Volume 3 by aesthetikselektor

CONTENTS 2

6 The fall of angels 10 Khaleesi Dior 18 TASH 22 Woolganza 30 Spiral 34 On the cover 38 A dance called life 40 These & those 42 Chaka’s piece 44 An insomniacs journal 46 Delta Twins 52 To Aaron 56 The 7even7h ward 59 Two-hander 60 Lithalelanga Vena 68 A bottom-up approach 72 Reclaiming the ethos of sisterhood 80 From Maglera to lefatshe

vol.3

CLASS OF 2021

WHAT WE ARE DOING IS IMPORTANT

editor’s note Today’s lesson is about inevitabilty for the regrettable youth, deplorable juveniles & lamentable dreamers corralled within four walled coops, weathering the daily process of proselytization Or perhaps it’s a lesson in humility taught to the worn out rector who’s finally relinquish their course. Perhaps substitution of the convention is inescapable, inexorable, the exemplar would unavoidably be discarded... so then it’s still a lesson about inevitability Is this wistful musing? Similar to how a child lost in a reverie decides that the sky is still blue, and that there’s truly no point in carrying griefcases

HERE SO SOON?

the fall of angels By Lethabo Makweya

Two humans become one Energies in sync Palm to Palm Cheek to cheek Chaos and calm A sacred act performed New life formed

A seed planted Genetics germinated into a feotus and then into a living, breathing being blooming in the womb. Whoo, haa, whoo, haa Push! Push! Aaaahhh! A flower of life, harvested from the womb The room filled with silence and then a cry. A cry which impregnates the room with joy. New life being birthed. There is something overwhelmingly sacred about the act of being born This act which we have all been through. So sacred, nothing but love congests the room. Quite similar to one’s final rest in the tomb. Innocence, ignorance, purity protected from harm. Protected from the world’s tyranny. Life and death- the inevitable that connects me and you. Life. Death. The human condition we are all born into Humanness. Ubuntu. What, who, why and when Thoughts that I ponder on More often now than then Existential threatExistence, threat. The threat of existence? All these questions remain unanswered I uphold the persistence.

Being born into a world Which entails so much meaning meaning which influences my world Our world And so, this pre-existing meaning Defines for us, who and what we are How we should be Which gender and sexuality we are meant to be Which religion to belong to... Religion. What an interesting word. Re... re-analyze, re-write, re-do, As far as I’m concerned, “re” is a prefix, meaning again and again, and again This constant repetition begins to unfold an enemy of progress. Black, white, male, female Christian, Muslim insignificantly significant titles Titles used to box people in Titles used to separate the fact that we are all human. Ubuntu. I remember when we were free, the churches were empty and we spoke to the gods directly. Our ancestors being one of those gods A religious woman and a cultural, spiritual man fall in love and have offspring Chaos This child, experiencing conflict for so long Not knowing what is wrong Or what is right. 8

Growing up in a Christian home And then being educated about colonization. Learning that Christianity was taught and culture is experienced. Feeling feelings of attraction to the same sex Is this a sin? Am I a sin? What are sins? What is wrong and what is right? Chaos. Mechanisation. Power-over. More Chaos And yet, her light still shines bright Accepting her ancestors and her culture instead of demonizing it. Camagu (gratitude) “Thokoza Gogo Dumi!” She yelled with Joy. (Greetings, ancestors) Embracing her spirituality through her entire essence, her being As a black, African woman. Camagu.

WRITTEN & STYLED BY LETHABO MAKWEYA COURTESY OF NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2021

khaleesi dior By Qaphile Langa

“Makeup has become therapy to me.” When we talk about the year of execution, Ramona Ramano is in the forefront with all the doers! Having exercised her skill on such a remarkable level, it comes as a shock that she established herself so recently. “I’ve always been a “girly girl”. However, I first discovered my passion for makeup in 2019 when I would just do it for fun and people around me started complementing me, telling me to take it seriously.” While her work ethic speaks to the sentiment of taking it seriously, her creative process carries a more relaxed tone - going with the flow, as they say. “A lot of the times I don’t know what I’m going to do until I start. My creative process is either one of two things: I have an inspiration picture from other creatives or even themes, or I’m winging it.” Art is a personal expression, sometimes of parts of ourselves that we fail to voice out in the conventional sense. “I’m inspired by my own emotions and what I could be going through. Makeup has become therapy for me.” When I first met her, I was introduced to a very reserved Ramona, but would soon be struck with a bold second impression by Khaleesi Dior’s elaborate makeup designs and incredible attention to detail.

