters. 

Dating apps, in particular, have become a prime target for scammers due to their popularity and the potential to meet new people. 

These fraudsters are using deep fake technologies to create appealing images and personas, making it harder for victims to track and trace them.

The use of deep fake AI allows scammers to manipulate users' emotions by presenting themselves as the ideal person based on the profiles individuals have put up on these dating apps. 

Karrim emphasizes the danger of falling for these scams, stating, "The scammers are actually using this technology to manipulate your emotions, getting you to meet your ideal person online."

This warning from SAFPS serves as a reminder to be cautious when engaging with people on dating apps.

Babes Wodumo remembers late hubby on #ValentinesDay

In a heartfelt note on Instagram, Babes Wodumo expressed her gratitude for meeting her late husband, Mampintsha, at such a young age. 

The Gqom queen referred to him as her soulmate and thanked God for allowing them to find each other. She reminisced about their journey together and the love they shared.

Babes also took the opportunity to thank Mampintsha for believing in her, not only as a musician but also as a wife. 

She acknowledged his unwavering support and credited him for her success. 

"Thank you babazi for believing in me as Babes Wodumo and most importantly as a wife!!!" she wrote.

The singer also assured Mampintsha that she is taking good care of their family. 

She promised that the Maphumulo's and Simelane's are well looked after. 

The note ended with a heartfelt declaration of love, as Babes affectionately referred to Mampintsha as "fucked up baba ka sponge." 

This nickname is a testament to the deep bond and affection they shared, even in their playful moments.

February edition of Trends Mzansi is all about love and inspiration #ValentinesDay

The February edition of Trends Mzansi is all about love and inspiration.

In this month's issue, we celebrate the power of love by sharing the beautiful love story of Nandi Madida and Zakes Bantwini.

Their journey is sure to inspire readers and remind us all of the magic that love can bring.

Valentine's Day is a special day for couples around the world, and we believe it is worth celebrating.

In this issue, we share some unique and creative ideas to make this day even more memorable for you and your partner.

But love isn't just about romantic relationships. It can also be found in the love we have for our work and our passions.

That's why we have included articles on profitable businesses that you can start from the comfort of your own home.

These ideas are sure to inspire and motivate you to turn your passion into a successful venture.

In addition to love and inspiration, we also delve into the world of sports.

We take a closer look at Thembinkosi Lorch's move from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns.

This transfer has caused quite a stir in the football community, and we bring you the inside story.

To continue with the theme of inspiration, we have an exclusive interview with Tyla, who recently won a Grammy Award.

She dedicated her award to Africa, and in our article, she shares why this continent means so much to her and how it has influenced her music.

To get your digital copy of the February edition of Trends Mzansi, simply click on the link below.

Join us in celebrating love and finding inspiration in the stories of remarkable individuals.

https://www.pressreader.com/australia/trends-mzansi-south-africa/20240201/textview

#ValentinesDay: Sonia Booth finds comfort in some delicious cheesecake and self love

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but luckily for Sonia Booth, some delicious cheesecake will do this Valentine's Day," writes the Sowetan newspaper. 

Last November, the model's life was rocked by a cheating scandal involving her estranged husband, former soccer star Matthew Booth, and Bongani Mthombeni-Moller. 

Sonia took to social media to expose her husband's infidelity, and the details she revealed were as juicy and scandalous as the homemade cheesecake that became the centerpiece of it all.

The 44-year-old mother of two found herself in the midst of a court case, but she emerged victorious in a defamation suit against Mthombeni-Moller.

 While her divorce is still ongoing, Sonia is now enjoying her Valentine's Day with a peaceful slice of cheesecake.

"I had to put a stop to the gaslighting," Sonia said about her decision to go public with the cheating scandal. 

"At the time of exposing him, I felt nothing. I was numb for a few days. I don't even think I ate."

However, Sonia has turned her lemons into lemonade with the launch of her own cheesecake-branded food products. 

She has created Marula lemon cheesecake-infused gourmet snacks and indulgences for adults under the brand name "Marula Cheesecake Passion." 

The brand is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Valentine's Day, with a Self-Love soirée being held as the first of many celebrations.

Despite the heartbreak she has endured, Sonia still believes in love. 

The journey may have been difficult, but she has found solace and success in her passion for cheesecake.

South Africans not too pleased with Tyla's World Tour

Musician Tyla is facing backlash on social media after announcing her first world tour. 

While fans were excited about the news, they were disappointed with the locations she chose for her tour. 

Tyla revealed that her tour would take place in the UK, Europe, and North America, leaving out African countries.

Many fans expressed their disappointment, particularly those from Africa who were hoping to see Tyla perform in their home countries.

 The fact that she excluded her own country, South Africa, was even more painful for some followers.

Social media platforms were flooded with comments expressing frustration and disbelief at Tyla's decision. 

Fans questioned why she would neglect her African fanbase and exclude them from her tour. 

Some even accused her of forgetting her roots and prioritizing international success over her home continent.

Tyla has yet to respond to the backlash, but it is clear that her decision has not been well-received by fans. 

Ami Faku set to perform in Joburg

Bassline Live is thrilled to kick off the music journey of 2024 on Saturday, 2nd of March 2024. This year holds special significance as we celebrate 30 years of 'In Music We Trust' alongside our democracy. 

What Can I Expect From Bassline Live Presents Ami Faku? 

Bassline Live are proud to announce a powerful three-way partnership featuring one of the most influential voices to emerge from our beautiful country in the last decade: the multi-award-winning singer, serial hitmaker, and songwriter, AMI FAKU.

