Author Archives: Ezimtoti News

By Rapule Ramalepa

EVERY weekend there’s an event to attend ekasi.

    People enjoy going out to have fun and forget about their problem and difficulties for a while. It was a huge sunny day at Entokozweni Community Centre where the annual Mr & Miss Uthando beauty pageant was held. It was organised by Nomahlubi Mashiya.

    She’s the founder and CEO of her two companies; Ivy M Beauty Spa & Traning Academy and The Little Miss Uthando.

   “It is an placate for me to host this prestigious pageant by my company Ivy M Beauty Spa & Training Academy, it is also our biggest sponsor of the event,” she said.

     The beauty pageant was attended by none other than the legendary musician Pappa Makhene.

    Among other attendees were representative from Soweto Tourism and Business Development, as well as owners of small businesses.

   “The objective of this event is to uplift children in our community.”

    She said their goal was to change lives of those who partake in the beauty project, and she has also encouraged parents to support their children so that they can be successful.

By KOPANO MONAHENG 

OUR goal is to continue providing quality services and resources to our community, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead.

      These are the words of Pertunia Malingisa, founder and CEO of Kutlwano Malingisa Foundation, Mr & Miss Mzansi International and National Director for Clash of the Province Beauty Pageant.

       She spoke after being nominated in the Youth Empowerment Ambassador category at the 3rd edition of Emerge Africa Awards to be held at ACPP Proclamation Hill in Pretoria.

      The awards will be announced on 6 April this year. The event aims to recognise excellence and innovation by young Africans.

     Malingisa, born and raised in Soweto, established her organisations 10 years ago and each one of them has been doing very well.

     “I am humbled and grateful for this recognition of my work. It feels like a validation of the time, energy, and passion that I have poured into my craft,” Malingisa said.

       She has promised to do even more to ensure that Mzansi youth realise their potential through her organisations.

      “We are currently exploring new ways to engage with the community, such as hosting more empowerment programs and events, expanding our social media presence, and creating new partnerships.”

NEDBANK CUP QUARTERFINALS ANNOUNCED DATES, VENUES AND TIMES FOR KICKOFF!

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially announced the dates, venues, and kick-off times for the upcoming Nedbank Cup quarterfinal fixtures.

The quarterfinal matches for the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup will take place over the weekend of 12th, 13th, and 14th April 2024.

Tickets will be sold through TicketPro outlets at a price of R60 per ticket. The PSL will advise as soon as tickets become available for purchase.


The Fixtures:

FRIDAY, 12 APRIL 2024

1. University of Pretoria vs Mamelodi Sundowns- Lucas Moripe Stadium (19h00)


SATURDAY, 13 APRIL 2024

2. Stellenbosch FC vs SuperSport United- Danie Craven Stadium (15h00)
3. AmaZulu FC vs Orlando Pirates- Moses Mabhida Stadium (18h00)

SUNDAY, 13 APRIL 2024

4. TS Galaxy FC vs Chippa United- Mbombela Stadium (15h00)

Source: PSL

By Malereko Tae
IF we’re to list factors that increase people’s anxiety and stress, much would be said.
South Africans are going through a lot recently and laughter is all they need to distress.
    The Savanna & Showmax Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2024 is coming to Joburg.
The Comedy Festival will take place from the 5 – 7 April at Sandton Convention Centre.
      The line-up includes none other than the legendary comedian Eddie Griffin.
Locally we have Tumi Morake, Alfred Adriaan, Mashabela, Chris Mapane, and more.
      Attendees will enjoy a three-day laughter-filled journey with over 50 local and international comedians across three stages – where they will enjoy comedy in English, SeTswana, SePedi, IsiZulu and Afrikaans.
      Laugh Africa introduced the innovative ‘Just One Ticket’ concept, making the festival accessible to every comedy lover. It offers access to all shows on their ticketed day, with prices ranging from R340 for general access to R7500 for a VIP experience.
      The festival’s creative director, Stuart Taylor,  said: “We’re redefining comedy festivals in South Africa. This isn’t just a show; it’s a three-day journey through laughter, from local talents to international acts. There’s something for everyone.”
      Senior brand manager for Savanna Premium Cider, Kayla Hendricks, added that their brand has an incredible legacy of nurturing African comedy and is committed to elevating local comedic talent while bridging the gap between local and international comedy opportunities.
     Comedy continues to emerge as Africa’s secret weapon – a tool for celebration, resilience, and unity. The annual festival is set to become a cornerstone of the local comedy scene.
For more info, visit http://www.laugh-africa.com.

E
BAFANA GET DOWN TO BUSINESS IN ALGERIA
By Nie Cele
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos had his first training session at Annaba stadium, Algeria, on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the FIFA Series to be held in the North African country in the coming days.