BASANI, MBALI, RAMONA, 04/11/2021

“It feels nice to be acknowledged and sometimes it’s what drives me to continue when I don’t feel like it. However, it’s not that important...,” she says, about getting reckognized in this saturated industry. There is a plethora of aspiring makeup artists out there offering tutorials and hacks on digital platforms such as YouTube, and it is quite easy for one to be overlooked amongst the millions. But at this point, using her skills as a creative outlet, Khaleesi Dior is not phased by competition nor does she prioritize recognition. “...like I said, makeup has become therapy for me. As much as I enjoy an audience, it’s not a driving force for what I do.” 1515

MAKEUP: RAMONA RAMANO @khaleesi.dior MODELS: @mutsonga__ @mbaalli_ @Khaleesi.dior WRITTEN BY QAPHILE LANGA COURTESY OF AESTHETIKSELEKTOR VOL.3

Tatenda... Tatenda... Up in the hills ufunge Catching a vibe ufunge Been a while ufunge... Since I felt alive ufunge... I’m running ma rounds I’m trying to cope I hope I don’t drop mmhh Zvonetsa kutaura Rega ndimbo chishauya Mhamha... Vaka bvisa misodzi Baba Vaka phonera lawyer Haasi ma story Taimboti horror Now yato movie yatorarama Karma I hope inoshanda Coz pane ma sinh atoshaya Atukutsvaga ne moyo yekachena JESU Musazotirasa

TUMELO MSUTU, 01/11/20201 20

CLIO GLENISTER, 22/09/2021

woolganza By Tafadzwa Makhuza

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I wanted to buy a bralette that an old schoolmate was selling but I didn’t have money. Instead, I bought some wool, put on a YouTube tutorial, and the rest was history. Crochet came into my life in 2015 - the year Jeppe High School for Girls first participated in the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day Drive. Mrs Carolyn Steyn, the founder of the initiative and a Jeppe Girls alumnus, had personally come to address us and she inspired me to be as creative as possible. However, the blanket i made that year was bland due to my lack of skills (I cannot think of it without cringing). It was only in 2016/2017, when my crochet skills got better, that I was able to think about an idea and then create it. I was a watermelon fanatic so naturally, I made a watermelon blanket that year.

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VOL.3

In 2019, I fell utterly in love with making clothes. I started wearing my crocheted tops around campus as well as posting pictures on Instagram. I’d make crochet items as birthday gifts for my friends or simply to show my love for them. One person suggested that I sell some of the things I made. Then others chimed in with the same suggestion, which resulted in the birth of my small business - WoolGanza (short for Wool Extravaganza). I even conjured up the slogan: “The woolest place on earth” because that’s what I wanted my business to be.

Crocheting is magical bcause you are just using wool and a single hook to create absolutely anything. It is a wonderful activity to do when you are watching something, attending a lecture, or even walking about. In fact, I recall many afternoons walking from school, crocheting the watermelon blanket.

I have many plans for my business. Realistically, I will probably only get to attend to them after my master’s degree. First, on my to-do list, I would love to work on my website and make it a place where other wool enthusiasts (focusing on South African crocheters and knitters) can showcase and sell their work. S all ages, genders, econdly, my intentions are to show that crocheting can be bold, cute, funky, sexy, elegant, and outright stunning using social media as as a platform. Gone are the days when any activity related to wool is seen as an elderly activity. It is very much an activity for all ages, genders, backgrounds, etc. Social media is booming with so many wonderful woollen wonders. For instance, one can start by searching #crochet on instagram and see that the posts are endless.

