Essays of Africa March 2016 by Kwenta Media

Ads.indd 11

2016/02/03 5:03 PM

www.zui.co.za Sandton City | Morningside Shopping Centre | Village View Shopping Centre | Groenkloof Plaza

Ads.indd 12

2016/02/03 5:03 PM

2164 Essays Of Africa DPS Ad - May.indd 2 Ads.indd 5

2016/02/03 6:39 PM

S A Y

M O R E

D’ORÉ PRIVÉ - THE ULTIMATE PERSONALISED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Sandton - Store U73, Sandton City, Sandton Drive, Tel +27 11 783 7316/7/8 Cape Town - 6 Cavendish Street, Claremont, Tel +27 21 671 4391 Visit our online store at www.dorefashion.co.za

Ads.indd 6

2015/04/14 5:11 PM 2016/02/03 6:39 PM

Inside ESSAYS a woman’s journey

of africa

cover stories

MARCH 2016

15 UNCOVERED: Does marriage still define women today? 16 REAL LIFE: Are you a social media addict? 28 MAIN FASHION: When head wraps and beaded Africa jewellery collide. 38 COVER STORY: Tuning into the frequency of Masechaba Ndlovu and her vision to mentor the youth. 50 CAREER: Why women are still the biggest victims of bullying in the workplace. 57 SEX: Boost your sex appeal in 10 easy steps. 79 MAIN BEAUTY: Beautifully black: Celebrating the changing perceptions of beauty. 82 HAIR: Transitioning to natural hair. 86 ENTERTAINMENT: Kgomotso Matsunyane is living on a BET high.

people 26

WOMEN’S NETWORK: High tea brings high hopes for Tshegofatso Mathe.

52 MY JOURNEY: Malaika’s Tshedi Mholo on moving forward. 64 PROFILE: Vanessa Perumal, a force to be reckoned within the PR industry. 74 MAN Q&A: Why Mike Moipolai started his own events company.

columns

13 READERS’ CORNER: Tshegofatso Maupa sings her boss’s praises. 14 GUEST BLOG: Olutimehin Adegbeye says she doesn’t trust her own judgement.

features

47 SELF-EMPOWERMENT: How to build your personal brand. 55 RELATIONSHIPS: What every woman must know about maintenance law. 59 PARENTING: The truth about Down syndrome. 62 HEALTH: How happy is your vagina? 67 NEWS REPORT: Beauty disrupted. 70

MAN FEATURE: All men are cheats... or are they?

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Contents.indd 4

38 essays of A frica

2016/02/03 6:37 PM

Ads.indd 8 Bio_65_Silindile.indd 1

2016/02/03 12:43 6:40 PM 2015/10/14 PM

FASHION NEWS

SEXY 7: The best fashion products of the month.

SHOPPING: Adorned in accessories.

SHOPPING: Must be love! Boyfriend jeans.

REAL WOMAN: Unapologetically Mpotseng.

SHOPPING: Swag in a bag.

MAN SHOPPING: Never short on style.

lifestyle 69

TECH NEWS & APPS

FOOD & ENTERTAINING: Breaking the seasonal fast.

DÉCOR STYLE: The lux touch.

DÉCOR NEWS: Express your design spirit.

BOOKS

106 MOTORING: When affluence meets influence. 108 MOVIES & THEATRE 109 MUSIC

102 TRAVEL: Africa’ s top golf resorts.

88 regulars beauty 76

BEAUTY INTERVIEW: Christina Senne shaping her beauty empire.

BEAUTY NEWS

MAIN BEAUTY: Detox for renewed living.

SEXY 7: The best beauty products of the month.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Contents.indd 6

ON LOCATION

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS’ PAGE

ONLINE UPDATE

LETTERS’ PAGE

SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE

100

SOCIAL SCENE: Four decades of love.