Broos was all smiles as his charges got down to business at the 19 May 1956 Stadium. The Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United contingent are expected in Annaba later on Tuesday night and the South African senior men’s team coach will finally have his full complement of players.

The Africa Cup of Nations Bronze medalists play the first match of the FIFA Series against Andorra on Thursday, 21 March 2024. They then travel back to the capital of this North African country to face hosts Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 before returning home on the following day.

“I am happy that we are playing these two games. We play against Andorra in the first match, who are not a top team in Europe, far from it, but they lose games by close margins, usually 1-0 or 1-2,” Broos said.

“This means it will be tough. It is a different style also, and the game also gives me an opportunity to look at new players. As I said, we have started to look for new players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because there are some players we might have to replace for the tournament. So, I am happy with that game against Andorra. I am also happy with the match against Algeria. They are one of the best teams in Africa.”

SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.

By Malereko Tae
FOOTBALLERS in Mzansi have first-hand experience of unemployment, poverty, drug abuse and other social challenges.
For many, a lack of education and training means they remain trapped in poverty.
      This is why the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MultiChoice have partnered to help the current players find employment within or outside the football industry when their careers in soccer have come to an end.
       Since 2022 when the programme was launched, the two companies have seen more and more players take part in the Player Transition Programme.
Today marks a significant milestone as PSL football players celebrate their graduation which were held in Joburg.
      These graduates are now equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to carve out successful futures beyond the football pitch.
      Addressing the longstanding concern of financial insecurity among retiring footballers, this initiative equips players with essential skills for managing finances effectively and transitioning smoothly into new careers.
     Chairman of PSL Dr. Irvin Khoza, expressed his pride in the achievements of the players, stating, “Today, we celebrate not just the graduation of these players, but the empowerment of a generation of future leaders.”
Khoza said the programme is a success today because of their partnership with MultiChoice.
     Despite starting their careers as early as 8 years old, the average football player’s career is relatively short-lived, typically lasting until the age of 35. This year, the programme catered to players between the ages of 19 and 38, as well as those at the onset of their football journeys. The teams were represented by a seasoned player and a newcomer, some of whom have just graduated from the DStv Diski Challenge and been promoted to the Professional league.
    The footballers graduate with a qualification from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), the educational partner for the PSL Player Transition Programme. This comprehensive curriculum covers business fundamentals, information technology, financial management, and leadership skills.
The players could also become
coaches, analysts, administrators, or ambassadors for the sport, including venturing into business after football.

     Rendani Ramovha, CEO of SuperSport, said by investing in players’ personal growth and education, they aim to ensure that athletes are well-prepared for the challenges beyond their playing careers.
“As a former sportsperson, I understand first-hand the need to prepare oneself for life after the game. The success of the programme is therefore a testament to the collective efforts of the PSL, MultiChoice, and all stakeholders involved in empowering football players for a brighter future beyond the pitch.”

By Desmond Pitoyi

Clearly, since 1994 there has been election observor missions coming to South Africa to monitor each and every election, and there were no qualms about that. And it is not up to a political party to make that judgement call. Once again, the DA is playing cheap politics and exposing itself for what it really is.

Then, the new kid on the block, umKhonto weSizwe (MK party), fronted by former president Jacob Zuma, enters the fray and looks set to be a monkey on the ANC’s back.

Zuma has been telling the nation that he is still a member of the ANC and will not vote for his party as long as Cyril Ramaphosa is still at the helm. So, he has become a member and the face of the MK party to unseat Ramaphosa. Speak of a contradiction in terms.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, former president Thabo Mbeki and other party members have on different public platforms and occasions declared that by associating himself with the newly formed MK party, Zuma has already defined himself out of the ANC, an organisation he stood and fought for for donkey’s years.

Now, the ANC has dragged the MK party through court on copyright infringement allegations for using the name “umKhonto weSizwe”, which the governing party claims is its trade mark and owns copyright  thereof. Mzansi is waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the legal process.

The IEC has not been spared either in this political quagmire. The MK party has threatened that there will be all-out war and ungovernability, if  it is not on the ballot paper on voting day.

On the sidelines, in a recent interview, Saftu’s Zwelinzima Vavi was quoted as apologising for supporting Zuma in the period leading up to 2007, saying “it was the biggest mistake”. Is Vavi saying this to save face?

Confronted with all these dynamics and having difficulty choosing which political party to vote for, or even undecided whether to vote or not, the masses are also disillusioned with the parties and the status quo.

At the same time, voters are looking for some saviour, including among those whose hands are dripping with blood in terms of creating conditions that we find ourselves in.

The economy is in a downward spiral, load shedding is the bane of our existence. Gauteng is now faced with threats of Day Zero as the taps are running dry, and all illogical explanations are put forward.