WRITTEN BY TAFADZWA MAKHUZA FOR AESTHETIKSELEKTOR VOLUME 3 CLASS OF 2021 COURTESY OF WOOLGANZA

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As for me, I will continue creating what is on my mind. These days, I just grab my wool and a hook and start crocheting. One of my latest designs is a pair of “egg pants.” They are actually flowers, but those closests to me have have argued that they look more like eggs and this has now stuck. I saw a blanket, at my best friend’s house, which had a similar granny square design and It inspired me to make the pants. I used to rely heavily on YouTube tutorials (for which I have everlasting gratitude) but these days, I have been making my own things. You will definitely hear more about it soon, dear reader, but just know that it will be absolutely fun.

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spiral By Qaphile Langa

To tumble down tongue-first into traumas already lived. Tantalizing flavours of tragedy and broken promises. The pressure to be and be all the time, how else do I say it? “I AM NOT OKAY” To be Alice tripping into a manhole instead... Devastatingly detached from the individual, I live with the dangers of an open mind, I-this: I-that. Everything about myself that I loathe. “I AM SO TIRED” To wake up suddenly in this cage of 4 limbs. Feelings, and I mean all of them, seep through the skin and the soul dares to be more than flesh and bone.

I think at some point in my youth I must have asked God to be a storyteller and she proceeded to put me through It. Though it hasn’t all been bad, several experiences have had me cackling in disbelief, “It just can’t be...” After a deep introspection in the previous year, bouts of depression, and a cursed luck, I was careful not to claim 2021 as my year of triumph. The chaos carried over and uncertainty seemed to be the only guarantee. It’s January... I’ve lost nearly a third of my body weight. Financially, “ikati lilele eziko” and my academic persuit is hanging by a thread. Loneliness, echoed by a haunting silence, festers like a cold sore. The fatigue persisted through the first half of the year and anxiety held me hostage. For a while it seemed like I would not make it, until I realized I was holding my own breath. The body is a temple I had long since abandoned; stuck in my head and dwelling in consequence. The epiphany hit like the first drop of rain in a desert - an urge to replenish my soul and assume control. No one else was coming to save me. Apologies to the self were long overdue. I found restoration and a more intricate level of self acceptance in creation working as though my life depended on it! While the journey of healing is still ongoing, I am not short of gratitude for how far I have come. I would like to thank faith for turning grief into a paperweight. To thank me for being me.

WRITTEN BY QAPHILE LANGA COURTESY OF AESTHETIKSELEKTOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHAMAELEON Q & ABONGILE MAYANA

on the cover By Tapiwa Pawandiwa

The Year Book

“Fashion Identity” The suit really just represents my desire “to follow suit”. However, at the same time there is a desire to make whatever I follow on the rat race corporate ladder match my identity and roots, hence the colors on the suit. The blank face... open eyes, and open mouth are open for interpretation.

“I’m Sorry” I have really been in the process of unlearning the abusive and racist views on black hair, specifically on black women. What is natural was taught to be evil, what was naturally beautiful was taught to be ugly. Something to be fixed. Something to be relaxed, ironed, colored or “done”. I used black and white for that reason in this piece. And the hair curly and kinky just like us, the irony of it is that hair isn’t straight, the curls face any direction they desire. My views on beauty have also been “relaxed, ironed, or done” and for that I’m sorry for taking so long to unlearn.