110

HOROSCOPES

111

STOCKISTS PAGE

COVER & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. HAIR & MAKE-UP: NOMSA MADIDA. DRESSED BY: TED BAKER & LOVISA. LOCATION: FOUR SEASONS, WESTCLIFF/ISTOCK.COM/SASKO/STOCKISTS.

fashion

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 6:38 PM

ESSAYS www.essaysofafrica.com

Editor of Essays of Africa

Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli

Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor Features Writers

Zama Nkosi Tracy Maher Caryn Thandi Petersen, Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi, Ndoni Khanyile Tumi Mdluli Tebatjo Manamela Rhoda Davids

Fashion & Beauty Editor Fashion Assistant DĂŠcor Writer Contributors Online Features Writers Sub-Editors Proofreader

Kim Garner, Helen Herimbi, Denise Slabbert, Luyanda Sibisi, Bulelwa Mokori, Melissa Jane Cook, Olutimehin Adegbeye Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi, Tebatjo Manamela Tracy Maher, Nadia Goetham Nicky de Bene

Designer Junior Designer Digital & Web Specialist

Lelethu Tobi Siphokazi Masele Lekeke Mahlo

New Business Development Team Sales & Production Manager Sales Executive Marketing/PR & Events Coordinator

Nuraan Motlekar Monice Kruger Mbalenhle Fakude

Operations & Finance Manager Admin Assistant Office Drivers Advisory Board

Publisher Physical Address

Postal Address Websites Advertising Editorial Information & Enquiries Subscription Queries Printers Distribution

Kelly Moyo Tebatjo Manamela Gabriel Mashishi, Yusuf Msinyi Fazila Bizor, Lindsay Breytenbach, Lindelwa Isabelle, Ndoni Khanyile, Busisiwe Mahlaba, Sen Mdhluli, Moeketsi Mosola, Dr Salifou Siddo, Nthabe Zondo, Sonto Ndlovu Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. Fourways View Office Park, Block C, First Floor, Cnr Sunset Ave and Sunrise Blvd, Fourways Tel: 011 467 5859, Fax: 011 467 2808 Kwenta Media, Essays of Africa: P.O. Box 4437, Dainfern, 2055 www.essaysofsafrica.com / www.kwentamedia.com advertising@essaysofafrica.com / advertising@kwentamedia.com editorial@essaysofafrica.com info@essaysofafrica.com / info@kwentamedia.com subs@essaysofafrica.com CTP Printers Cape Town RNA (Astrid Anderson)

Essays Of Africa Magazine, Website and Webzine are 100% owned and published by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. BBBEE Level 1

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Masthead.indd 7

march 2016

2016/02/03 6:40 PM

EOA ON LOCATION

MASECHABA WAS DRESSED BY TED BAKER AND GERT-JOHAN COETZEE.

IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT AND MASECHABA DOES THIS WITH ELEGANCE.

GETTING THE HAIR JUST RIGHT.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE DAY OF THE SHOOT – IT’S A WRAP, EVERYONE!

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIC Always poised and in control, Masechaba Ndlovu’s natural beauty shines through.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_On Location.indd 8

STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP: NOMSA MADIDA. LOCATION: FOUR SEASONS WESTCLIFF

ENHANCING BEAUTY WITH A TOUCH OF COLOUR.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:10 PM

ed’s letter EOA

A BLACK WOMAN places of worship, I will not be silenced. The confident black woman stirs in me and demands to be heard. She takes control and I become a vessel for the emancipation of these women who bound by restraints of an outdated and disrespectful culture. Listen, women of Africa, as I remind you of the black woman that lies beneath the mere colour of your skin. Celebrate the molten darkness of your eyes that exude depth and spiritual light; dance to really understand the dark contours of your beautiful bodies. Think about your mothers and grandmothers who slaved in fields singing songs of liberation and faith, so that you could become the proud, confident women they imagined you would become.

More Than A Label

y soul has stirred. I cannot quite describe the movement inside of me but my core is alive; every fibre of my being is primed and ready – for what I don’t yet know – but I await the correct words to articulate the sensations coursing through my body. Deadlines wait for no woman, yet I am forced to wait for the perfect moment of expression, the quintessential voice to release that which is uncurling and stretching within me. The thought that comes to mind is this: I am a black woman. I feel her urging to escape the trappings of society I have wrapped her in. Remember me, she says, stretching out and infusing my earthly body. What have you done to this African woman, she implores. I touch the manmade locks of hair on my head, and see images of this beautiful woman strip away her mask as she washes her face in the pure river water. She urges me to dance and liberate myself from who society says I am. Know your essence and who you are, she whispers to my soul. Break free from the confines of their limited perceptions and let your spirit shine through, brighter than the morning star.

