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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hearty April greetings!

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

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

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

This month we showcase: 

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

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

* Anele Mdoda relives her #Oscars moment 

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

* How TymeBank is set to revolutionalize banking

* The untold story of Revolt Apparel

........ Plus

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

* Investment advice for students

* Three small lifestyle changes for losing weight

* Expert tips for a startup business

* How to maintain your hair under a wig

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

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

Linda Sokhulu becomes latest addition to #RhythmCity family

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

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

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

Five modern things that #smartphone's are eliminating

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

1. Digital cameras

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

 

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

 

2. Standalone navigation devices

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

 

3. Fixed-line telephones

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

 

4. Portable music players

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

 

5. Gaming consoles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heyaaa Readers

Our Trendnation April edition PDF is out!

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

This month we showcase: 

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

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

* Anele Mdoda relives her #Oscars moment 

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

* How TymeBank is set to revolutionalize banking

* The untold story of Revolt Apparel

........ Plus

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

* Investment advice for students

* Three small lifestyle changes for losing weight

* Expert tips for a startup business

* How to maintain your hair under a wig

And lots, lots, lots and lots more

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

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

https://docdro.id/6957DzZ

Plan without #Eskom and go #Solar! #Loadshedding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First #Mzansi #Netflix series wows audiences

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

It is gritty, edgy and unapologetically South African.

A young girl is horribly slain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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