a dance called life By Nwabisa Moyo

Reflection is easy when it comes in the form of questions from others shot at you like bullets. How did you feel? Why was that? How did you deal with it? It is easy because in that moment you are answering questions, but when these questions come from within, from the depths of one’s heart, from your very own self, it is hard. It seems like a war is going on in you, with soldiers from one army fighting against each other. But it is only a war when you see your body and mind as a battle field. When you see it as a place of healing, the guns are put down, and the armies converse, resulting in a reflection about what was, and how they can shape the future to become what they want it to be. When I look back on this year, I realise that I saw many highs. I saw God moving in my life repeatedly, and at some point, I felt like Him and I were dancing to the same rhythm for once. At times, the music would stop, and I would think that He has left me, but then I realised that that was when He was closest to me, waiting for me to acknowledge Him, and once I did, the music began, and yet again, my feet were moving with Him. I learnt a lot this year. I learnt that restoration is always available. Sometimes it takes time for it to arrive, and finds you battered down, discouraged, anxious, exhausted, and even when you have given up. No matter where you are in the sea of emotions, it comes. Even if you have seen the darkest parts of the valley of death or the pits of the grave, if you are still alive, you can still feel life in you. Yes, you may fall while doing this dance called life, or even break a leg, but, if there is one thing, I came to truly learn and understand this year, It was the fact that with God as your partner, the routine is easier, as His own hands guide us on which moves to make next, which leg to put forward, and which arm to pull back. At times we feel that He may let us fall and crash our heads into the ground. Right there, we hear the music stop, and we see the spotlight in our faces, but right in those moments, His hands reach for our backs and hold us up. They lift us and place us on both feet. Then the music resumes, and so does the dance, slowly and more carefully, and at these times, we don’t just know that He is there, but we feel Him.

Jess Noome, 12/11/2021 38

Munsaka Juunza, 31/10/2021 39

these & those By Silindile Msomi

I woke up with a picture of conversations between blood and water Two rivers that make flesh Purpose We woke up on the opposite end of where I used to be, Like a two way mirror to the soul’s landline of confessions Of their purpose here Right now And why before, Nothing could be said. Only shown Minded by who sees I woke up to a continuous river, once an ocean Will be again. Listening to the waves calling us, To the start Of the month That gushed 2 rivers into direction, I’m waking.

chaka’s piece By Chakaza Dlamini

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In my room on a cloud, bursting through the vapors of contemplation.

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an insomniacs journal By Abongile Mayana

Night 4 So I’ve been awake three days straight. Decided to ask my doctor to check me out, he gave me some tablets but they don’t seem to be helping. It’s 01:47 AM and I’m still up. Four days straight then. Maybe they need time to work?? I don’t know. I’ve decided to keep this journal, thinking maybe it’ll…. help in someway. It’s laughable really. Night 5 Not a wink of sleep, and I guess it shows because a colleague at work gave me a number to contact their...what was it again? Cognitive therapist or something like that. Sheesh, I must look horrible. I know these thing cost a pretty penny so that’ll be a strong no. Besides, I don’t need some shrink trying to tell me what my baggage is. They always make it out to be much deeper than it actually is. Night 6 Thought I heard whispering somewhere in the house, I swear I did. Looked everywhere but found no one, double checked all the doors and windows to make sure they’re locked.

Night 7 I’m forgetting things. Hardly recognised my own reflection in the mirror. Almost left for work without any shoes. Couldn’t remember how the gears in my car work or which pedals do what. Took an uber to work. How long do these things usually last? Days? Weeks?! Feel like someone’s watching me. I’m exhausted. I just need sleep dammit!! Night 8 I can smell something burning. Not sure what it is. My mind might be fried. The whispering is back. Not going to bother looking for the source. Night 9 23:52 PM, I see something in the corner of my room. A tall shadow. It’s not speaking just staring. I’m afraid. 03:47 AM, it won’t leave so I’m spending the rest of the night locked in the bathroom. Hope it doesn’t try to get in here. Got my hockey stick ready just incase. Think I might see that damn shrink tomorrow. nIGht10 Iwouldntwishthisonpqiehelpfnzlaoahebtwujmqovwhyxjfsmea Iwouldntwishthisonpqiehelpfnzlaoahebtwujmqovwhyxjfsmea Night 11 It beckons. I will follow. Farewell.

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the delta twins

By Nonhlanhla Makhubo

Born and bred in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg, Eric and Petrus Mangwe have had a passion for music since a young age. As they put it, it is something that feeds their souls and keeps them sane on a day to day basis. During their school days they would join different musical groups and perform at different schools and in front of various audiences. During their teenage years, the Delta Twins joined a group called Delta Ware House which consisted of five members. Without a studio or fixed location to work in, the group would meet on different days after school and write and record music together. Their first song was titled Fire Emoji, a song that describes a mischievous girl and her troublesome ways. During the 2020 lockdown, the twins decided to start learning how to DJ which ultimately led to them understanding and appreciating music in a different way. The process of them learning how to craft their own music enabled them to better understand their own sound. Growing up the Delta Twins had a strong liking for Afro music. Their drip and vibe are closely linked and infused with the Afro influence. Perhaps the most important thing that drives them in music production is simply the passion to make good music that people can connect with.

