Spoiler Alert! Former #IdolsSA star Mmatema Moremi joins #RhythmCity as Valentine

Award-winning TV host, singer and actress Mmatema has joined the cast of "Rhythm City "as Valentine, a daughter of a domestic worker from The Vaal. Valentine is a seductress with ambition and nothing solid to offer. She sees herself at the top with no qualifications.

"I have always loved Rhythm City, my brother and I would always make sure that we watch it at 6pm before it moved to 7pm. For me to be on it is so amazing, a dream come true" commented the actress.

Although Valentine doesn't sing, Mmatema is hoping that one day the producers make her one of the singers. "it would be even more amazing if Valentine would sing on the show", concluded Mmatema.

Mmatema is a celebrated singer, songwriter who rose to fame from South African Idols Season 11th. She has acted on a number of shows including SABC 2's "Bones of My Bones". She is also the current host of SABC 1's Gospel music show "Gospel Unplugged". This talented beauty from Zebediela, Limpopo studied Applied Linguistics from the Tshwane University of Technology before pursuing her musical dream.

As a musician, she has performed with a number of great acts the likes of Benjamin Dube and she has released her debut album with lead single Ke Lerato.

Mmatema appears on Rhythm City on e.tv Monday to Friday at 7pm.

What would you do with R130 mil? Don't just dream about it, join the #Powerball rush! #Ithuba

The national lottery operator, Ithuba has confirmed that the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus jackpots for Tuesday are guaranteed at a total of R130 million.

This is the second time in five months that the PowerBall jackpot has exceeded R90 million. 

In August 2018, one winner a Mpumalanga engineer, 34,  away with a whopping R145 million.

Khensani Mabuza, Corporate Relations Executive at Ithuba said: "This is really a game of the universe and we can never know when we will have a jackpot winner or where the winner will come from – anyone can get lucky, you just have to be in it to win it."

The National Lottery Operator says jackpots of this magnitude are milestones that should be celebrated.

"It is true that a guaranteed R94 million is a life-changing amount for whoever wins it. 

"However as the operator, we understand that the impact of big jackpots goes beyond just changing the life of the winner. 

"It is no secret that jackpots of this size attract a lot of players and that means that our contribution towards supporting charity causes through the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLTDF), increases. "

They said winners receive extensive financial advice and in addition, trauma counselling from qualified psychologists to help them deal with their new financial circumstances.

Daily News

That Friday feel good story! Stolen tech property from #Tsakane school recovered #FridayFeeling

School equipment stolen from Menzi Primary school in in Tsakane in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, has been found in a shop in the Johannesburg CBD, and four suspects have been arrested, the provincial department of education said on Friday.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said 16 tablets and three laptops stolen from a new multimillion-rand school has been recovered in the shop in the Johannesburg CBD on the corner of Mooi and Helen Joseph streets.

Gauteng police also confirmed the recovery of the stolen items and the subsequent arrests made. 

"An intelligence-driven operation by detectives from Ekurhuleni East Cluster and Trio Task Team led the members to Johannesburg CBD where four suspects aged between 23 and 38 were arrested. 

"During the arrest, police recovered 22 tablets and 3 laptops believed to have been taken from the school during the business robbery," spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said. 

He added that police were still looking for the remaining equipment and that there may be further arrests. 

At the start of the 2019 school year, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited the Menzi Primary School to unveil 33 new smart classrooms. 

The equipment was stolen six days later.

Two security guards were tied up and locked in a strongroom at the school and the criminals broke the main vault door to get keys for the entire school.

The department said the main areas broken into were the administration block and the IT offices, where the tablets are charged overnight.

"There is evident forceful entry on the doors of all the areas they went into," said the department.

It said items stolen included all 185 tablets for pupils, eight laptops for teachers, two data projectors, three desktop computers, a flat screen TV, petty cash of just less than R500 and a digital video recorder.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in Tsakane Magistrates Court on Monday.

IOL and African News Agency (ANA)

Three ways to air dry your hair like a pro. #GirlTalkZA hair

Exposing your hair to constant blow-drying or other heat treatments might mean your hair looks fabulous when you step out the door, but it could be doing some serious damage to your locks. Not to mention all the time it takes!

Whether you want to take a break from blow-drying to give your hair a chance to recover, or you'd just like an extra 15 minutes of sleep in the morning, our guide to air-drying your hair is exactly what you need.

1. Towel drying. When leaving your hair to air-dry it's more important than ever to be gentle when towel-drying. Wrap your hair in a towel or turban and leave it in place to soak up water for 10-15 minutes instead of rubbing it with the towel. While the towel does its job, get dressed, have breakfast or put your make-up on.

2. Detangling. Once you've removed the towel, it's best to detangle immediately. Depending on your hair type and texture, apply a leave-in conditioner, smoothing serum or oil of choice. Unless you're very lucky, the secret to great-looking air-dried hair is usually a few products that work for you, so don't skip this step!

Use a wet brush or specialised detangling brush and gently start brushing through your hair. If you're prone to knots, start at the ends and work your way up to the roots in small sections. Once you've detangled, you shouldn't brush your air-dried hair again unless it naturally dries bone straight and without a hint of frizz.