The Beginning Of Wisdom

A Chinese proverb tells us that ‘the beginning of wisdom is to call things by their rightful names.’ It is on this premise that I urge black women to seek and awaken their confidence. We are long past the time of regrets or pity; we should walk on an air of confidence with such grace that others immediately recognise that this woman is a strong woman. To black women, I encourage you to hold yourself in higher esteem and reclaim the proud blackness of those women who forged the path you now walk. Reclaim your confidence and rightful places in society, as leaders, protagonists and change agents. I am a proud black woman but when women still have to check the boxes ‘black’ and ‘female’ on forms at the Home Affairs Department, when they apply for employment or even membership at their chosen

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Ed's Letter.indd 9

My confidence is my shadow – we are inseparable. I am an ordinary woman, a lover of humanity and embrace my blackness and femininity with a resounding sense of self-worth. You cannot swipe your credit card and buy this confidence. We all construct knowledge differently, so embark on your journey of self-discovery and understand how you can best learn to assimilate confidence into your way of life, and into your children’s lives. Confrontation and misperceptions are par for the course in life and having an extra challenge, such as a black skin, you will be scrutinised when it comes to your conduct, skills and abilities. Your skin colour and gender shouldn’t even be a consideration, but the reality is that you will be judged that little bit more closely by those who are different to you. Just think about the captains of industry in the world… the global thought leaders. How many of them are black women? And on a predominantly black continent, where are the female leaders?

Raise The Banner Of Black Women

Black women… two words that can cause great discomfort in a space filled with intellectuals. This forces me to remind my audience at the beginning of any speaking engagement that I am a black woman. I define myself first and foremost as a black woman. Then I think of the ways I can positively contribute to my society and help empower the women in it, especially the black women. I was taught well by generations of strong, confident black women to hold the knife by the blade and not wince and to carry a heavy load on my head without my knees buckling. Don’t deny your core or she will stir within you. You cannot suppress the black woman inside you, no matter how you adorn her on the outside. No! We need to consciously raise the banner of black women in society and ensure that our daughters are raised with the self-confidence that we may not always have felt, but that we will always strive to exude. When in Rome, do as the Romans… I say when in Africa, be black and embrace the beauty that comes with it, whether dark or light, natural or head wraps, beaded or bare. I am a proud black woman!

Nawaal Nawaal@kwentamedia.com

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:12 PM

EOA CONTRIBUTORS

WHAT WOMEN WANT It’s International Women’s Day on the 8th of March. What changes would you like to see for African women and how do you think we can do as individual women to liberate ourselves?

I would like women to take responsibility for their own lives and to succeed in this, women need to educate and empower themselves on aspects of family law and deceased estates law in order for them to make well-informed decisions regarding their personal lives.

Nthabiseng Monareng, Features Writer

I truly hope to see a drop in violence against women – physical, sexual, emotional and psychological violence. Let’s liberate ourselves by speaking out, not backing down, taking legal action where necessary, being brave, leaving abusive relationships when we feel safe to do so, and, most importantly, talking to our sons, male friends and colleagues about giving women the same rights and respect as men. Don’t stop explaining these issues to men.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY NTHABISENG MONARENG,KIM GARNER, LUYANDA SIBISI, NDONI KHANYILE.

Kim Garner, Features Writer

I would love to see women take the big step into making careers out of the things they are most passionate about, be it in the form of starting the business they've always dreamed of or studying and taking steps towards their goals. Loving what you do is the perfect formula for making a difference, both personally and for the greater community at large.

Luyanda Sibisi, Features Writer

My repeated prayer is to live to see a time when African women and girls are whole, safe and thriving on our continent and around the world. We can each contribute to this by learning to see ourselves and one another with respect and deep love. Our mutual support and encouragement is one of the strongest tools we have.