The Delta Twins don’t categorise themselves as rappers but view themselves as all round musicians. Since delta means change, their mission is to change people’s perspectives in terms of how they listen to music. Their sound is essentially about storytelling, using beats, words and flows to bring the imagination to life. Eric and Petrus believe that music will change their lives not only by obtaining recognition but they hope to inspire the people around them to follow their own dreams. In 2021, they have embarked on a journey that saw them exposing themselves and becoming more comfortable in the entertainment space of Makhanda. They found themselves sharing stages with the likes of the xhosa Hip Hop artist Yanga Chief as well as amaPiano artist known as Musa Keys. Apart from their growing success in securing gigs, they worked on their latest E.P titled Manifesto Infusion which released on the 20th of November on all digital music platforms. This E.P was produced, composed and mixed by both Eric and Petrus. Manifesto Infusion means manifesting the infusion of the work of two different minds that become one. Music to them is a form of creative expression to the world about how they feel and hope it communicates how those listening feel about different situations. Continuing down their journey they hope their music will be used to heal and make people happy. They believe that music is the key to unlocking all doors of success and hopefully one day it will.

WRITTEN BY NONHLANHLA MAKHUBO COURTESY OF THE DELTA TWINS @deltatwins_sa PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHAMAELEON Q CLASS OF 2021

Petrus & Eric Mangwe, 16/11/2021 49

to aaron I’ll try to keep this brief so as not to waste too much of your time on a saccharine fool such as myself. It’s the 18th of August 1997, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The family is gathered in the back yard; your parents, your grandmother, myself, and a four day old you. It’s only been four days, and I already love you dearly. I’m afraid we won’t have much time together due to unfortunate circumstances that we do not have to delve too deeply into. Such is life, and I believe I have reached a good amount of peace with it. I am happy for all I have, and for all that has come my way. I hope the same for you, Aaron. Perhaps my only regret is that I will never see you grow, and so I am only left with my hopes. I hope you live a fruitful life. I hope you grow into a kind, dependable and strong man. You can never know too much, learn loads and try to be understanding of everyone. So many people are led astray due to whatever reasons, I hope you choose your own path and stick to it until the end.

Love, your grandpa

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Pamela Dyantyi, 30/10/2021 54

Robyn Schutte, 09/11/2021 55

the 7even7h ward

By Louie Tshelane This time i tried to write a song...

it’s up to me to decide and figure it out it’s up to me to decide what’s going on in my mind it’s up to me to figure out what went wrong in hindsight sometimes i think i’m in control but really no, i’m not most times i feel alone, not knowing where to go it’s up to me to figure out how to move on from what i know it’s up to me to decide if i wanna let all of that shit go sometimes i look at me and wonder why do i exist sometimes i look at you and wonder why do you persist it’s up to me think it through me and you nevermind it’s through and it wasn’t you because most times i know i got it wrong i’m not even strong i don’t think i belong because sometimes i know that i be hurting all of those around me i deserve it when they leave so i’m asking please forgive me and that’s not up to me but it’s up to me to decide what’s going on in my mind it’s up to me to figure out what went wrong think it through that’s up to me.