3. Decide on your final look. Now that your hair has been towel-dried and detangled, it's time to choose a style based on what kind of hair you have.

Braids and buns – Some braids and buns work much better when done with damp hair – especially if your hair is fine and straight. Wait until your hair is 50% dry, then style as desired – you'll need fewer grips, clips and hair products if you attempt an elaborate braid with damp hair.

Untamed manes – If your hair is on the wild side (we're talking curly, frizzy, and generally voluminous), you should take maximum advantage of letting it air-dry.

In the palm of your hand, mix a few drops of hair oil or leave-in conditioner into either a dollop of hair mousse or a blob of soft gel (again – it depends on your hair type and texture). The oil or cream lets the mousse or gel stay soft and moveable.

Work it through your hair, avoiding your roots, until it's evenly spread, but resist the urge to fiddle with it too much – it's not called wash and go for nothing. If you have curly hair, use a scrunching motion to preserve your curls.

Limp locks – If your hair tends to be a little lifeless, give it a boost with a good root lifting spray. You can add a bit of volumising mousse to the roots and mid-lengths as well. Use scrunching motions (pick sections of your hair up in clenched fist-like movements) to create additional lift and volume.

Pearl Thusi and Thuli Madonsela join the world in praying for #Kenya and #Zimbabwe

Celebrities, politicians and ordinary citizens have taken to social media to #PrayForKenya and #PrayForZimbabwe as chaos continues in both African countries.

Fourteen people were killed when four militants stormed an upscale hotel complex in Nairobi on Tuesday. Seven hundred people were safely evacuated.

The attack on the DusitD2 hotel began shortly with an explosion in the parking lot and then a suicide bomb blast in the foyer, police said.

Somali militant Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, three people, including a police officer, died during Monday's violent protests in Harare and Bulawayo, where protesters looted shops and torched cars.

The protests were sparked after the government announced a fuel price hike. Zimbabweans also complained of high prices of basic needs.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country's largest mobile operator, said its internet services had been cut off following an order from the government.

Public figures and celebrities took to Twitter to pray for Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Pray for Kenya and Zim everyone.
This could be happening in SA – don't just be thankful, be mindful and pray for our brothers and sisters. 

— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi)
January 16, 2019

As long as there is injustice somewhere there can't be sustainable peace anywhere. Let's pray for healing and peace in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Deepest condolences and sympathies to those that have lost loved ones or suffered injuries

— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3)
January 16, 2019

We mourn live

DJ Black Coffee goes back to school to pursue #InteriorDesign qualification

It took the completion of his eldest son's high school studies for DJ Black Coffee to pursue a side of his passion. He is therefore back in school to pursue a qualification in interior design.

Sharing the exciting news, he wrote: "Dropped out of school to take care of myself then my family, seeing my 1st born son finishing high school, getting ready for University and everything else he has achieved as a young man has filled my heart with so much joy and gratitude now I can go back studying this year…"

Black Coffee is however not sure how he is going to manage with the touring ahead, but hopes to give it all a shot.

Mo Flava #bursaries up for grabs

For the 9^th consecutive year running, Metro FM afternoon drive time radio personality and Club DJ, Mo Flava, is set to give-away bursaries to Boston Media House once again to students who matriculated in 2017 or 2018.

Staying consistent with his messaging that one must master their craft, Mo Flava has sent out a call to action for those interested in working in the media industry to take up the opportunity to study Media Studies through Boston Media.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that I'll be giving away bursaries again this year. I will personally conduct the interviews and I look forward to meeting all short-listed candidates," expresses Mo Flava.

The entry mechanic to stand a chance to win a Mo Flava Media Studies bursary at Boston Media House is very simple. 2017 and 2018 matric students need only WhatsApp their matric results to 081 268 7518.

Shortlist candidates will then be invited to be interviewed by Mo Flava at one of the three Boston Media campuses below:

 

·         19 January 2019 – Durban campus

·         26 January 2019 – Sandton campus

·         2 February 2019 – Pretoria campus

Best supermarket meals that will cost you a few Rands #GirlTalkZA

With the SA Weather service issuing storm warnings, it might be a good idea to stock up on some meal kits this week. There are some superb specials doing the rounds, even though the catalogues were shared a bit late.

We've rounded up all the best deals so that you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen. Who needs Uber Eats and Mr Delivery when you can prepare a meal fit for a king in no time?

Checkers

Meal kit this week: Italian Aubergine Bake – R139.99 

Image credit: Checkers

The dish contains aubergine, Napolitana sauce, basil, mozzarella and Pecorino powder. It's enough for two servings and takes between 30 to 45 minutes to prepare.

Allergens include cow's milk, gluten and eggs. For instructions to prepare, either scan the QR code on the box, or watch theinstructional video.

Woolworths

Spaghetti Bolognese – R49.99 for 300g or R99.98 for two servings.