Ndoni Khanyile, Features Writer

ma rc h 2 0 16

EOA_Contributors.indd 10

essays of A frica

2016/02/09 1:03 PM

ONLINE UPDATE EOA

EOA is a Click away EOA IS ON TWITTER

We know that Twitter was down recently! This goes to show just how popular the platform is and EOA should definitely be one of your Twitter friends! We keep you updated on the hottest trending topics in women’s lifestyle, fashion and beauty. Follow us @EssaysOfAfrica and share our helpful tips and informative articles with your friends.

GET YOUR DIGITAL COPY

If you haven’t heard, you can get a digital copy of Essays Of Africa – so if you prefer to avoid the stores and long queues and like to have your magazine available at any time, anywhere, visit our website and follow the simple steps to subscribe to the digital magazine for the fantastically discounted rate of only R5 per copy or R60 for 12 issues!

SUBSCRIBE and save! Offer ends 31 March 2016.

DIGITAL MAGAZINE just R5 per issue! To subscribe, visit www.essaysofafrica.com EOA terms and conditions apply. See www.essaysofafrica.com.

SUBSCRIBE TO EOA DAILY ONLINE NEWSLETTER

It can be difficult to choose the perfect work attire, especially if you have an important interview or presentation. We help to ease your work wardrobe woes with great mix-n-match that will keep your focus where it matters most – on your work! Subscribe to our EOA Daily newsletter to receive fashion and lifestyle tips directly to your inbox. Visit our website at www.essayofafrica. com and become an EOA Daily woman!

SELF-EMPOWERMENT

For those down days all women have, EOA comes to the rescue with incredible stories of upliftment and inspirational women who have overcome odds to live their best life. Visit http://www.essaysofafrica.com/ category/women-on-a-journey/ for your daily fix.

If you are looking for Essays Of Africa on the shelves, or you want to get in touch with or even pay us a visit, our contact details are available online. We would love to hear from you.

SOCIAL NETWORK: You will find Essays Of Africa on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Online update.indd 11

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:14 PM

EOA LETTERS

Your voices SOCIAL MEDIA

LOVE FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

My name is Martha and I am from Zambia. I am a reader of your magazine and I love it.

Nakazwe Martha Ashely

#BringSexyBack

Thank you to Essays Of Africa – Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli –

for sponsoring of magazines for the #BringSexyBack event. Mbali was truly amazing, and myself and Loraine MaKhumalo Sibanda appreciate your generosity. Ladies, you know I am the greatest fan of Essays Of Africa magazine. Thank you, Nawaal, for giving African women a magazine that they can relate to. You and your brand inspire me every day!

Zama Bubu

Wow! The Feb issue looks amazing, thank you so much! Much love! Nothemba Kula What a good black women’s magazine. Thank you to the Essays team. Akhona Mazingisa Thank you Essays – you give women different content and are so empowering. Thembi Mkhumbane Dube I am the loyal reader of Essays mag. Thanks! Rejoice Mnisi Ms Rams @Neo_Rams @EssaysOfAfrica great mag, love how it’s authentically Black, even in the ad communication. Ms Rams @Neo_Rams @EssaysOfAfrica I also love the predominantly black models within the lifestyle images. Well done. momeen @momentsofmojo @EssaysOfAfrica Thanks for a beautiful mag. You’ve just earned yourselves a loyal follower. Loving every article, can’t wait for the next one. No netflix/chill bae @AusiDineo_ @EssaysOfAfrica....Let me get my hands on the magazine. I am tired of sleeping, shame!