 Hailing from the Eastern Cape, AMI FAKU is a rare musical gem.

Joining her on this special one-night-only event are two more incredible voices and rapidly rising stars. 

The event is powered by Vth Season Creative Entertainment Agency. They are renowned for their enviable roster of Africa's most well-known music talent. 

The agency are best known for nurturing unknown raw music talent into celebrated household names across Africa, and AMI FAKU is a shining example of their success.

Supporting AMI FAKU are music producer, singer, and pianist Nhlonipho, and singer, songwriter, and incredible drummer Kekelingo. 

Kekelingo is making significant strides as a solo artist after leaving his mark as the drummer and 'backing singer' of the Soweto-based band The Muffinz. 

Moreover, once you experience Kekelingo's voice, you'll understand why his vocal talents are highlighted.

Tickets are on sale for R280 per person

Gauteng homeowner shocked to discover his home was turned into a prison

A shocking discovery was made in Gauteng when a property owner found out that his family home had been turned into a prison for 13 Ethiopian individuals. 

The captives, including some teenagers as young as 14, managed to escape by breaking windows and doors, seeking help from a local security guard. 

The property owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been renting out the house for the past seven months and was unaware of the tenant's illicit activities.

"They destroyed my place. I have to fix a lot of things like the doors and windows. We have been renting this home out for more than 10 years and I have never come across something like this. I have never ever had a problem, and this is the first time something like this has happened. My wife was born here and she's 68 years old," the property owner expressed his shock and disappointment.

The house, located in Parkhurst, north of Johannesburg, had high walls and a solid black gate, making it impossible to see inside the yard. 

The captives had managed to escape through a neighbor's property, damaging the electric fence in the process. 

They were eventually rounded up by a local security company before they could escape.

Actress Amanda Du Pont takes her mum to the Maldives #GirlTalkZA

South African actress Amanda du-Pont has been causing a stir on social media with her sizzling bikini photos while on vacation in the Maldives. 

However, she recently revealed that her vacation buddy is none other than her mother.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Amanda expressed her excitement at watching her mom exude happiness and have fun while on holiday.

 She wrote, "Mama and I, one of the greatest things we can do in this life is share our joys and experiences with our parents. Took my mom with to the Maldives and she is soooo happy, I feel so fulfilled. This is what really matters in life. It's them who are on their knees praying for us. Mom has been the influencer on this trip, documenting all her fits and singing gospel. She's living like the Queen she is."

Amanda also emphasized the importance of gratitude and prayer during their trip. 

She mentioned, "Got to work harder for them. Highlight is praying on our knees together every night, thanking God for the opportunity to travel and for all He does to keep us."

The actress's fans were delighted to see her enjoying quality time with her mother and praised her for prioritizing family. 

"They plaid shem, they foght," Makhadzi's English once again has social media buzzing after she commented on #BafanaKaofela's exit

Singer Makhadzi is facing backlash for a grammatical error she made in her remark about the Bafana Bafana's game against the Super Eagles. 

The South African soccer team lost in a penalty shoot-out in the AFCON semifinal, with the Nigerian players emerging as the winners of the match on Wednesday night.

While many South Africans expressed their pain and also applauded the Bafana boys for their good play, Makhadzi's comment triggered frustration among fans. 

In her post, she said, "But they plaid shem. They fought." 

This grammatical blunder did not sit well with her followers, who quickly took to social media to criticize her.

One user sarcastically commented, "You're also getting deported tomorrow," highlighting the mistake she made in using "plaid" instead of "played." 

Another user sarcastically remarked, "It's not a must to post in English," suggesting that Makhadzi should stick to posting in her native language to avoid such errors.

Some fans went as far as attributing the team's loss to Makhadzi's grammatical error. 

One user commented, "This is why we are missing penalties," implying that the blunder had affected the team's performance.

Others advised Makhadzi to focus on her music career and leave sports commentary to the experts.

 One user said, "Focus on music sisi, this is not for you," expressing their disappointment in her comment.

Forget rugby, Springboks hotspot La Parada in #MelroseArch to screen Bafana Bafana match against Nigeria

Bafana Bafana's journey to the semi-finals of the tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Their dedication and skill on the field have been evident in their performances against tough opponents like Morocco and Cape Verde. 

The team has shown great resilience and determination, and their success is a testament to their hard work and talent.

As fans, we have the privilege of witnessing this historic moment. 

The semi-final match against Nigeria promises to be a thrilling encounter, and La Parada is the perfect place to experience all the excitement. 

Located in the heart of Melrose Arch, this trendy venue offers a vibrant atmosphere and top-notch facilities for sports enthusiasts.

The Bafana Bafana Semi Final Viewing at La Parada is an event you do not want to miss.

 It will be an electrifying atmosphere as fans come together to support our national team. 

The energy in the air will be palpable, and the cheers will be deafening as we rally behind our boys.

La Parada has pulled out all the stops to ensure that fans have the ultimate viewing experience.

 With multiple large screens strategically placed around the venue, you won't miss a single moment of the action. 

The state-of-the-art sound system will make you feel like you're right there in the stadium, cheering alongside thousands of passionate supporters.

In addition to the thrilling match, La Parada will also be offering a range of delicious food and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the evening. 

From mouth-watering tapas to refreshing cocktails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Fans are expected to go hungry and thirsty, and indulge in a culinary experience that will complement the excitement on the field.

The Bafana Bafana Semi Final Viewing at La Parada is the perfect opportunity to show your unwavering support for South Africa's pride.