OF GREY MATTER

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two-hander By Abongile Mayana (a one act play in which I reveal how little you mean to me) ME: At age 20 Mary Shelly published Frankenstein. Mala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize at 17. Tatum O’Neal won the Oscar for best supporting actress when she was 10. Magnus Carlsen became a chess grandmaster at 13. Jesse Owens was 22 when he won four gold medals in Berlin. YOU: I assume you have a point? ME: That’s proof that they existed, people will remember them. I’m 23, I’ve yet to do anything important at all and time’s slipping away. YOU: What does it matter? ME: I’m afraid I’ll be forgotten. Less than a ghost, less than nothing. It’ll be as if I was never here. YOU: Nonsense. We’ll have each other, I’ll remember you. ME: That doesn’t mean anything. You’ll be less than a ghost too. [ Silence. We have nothing left to say to each other. ]

lithalelanga vena Reflects on the year

“This is when I told my life story in the most honest way, using my body and words.” 60

This is a year that started with grief and purging caused by what I choose to identify as the bygones. Loss had me making a promise to be kinder, softer and to love myself and others appropriately. Loss had me running to places that I thought were better and safer, but when I arrived it only became darker, until I realised there is no place like home. Home. The place where I spent my 23rd birthday in February, in bed, stuck in a cycle of deactivating and reactivating my socials, deleting contacts, and shedding off all of the old skin. Somehow I knew kuzode kulungle. I then moved to Durban, late February, to embark on a new and much anticipated journey in film school, a four year dream finally being realised. New skin, new place, and a new mindset. I knew this was a second chance for me, I had made it out of 2020 alive and all I had to do now was to tell a different story. The first few months in this new place were all about taking it all in, observing the way the people moved, spoke and interacted with life while simultaneously remaining hidden in a shell. The lessons were my party and the tests were the morning after debrief sessions with friends. The second semester is what truly stood out for me, this is when I told my life story in the most honest way using my body and words. In the beginning I took Live Performance Studies for the sake of having fun but emerged a different person. I emerged from the shell.

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I wrote and stared in a stage play that focuses on cultural evolution, KwaThandabantu. It is a direct representation of village life today, a story that has always been close to my heart. KwaThandabantu challenges patriarchy, agesim, interracial relations, and homosexuals or queer people finding their place in the black community in South Africa today. Before writing the play I, along with the rest of my class mates, visited a Pan African Arts Centre and Heritage Site called Wushwini in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. During our visit, I saw a group of young school girls, on an excursion just like us, standing on a wall inside a kraal like area that operated as an open theatre.

At first, the sight had me questioning why the girls would even step foot in such a sacred place, but then I remembered I wasn’t home and this was not an actual kraal. I also realised that my concerns were changing from “why are those in there” to “why the hell can’t those girls be in there”.

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I knew all this thinking had to change, and that is why I wrote KwaThandabantu, which follows the story of a young half Indian and half Zulu chief, who also happens to be a woman, as she chairs her first community meeting in her village. Her arrival is met with both opposition and warmth amongst the community representatives and some family members. This leaves the community at loggerheads with each other about what they really want for their own home. Looking back at the collection of photographs that I have taken, I think I have always wanted to be a voice for the forgotten ones, embracing the forgotten culture and language while still acknowledging it’s flaws.

I worked on seven different student films this year, as a performer, a producer, and a cinematographer, but this play stood out the most for me, followed by a short film titled ‘Death Do Us Part’ – a William Shakespear’s Sonnet 130 reference, in which I played the character of a loving and devoted Asanda. 2021, was unkind, then kind, and then unkind again. It started with grief and ended with grief again, taking away my sister and my uncle whom I loved dearly, but I came out a friend, a daughter, a student, and a performer.

WRITTEN BY LITHALELANGA VENA COURTESY OF AESTHETIKSELEKTOR THE YEAR BOOK CLASS OF 2021 PHOTOGRAPHS BY LITHALELANGA

Abongile Mayana, 30/10/2021 66

Simbongile Soko, 24/07/2021 67

a bottom-up approach By Markhan Andreas Nkhwazi

“Being a writer allows you to participate in the strange paradox of providing your readers the answer before they even ask the question.” - A thought that swam across my mind as my eyes played peekaboo with the lightning in the sky.