We would love to hear your views, news and especially your feedback on the magazine. E-mail us at letters@ essaysofafrica.com or post your comments on Facebook.com/essayofafrica, @EssaysOfAfrica or EssaysOfAfrica.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Letters.indd 12

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 6:51 PM

READERS’ CORNER EOA

A BOSS LIKE NO OTHER When Tshegofatso Maupa found employment in Witbank, she didn’t know that her boss would go the extra mile to make her feel at home. y journey began in October 2015, when I was given the opportunity to work as a junior sales rep after 16 months of unemployment. I was told at the interview for the position that I would have to relocate and the thought of this was exciting, as I had never lived apart from my parents. This meant that I would have the opportunity to grow spiritually and as an individual. Although exciting at first, the move soon became overwhelming due to the lack of assistance from the agents I called to help me find a place to live. I had to drive from Soweto to Witbank every day for a month. Because of the distance I had to travel, my boss, Ian Elske, requested that I give him one missed call when I got home safely and two missed calls if I encountered any trouble on the road. Because Ian knew about my struggle to get an apartment, he went out of his way to help me find a place. He went as far as setting time out of our work schedule to help me apartment hunt. He made calls and finally we went to a place in Reyno Ridge, where I found a place of my own to rent. When I had issues with a furniture store not wanting to deliver my furniture, again he intervened and made sure I received what was rightly mine.

It didn’t stop there. He listened to me talk about committing to running and went as far as talking to the owner of a running club, where I now run on the weekends. This has not only boosted my fitness, but it’s also been a great way to socialise and make friends in a new city. Ian’s wife has been just as warm and welcoming. In the mornings when I go to their house, she always welcomes me with a cup of coffee and is happy to have a chat. The kind, helpful reception that I have had from Ian has played a huge role in helping to ease the anxiety I felt about leaving my family behind. I have found a place in Witbank to stay and I also feel as if a part of me has grown and flourished from the experience. I’ve learned that even though there are racial tensions in Witbank, there truly are good people in this area and the experiences I’ve had with my boss and his wife overshadow all the negative ones by far. This move has also taught me responsibility, total independence and has drawn me closer to my God. E

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY TSHEGOFATSO MAUPA.

“I’ve learned that even though there are racial tensions in Witbank, there truly are good people in this area and the experiences I’ve had with my boss and his wife overshadow all the negative ones by far.”

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Readers Corner.indd 13

march 2016

2016/02/03 6:53 PM

EOA GUEST BLOG

WOMEN WHO DON’T TRUST THEIR OWN JUDGEMENT arlier this year, I had a conversation with a good friend that allowed me to acknowledge for the first time ever that I might have depression. Despite having been diagnosed by a psychiatrist and all the research I had done on the subject, I still don’t really feel that I have a right to feel the way I do when I have a depressive episode. I question the dark hopelessness, the listlessness, the loss of appetite and the lethargy. ‘Am I just being lazy? Why can’t I just snap out of it? What do I have to be unhappy about? There are people in the world who really suffer!’ In a conversation with the same good friend, I realised that it’s not just when I’m depressive that I question how I feel. It’s almost as though I’ve been hardwired to disbelieve the thoughts or feelings that come instinctively to me, and the more I think about this issue, the more I suspect it should be (is?) a feminist issue. The thing is, I know I’m not alone in this. Self-doubt is part of the human condition, but it seems to disproportionately affect women more than men. I know too many women who squash their gut feelings about predatory men, thinking that they’re being over-sensitive or imagining things. I know too many women who come away from interactions with their significant other feeling slightly loopy, wondering if they really are imagining the abuse or neglect and if they are the crazy ones. I know too many women who don’t believe in the value of their work or contributions to society despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. I am one of those women. What is it about the way so many women are socialised that we can’t even trust ourselves? If we can’t trust ourselves, then it means we must look to others for guidance. And if we look to people who are exploitative, manipulative or abusive, then we are expose ourselves to harm. So many times, I have looked back on situations and realised that I was actually right. There was something wrong. So why couldn't I believe myself at the time? I need to be able to trust my gut. How can I get there? E

WORDS AND IMAGE: OLUTIMEHIN ADEGBEYE.

Nigerian blogger and feminist, Olutimehin Adegbeye, uses her blog to explore issues affecting women, especially African women. She looks at how many women like her have lost trust in their judgement.

OLUTIMEHIN ADEGBEYE

Can you relate to what Olutimehin feels when it comes to trusting your own gut? If not, tell us how you reached a point where you trust your judgement. #EOA #TrustYourJudgement Follow Olutimehin Blog: http://theloulette.blogspot.co.za/ Twitter: @TheLoulette

MA RC H 2 0 16

EOA_Guest Blog.indd 14

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 6:55 PM

UNCOVERED EOA

Miss VS Mrs Whether you’re #teammarried or #teamsingle, NDONI KHANYILE looks at how single women versus married women is just another construct of patriarchy that we need to get over.