Image credit: Unsplash/Eiliv-Sonas Aceron

Woolies' Spaghetti Bolognese is "Italian inspired" and made locally with free range eggs. The beef bolognese sauce and pecorino cheese are divine.

For veggies, consider two servings ofbutternut, spinach and red onion bake for only R54.99. It's ready to eat in only 2 minutes.

Pick 'n Pay

Stewing beef is on special for R64.99 per kg.

Image credit: Pexels/Tuan Ngo

If you're in the mood for spending a little more time in the kitchen this week, consider getting stewing beef for only R64.99 per kilo.

Try something different with this Beef Stew and Maize Meal recipe, but remember to add onions, carrots, celery, tomato paste, whole peeled tomatoes, garlic, mushroom and white wine to your trolley.

The recipe is enough for four services and will take less than two hours to prepare. Perfect for those lazy weekends, no?

Spar

Burgers! For only R79.99 per kg.

Image credit: Flickr/Marco Verch

With Select Beef or Chargill Beef Burgers selling for R79.99, there's no reason not to make burgers this Friday evening. Just remember to get some potatoes too, for those yummy potato wedges and chips.

Alternatively, try Spar's Sweet Potato Wedges for something different:

Sweet Potato Wedges

Ingredients

• 500 g sweet potato (1 very large or 2-3 small-medium)
• 15 ml Canola or olive oil
• 60 ml cake flour
• 5 ml paprika
• 5 ml mustard powder
• 5 ml salt
• 2 ml ground black pepper
• 25 ml honey
• Sunflower seeds or sesame seeds

Method

• Preheat oven to 200 ºC with oven shelf in centre position.
• Peel the potato/es and rinse under cold water – pat dry and slice into wedges of equal size.
• Measure the oil into a baking tray and toss the wedges in the oil, until they are all coated with a thin layer of oil.
• Transfer the wedges in batches into a plastic bag in which the flour and seasonings are combined – shake until they are coated and transfer them back onto the same baking tray in a single layer.
• Bake for 30 minutes until browned and crisp.
• Drizzle warmed honey over the wedges and sprinkle seeds of choice over to stick onto the surfaces of each wedge.
• Serve immediately.k

© The South African .

Big opportunity for #NadiaNakai as she gets the chance to perform in the United States

Nadia Nakai is set to represent South Africa at this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

The festival celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries and Kwesta represented Mzansi last year.

Nadia shared the news on her social media, expressing her excitement at the opportunity.

I'm so excited!!! I've been selected as 1 of the South African artist to showcase at @sxsw in Austin Texas in the United States!!!! I can't wait!!; She captioned the photo on Instagram

Go bold and invest in proudly SA products. #UbuntuBaba baby carriers #GirlTalkZA

The Stage 1 organic hemp carrier.

In a world where "perfection" is used to describe the modern mother, Ubuntu Baba founder Shannon McLaughlin chose to find her happy place doing the best that she could for her son Leo.

Today, the mom and entrepreneur has built her sustainable brand on stylish, functional and organic baby carriers. Pity about the Woolworths debacle where the retailer was forced to withdraw its similar-looking baby carriers after an outcry from McLaughlin and social media followers.

While the store was selling the carrier at a third of the price because it was manufactured in China, Ubuntu Baba carriers are made exclusively in South Africa, supporting job creation and ensuring the money gets pumped back into our economy. Now that Woolworths has apologised, McLaughlin has called on it and other big corporates to support and develop small businesses.

Entrepreneur Shannon McLaughlin has built her sustainable brand on stylish, functional and organic baby carriers. Picture: Instagram

"Big corporations, like Woolworths, should NOT be allowed to take advantage of local SMEs the way that they have clearly been doing. Instead, they should be looking into ways where they can support, rather than hinder small businesses in South Africa," she wrote on her blog shortly after meeting the retailer.

The Ubuntu Baba carrier has been receiving widespread attention, but it's a pity it had to take a social media storm to highlight the brand.

The idea to start Ubuntu Baba came from McLaughlin's frustration as a first-time mom who had no idea what she was doing. Twelve weeks in, and with Leo constantly in her arms, she needed a way to stop the crying. And so started her mission for the perfect baby carrier once he became too heavy for the stretchy wrap. After purchasing six different carriers, she was getting nowhere and realised she had to make her own.

"My goal was to create an easy to use, breathable and comfortable carrier that could be used from the newborn days onwards. After many different prototypes and assuring my design team time and time again that 'okay, I swear this is the one!', I finally managed to design my dream baby carrier."

Stage 2 @ R1 590

The organic hemp carriers are available in two designs:

The Stage 1 (0 to 14 months) (R1390): Gentle on C-section healing, and with large pockets that fit nappies and wipes, the ergonomic design is in line with IHDI standards.

The Stage 2 (R1590): With front and back pockets, get your toddler to sleep within minutes, through a busy mall in comfort, or up a mountain with ease.

Reversible teething pads (R220-R495)

The brand also has Reversible teething pads (R220-R495): Durable and reversible, these teething pads keep your carrier safe from drool while giving your baby a soft place to chew.

* Visit: https://ubuntubaba.com/

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