The Answer? One of the few things I’ve made peace with over the course of the year is that there’s always an unspoken desire for your work; not because you’re some hot commodity but because you owe it to someone who doesn’t know it yet. Inspiration could be lying dormant in some unsuspecting member of the audience and some carefully arranged words could be the catalyst that encourages that inspiration to blossom to its fiery completion. Yet it can be taxing at times, trying to be a pipeline for inspiration all year round. I had to pay my dues over the course of some months, even when I was running dry. That’s why I find it absolutely astounding that the greats can churn out pages of this stuff in a single day. They have so much juice pouring out of their minds without ever having to lift the jug and when they finally do, there’s a flood. The greatest the world has seen in that moment. Then this thing called passion stretches that moment into a century. I suppose the romantic term for that would be a page. So, what do you call a book? The mechanics of writing aside, one has to contend with their own tribulations and trepidation— pride can be suffocating and selling yourself short is equally debilitating. But it’s nowhere near as gruelling as backbreaking work in the sun or cleaning up after children— both toddlers and adults alike. That’s why I maintain that you’d be kidding yourself if you fail to admit how fortunate you are to play a role in shaping inspiration by simply threading words together on a page. (what came first, the answer or the question?) And as I weave these words together, I can faithfully conclude that writing is how I give back to the world. It’s how I say thank you because not too long ago, I was once that kid in the audience, unknowingly waiting for a serendipitous eruption.

The Question. Our neighbours across the street held a wedding a few months ago. It was a welcome surprise in between the monotony of pandemic life. I found myself wishing their marriage all the best in the comfort of my own thoughts. I did something similar a month prior to that when I was resting at a park watching a toddler chase after nothing in particular with his parents close behind him. I wanted him to stay safe and to keep pursuing his youth well into the future. Not out of self-righteousness or a sense of responsibility. If you had to ask me why I wouldn’t really know how to answer you. If the guests at the wedding were hoping and praying for the well-being of the newlyweds, I wanted to hope and pray too. If the parents at the park were concerned with the safety and continued curiosity of their child, I wanted to be concerned too. Perhaps I submitted to that earthly desire that creeps up on us all, the desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Maybe I wanted to play an active role in causality; hoping that all my unspoken words would nudge these people closer to their dreams. Whether or not I did anything at all, I’ll never know. That is to say: Do my unarticulated thoughts still leave an impression on the fabric of reality— does the narrative carry on regardless? It made me wonder how many strangers have spared a moment of their day to help fuel my own progress unbeknownst to me. How would I even begin to thank them?

WRITTEN BY MARKHAN ANDREAS NKWHAZI COURTESY OF VOL. 3 ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHAKAZA DLAMINI & TAPIWA PAWANDIWA CLASS OF 2021 BE PART OF “WE”

reclaiming the ethos of sisterhood By Thandwa Dlamini

2021 has reflected failures, losses and opportunities in our lives. Failure, however has come to be understood differently in this new era, it demanded a level of unforeseen compassion amongst us. Compassion that operated on two levels, one that required us to look within ourselves, find our ‘why’, and yet maintain an ambivalence of stillness and chaos in finding it. This implied that we needed to feel, and appear lost and fearful in our attempts to find our purpose. For a moment, we could relate to the atrocities happening in the world, and we did not put pressure on ourselves to realise our full potential but to work towards it, which brought us to the second level of compassion, where in order for us to take difficult strides towards birthing our purpose as female owned enterprises, we found ourselves creating a community that is centred on love, support and sisterhood. We are Ardor by Benjy Buttn and Texture Natural hair, and this is our story.

Understanding timing is a trade off with peace- for a moment All it takes is to start- thinking, planning and executing with the available resources. Take a leap of faith- cliche as it may sound, it sets you free from the bondage of not tapping into your aspirations. As Ardor by Benjy Buttn, we started looking around us, in our mother’s beautiful grand garden in secluded and drought stricken Gundvwini, and became more aware of mother nature’s gifts, we became more curious about the benefits of plants, flowers, salts from the earth and we remain curious of what may come out of here. In those moments we realised more than ever that we had found everlasting wealth that affords people wellness. Wellness was our first area of focus, when everyone was trying to figure out living a healthy lifestyle in the wake of COVID-19. As a result, we introduced self care packages to assist loved ones with ailments related to COVID. Closely after that, we introduced organic body products, complementing them with body beads, the finishing touch to the body selection.