Words: Ndoni Khanyile Image: shutterstock.

eople often speak of how marriage changes you as your priorities shift to make room for another person in your life. We even speak of how the institution changes your status in society and grants you access to certain privileges. What we seem reticent to discuss is the fact that marriage within a patriarchal society is bound to change your relationships with other women – often for the worse. I remember the first time I realised that there is an invisible line that separates unmarried women from their coupled-up counterparts and that not having a ring on my finger

inherently rendered me suspect. I was single and newly returned from a stint studying and living abroad. A new, slightly older friend invited me to dinner as a way of introducing me to some new people and welcoming me home. We clicked immediately so I had no hesitation about meeting her circle of friends as I assumed they would be ‘my kind of people’. I was the only unattached woman at the dinner, a fact I hardly noticed when I arrived but became increasingly important as the night wore on. Reactions to me ranged from mild irritation to outright animosity with one woman literally dragging her husband away from me after an ideological conversation became too animated for her liking. Every conversation I had with the women present was preceded by the ‘scan’ – the head-to-toe evaluation that determines what level of threat you may pose.

“It is easy to buy into a narrative that paints young, single women as ‘up to no good’ and ‘after your man’ because it taps into our fears.” e ssays o f A f r i c a

EOA_Uncovered.indd 15

Granted, they may have just been insecure by nature, but there is something about relationships within a conservative and patriarchal framework that puts men at the centre of the conversation and casts women as competitors and adversaries. It robs us of the opportunity for authentic connection and sisterhood that is necessary for our growth. My single friends are precious to me because they remind me that despite being one half of a partnership, I am still wholly myself. They are more likely to encourage me to wear that hot dress I’ve been too self-conscious to wear or arrange an impromptu night out dancing because the project I’ve been working on is driving me crazy. They live their lives with a sense of freedom and their openness and sense of possibility makes me braver. It is easy to buy into a narrative that paints young, single women as ‘up to no good’ and ‘after your man’ because it taps into our fears. I have been guilty of it myself. A striking woman had an innocent conversation with my husband at a party and I, in turn, ignored her for rest of the night…not my finest moment. At the end of the night we found ourselves alone in the kitchen and I swallowed my pride and introduced myself. We fell into easy conversation and were the last people to leave. Turns out she was a dynamic, smart and very funny woman who offered some of the most interesting conversations of the night. Also turns out I needed to learn to get over myself. E

What do you do for yourself as an act of radical self-love? Share your stories with us on Facebook and on Twitter using #EOARadicalSelfLove.

march 2016

2016/02/03 6:55 PM

EOA REAl life

I’M A SLAVE TO SOCIAL MEDIA Millions of people the world over are glued to their smartphones thanks to social media, but for 33-year-old Ayanda*, the obsession is wreaking havoc on her self-esteem.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Real Life.indd 16

“A glamorous life is social media currency and I have been sucked in.” I spend many hours on YouTube trying to perfect my make-up and lots of money trying to make sure I look the part, not so much for my everyday life but rather for my social media presence. A glamorous life is social media currency and I have been sucked in. I am trying to slowly restrict myself because logically I know that life is not real. I’m hoping that, with time, I can focus more on what is real in my life instead of the life of images and filters on my smartphone. E * Name changed for privacy

WORDS: AS TOLD TO ZAMA NKOSI. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM.