If the ANC falls below 50%, it will have limited options, or no options at all. There is even talk of it going into coalition with some small parties.

Meanwhile, the MK party has not spelled out its policy or manifesto, or has it done so? Therefore, it is unclear which direction it seeks to take in so far as key parliamentary votes are concerned.

There is speculation that what we have seen unfold at local municipality level – where coalitions rule the roost – the same could be true in the national space, post elections.

Whatever the outcome, let us not allow history to repeat itself like in the days when the IFP threw tentrumps and was put on the ballot paper on the 11th hour as it threatened to plunge the country into chaos. That is the last thing this country needs right now.

As things stand, the voter is faced with information overload as the matrix of the upcoming national and provincial elections play themselves out. How is it all going to end? One wonders!

KOPANO MONAHENG

THOBEKILE “The Queen” MALABELA may be a modeller by birth, but the 19-year-old beauty still wants to pursue a career in electrical engineering someday.
     The Malabela family did their best to support their daughter who showed some interest in beauty and paid for her modelling classes.
      In 2023, she was crowned Mr & Miss Mzansi International Queen, the crown she dreamt of winning her whole life. The crowning took place in Roodepoort, Gauteng, and it was organised by Mr &                Miss Mzansi International.
    In a bid to help Mzansi youth realise their potential in modelling, the Youth Empowerment CEO, Pertunia Malingisa, saw the need for establishing an organisation dedicated to fighting unemployment in Mzansi.
    Malingisa said her organisation also connects modellers with potential hires, especially companies in the production space. One of the youth is Thobekile, who is now an actress on channel 161, also known as Mzansi Magic. She has already been featured in shows like Buhlebendalo, which was more like a peagent show; Sphiwo and from April this year, she will also be featured in Isitha.
     The actress, hailing from Protea Glen in Soweto, said growing up she never fathomed that she would become an actress: “I have always wanted to work in the electrical space, but if you get an opportunity like this in life, you must grab it with both hands,” she said.
Pertunia hooked Thobekile up after seeing potential in her, and hopefully she’s not the last person to be on TV and other behind the scenes posts.
     Thobekile is also doing a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management with the University of South African (Unisa).

By KOPANO MONAHENG

WE all deserve to look good, isn’t it?
All we need is to look after ourself and skin.
   The beautiful your skin is, the more confidence you have, and that’s what Dermacell, the leading skincare brand, is all about.
   It offers a range of skincare products, such as the Revive & Renew Serum, Essential Hydration Moisturizer, Luminosity Eye Revitalizing Cream, Harmony Toning Elixir, and Night Recovery Complex, and more.
Lovey Talana, Dermacell CEO, said their products are of high quality and as a brand they believe in providing sale to ensure every household has their product:

“We are thrilled to present our customers with this exclusive opportunity to indulge in the luxury of Dermacell’s premium skincare range,” she said. In other shops, more often you’ll find that food products are the ones being on sale than any other products.
  But not at Clicks Stores.
Lovey said the reason for this is to show their appreciation for the trust their customers have placed in them.
   “We believe that everyone deserves to experience the confidence that comes with radiant, healthy skin. Our success story lies in our unwavering commitment to delivering products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers.      We have been on a mission to redefine skincare, focusing on holistic well-being and the confidence that comes from having healthy, radiant skin,” she concluded.

By Phuti Mathobela

Producer and DJ Boonu said he wanted to focus on being a filmmaking and making music vides. The musician said it was always his dream to venture into films and he is happy that it’s finally happening. The uSwidi Wodwa hitmaker whose real name is Andile Chili said he is not leaving it for good he is just exploring his other talents.

DJ Boonu from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal told Ezimtoti News that his new venture means a lot to him. The 36-year-old said he wants to use his 10 years experience in the entertainment industry to teach other young people how it is done.

“I recently ventured into the film space and started a media production house called Swidi Films. The reason being I saw a gap in the market for visual story telling for up-and-coming talent and creatives and want to help them reach their goals,”he said.

He said his goal is to make sure that young film makers are seen and heard in the entertainment space.

“Me venturing into the film industry doesn’t necessarily mean that I am taking a break in music. I’m just exploring more ways to grow the industry,”DJ Boonu said.

The musician this is him creating job opportunities for young talented creatives in Mzansi.

“I have been in the music business for more than 10 years. I started as just a DJ for Big Nuz and then started releasing usic under my own labels called Alias as DJ Boonu in 2016,”he said

The musician said that his music journey has never stopped and he is now excited to be in the film industry.

“There is a lot in store this year we will be focusing on more visual concepts and telling stories frame by frame. I will be releasing a single in February,”he said.