WRITTEN BY THANDWA DLAMINI, WELILE DLAMINI & PATRICIA MIKANGO COURTESY OF AESTHETIKSELEKTOR VOL.3 PHOTOGRAPHS BY THANDWA DLAMINI

The birth of Texture Natural Hair Salon comes after a period of loss and grieve, of my father. I fell into depression thinking about my future plans. Trying to find a solution, I spoke to Dylan Zwane, a friend of mine and he asked me what I was passionate about, after hearing me speak out haircare he asked me “Why don’t you start?” he went on to tell me that if I have a vision for myself, I should build on what I’m passionate about and I’ll never regret it. A few months later, I started. In the middle of a pandemic I had a mission to open a salon that would be a haven for women of all hair textures. Chasing my dreams came at a price, my family was not fully ready to let me go out into the world due to clashes between my vision and our culture and because of this I was on my own. By the time civil unrest hit, my sister had helped with enough equipment to open, I thought all my work would be in vein but we managed to open our doors in October. In the groundworks, I had roped in Ardor’s co-founder Benjy Buttn, who offers barber services, creating a diverse array of beauty options for all kinds of women, with no room for limitation. Importantly, I following my dreams has earned the support of my family. Through this whole experience I learnt that your productivity and growth is affected by the people that surround yourself with.

That said, collectively as Texture and Ardor by Benjy Buttn, we believe we are being seen daily, we are repeating the message and we are being heard, more awareness on our products and services is being created and for us this year that all of which have been huge accomplishments, well after the profit motive of course. From where we are standing, we are revolutionising beauty, rewriting the narrative and saying black hair is beautiful, it can be nurtured, given generous amount of effort and care and therefore it is a seamlessly attainable goal. We are further saying black bodies, in the same breath, are beautiful in all its forms, shapes and sizes. In embracing multifaceted definitions of womanhood we are saying “Black womxn give yourself permission to find your inner and outer beauty, give yourself permission to define what is attractive to you” And when you do, you will fall into the arms of a community of women who will support you and when you look in the mirror you will ecstatically pleased with what you see. So we are building a foundation upon which sisterhood can be grounded and flourishes in the aspect of beauty and lifestyle. More futuristically, we hope to collaborate with other female led businesses in the beauty industry, creating an alliance that empowers black women to be themselves and express themselves, on any occasion.

Mihlali Xego, 31/10/2021 78

Teboho Mdiniswa, 06/11/2021 79

from maglera to lefatshe By Old John Mayoyo

On the 16th of October 2021 I was graced and fortunate to be named as one of GQ Top 12 Best Dressed Men in South Africa at a prestigious event held by GQ South Africa in partnership with Lexus in Mall of Africa. I was named alongside amazing pioneers in their respective fields such as Rich Mnisi, Thapelo Mokeona, Bob The Stylist just to mention a few. For me, coming from where I come from, the Township, this is a huge achievement and a validating experience. I never really thought that one day this would become my reality especially at my age. I’d love to extend my humble appreciations to everyone that made this possible… you’ve made it extra special, I’ll always be grateful. I’d like to thank God, my ancestors and everybody that contributed towards the success of this achievement. I am dedicating this award to all kids who are chasing their dreams but feel trapped and helpless. I hope that this award restores hope in you, if I can work towards achieving my dreams coming from where I come from, you too can as long as your work towards it. Your dreams are real, they are valid, make them come to life. Believe in yourself and stay focused, trust God and trust the process. Things do hlangana Mei cuzzy. Live Long and Prosper. WRITTEN BY MBULELO MBIPHI AKA OLD JOHN MAYOYO FOR AESTHETIKSELEKTOR VOL.3 PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MBULELO & GQ MAGAZINE 81

as CLASS OF 2021

Volume 3

Articles inside

Lithalelanga Vena

Reclaiming the ethos of sisterhood

A bottom-up approach

Two-hander

The fall of angels

On the cover

Delta Twins

Khaleesi Dior

To Aaron

Spiral

Woolganza

These & those