am generally a very disciplined person and I would say that I am happy with the life I have created for myself. But over the last 18 months, I have noticed that my need for social media interaction has increased greatly. Of all the platforms, the one that I spend the most time thinking about is Instagram. When I first joined, I was amazed at the chance to become a voyeur; I had never been able to see into people’s lives before. I started off gradually by searching for old friends, acquaintances and even enemies to see what I could deduce from the photos of their lives. As more people joined Instagram, an unspoken competition of ‘whose life is more fabulous’ began – at least this is how I perceive it. Posts stopped being about lovely sunsets and graffiti on the street and became more about who was wearing what, whose body was closest to perfection and who was flying first class to glamorous cities around the world. Without making a conscious decision to enter this unspoken competition, I started making my posts more glamorous too. I now think twice about posting a picture if I have worn the outfit before and anytime I am around anything luxurious, I make sure to take the perfect selfie. The first thing I reach for when I wake up in the morning is my iPhone to check my social media accounts. Most other people I know do the same, but it was

only recently when my boyfriend reminded me that the first thing I used to do was reach for him that I realised that this might not the healthiest of behaviours. Social media has become a way of keeping tabs on everyone and playing mind games with people, some of whom I don’t even know. I sometimes intentionally don’t ‘like’ a friend’s picture because I don’t want to inflate her ego. The amount of ‘likes’ my own pictures get also affect my mood; if there aren’t enough, I wonder what is missing and how I can improve on it next time around. I’m trying to cut down on my social media time because it has started to make me feel down about my life. I often swing from feeling fabulous to feeling like my peers are living better lives than me, and I can’t keep up.

How does social media affect how you feel about yourself and your life? Share your thoughts with us using the hash tag #EOASMAddiction

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 9:07 PM

FASHION NEWS EOA

NEWS FROM TOMMY HILFIGER

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCES: JK PUBLIC RELATIONS; JOCKEYINTERNATIONAL.COM.

Gigi Hadid has been presented as the global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. As part of the new vision for Tommy Hilfiger women’s range, supermodel and social media star Gigi Hadid will launch her first ever capsule collection, including apparel, footwear, accessories and fragrance in collaboration with the designer. Tommy Hilfiger has a long history of working with inspiring pop culture icons and Hadid joins an expanding list of influential women who have partnered with the brand. The Fall ’16 Hilfiger Collection and Tommy Hilfiger sportswear collections, including Hadid’s capsule and fragrance, will be available at Tommy Hilfiger stores globally through select wholesale partners and online at tommy.com.

FRESH, FUN AND SUPER CHIC

Autumn may be around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get these incredibly lightweight canvas sneakers in a range of fun and classic colours. Pair them with just about anything; dress in a flirty floral dress, a flowing skirt or shorts for a hassle-free look. These slip-ons are set to be a firm favourite with their built-in cushioned midsoles for allday comfort. FitFlop SUNNY sneakers are available at selected stores nationwide. Visit fitflop.co.za for stockist information.

MEET SA’s JOCKEY BRAND AMBASSADOR

Jockey®, one of South Africa’s most loved underwear brands, has finally found their female ambassador, Amanda Dlamini, who hails from the rural land of Harding in KwaZulu-Natal. Dlamini has achieved what many young people only ever dream of. This young soccer player is passionate about empowering the youth and helping them realise their potential. Dlamini also gives motivational talks to the youth and continues her work with the Amanda Dlamini Girls Foundation. E

SAVE THE DATE!

Attention champagne and polo lovers! Get ready for the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo! As a highlight on the South African social calendar for the fifth year, this event is set to take place in the PaarlFranschhoek valley at South Africa’s first and only wine and polo estate, Val de Vie Estate, on 5 March 2016. Visit vcmasterpolo.co.za for more information.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Fashion News.indd 17

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 10:06 PM

EOA FASHION

Sport

CHIC

Transform your active look into casual day attire with these seven sexy picks.

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

1. DIETRICH TIMEPIECE, R1 699, MIMCO, WOOLWORTHS. 2. GOLD HOOP EARRINGS, R199, ACCESSORIZE. 3. SUNGLASSES, R99, H&M. 4. TRACEY SNEAKERS, R999, TRENERY, WOOLWORTHS. 5. GREY DRESS, R3 999, TIGER OF SWEDEN. 6. WEEKENDER TRAVEL BAG, R1 799, TAKE CHARGE. 7. TWOTONE OPEN WEAVE FEDORA HAT, R499, EDGARS.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion Sexy Seven.indd 18

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/04 8:29 AM

Shopping

FASHION EOA

1. GOLD WATCH, R709, RIVER ISLAND, EDGARS. 2. STATEMENT RING WITH DIAMANTÉ DETAIL (PEARL), R69, SPREE. 3. MULTIPACK FAUX PEARL CUFF SET, R179, FOREVER NEW. 4. BROWN WITH PEARL EARRINGS, R199, ZARA. 5. DIAMANTÉ DROP EARRINGS (PEARL), R69, SPREE. 6. OVAL SKINNY WATCH, R250, WOOLWORTHS. 7. GOLD BRACELET, R249, ZARA. 8. GOLD BANGLE, R89, H&M. 9. GOLD RING, R129, ZARA. 10. EMBELLISHED GOLD EARRINGS, R129, RIVER ISLAND. 11. TIPPI WATCH, R1 500, MIMCO, WOOLWORTHS. 12. TASSEL EARRINGS, R149, FOREVER NEW.

6 4

5 7 2

ADORNED IN ACCESSORIES Like flowers in spring, the right accessory will bring any outfit to life.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Shopping.indd 19

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 10:09 PM

Shopping

EOA FASHION

Must Be

LOVE! Boyfriend jeans are trendy, comfortable and can be worn with just about any item in your closet.

1 7

3 4

1. BLUE DENIM, R559, ZARA. 2. MIDGE LOW BOYFRIEND, R2 499, G-STAR. 3. ELWOOD LOW ARC BOYFRIEND JEANS, R1 999, G.STAR. 4. DARK TORN DENIM, R399, H&M. 5. BLUE DENIM, R399, H&M. 6. LOW 3D ARC WHITE BOYFRIEND JEANS, R1 999, G.STAR. 7. ELWOOD BOYFRIEND JEANS, R1 999, G.STAR. 8. TORN OUT DENIM, R759, ZARA.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Shopping.indd 20

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:08 PM

Mpotseng

REAL WOMAN EOA

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

Real Women.indd 21

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:08 PM

orn and raised in Maseru, Lesotho,Mpotseng Lebentlele enrolled at the Cape University of Technology to study marketing after completing high school. Upon graduation, she was given an opportunity to work at FCB Cape Town until 2003, when she became a business unit director at one of the top advertising agencies in Johannesburg. In addition to her work in advertising and as a jewellery designer, Lebentlele is also the mother of a son, Kamohelo (6). Those closest to her admire her positive outlook on life as well as the way she masters the work-life balance as a businesswoman and a mother. She starts her days with the birds, from 5am, and works 365 days a year, with the typical day involving an early morning in the office under pressure to deliver on deadline, casually reading her favourite book, her walking exercise routine, and making jewellery for her clients. Lebentlele also enjoys spending quality time with her family (her mother, Nobulali Ntshona, and younger brother, Shelikane Lebentlele) and friends, who all form part of a strong support structure in her life. She is also known for her penchant for dressing up and love of fashion. “Your outfit shouldn’t be about how much it costs, but about how amazingly well it’s been put together,” she states passionately. Not only is she a fashionista, but she also believes that a woman can have true sex appeal while fully clothed and she is adamant that a woman should dress appropriately for her body type. This is evident in the way she wears and accessorises her outfits. Her motto in life is to always live life to the fullest, to work hard and play just as hard. “Nothing can be achieved without dedication, doing what makes you happy and living your dream,” Lebentlele advises other women out there. She strongly believes that being unapologetically herself is the reason she has achieved all she has in life. E

The vivacious and creative Mpotseng Lebentlele is the brains behind the jewellery brand, MmaKamo Jewellery, worn by influential personalities in all spheres of society. m a rc h 2 0 1 6

Real Women.indd 22

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:09 PM

REAL WOMAN EOA

“Your outfit shouldn’t be about how much it costs, but about how amazingly well it’s been put together.” e ssays of A f r i c a

Real Women.indd 23

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:09 PM

STYLED BY: TUMI MDLULI. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO.

EOA REAL WOMAN

“Nothing can be achieved without dedication, doing what makes you happy and living your dream.” m a rc h 2 0 1 6

Real Women.indd 24

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:09 PM

Shopping

FASHION EOA

SWAG IN A BAG

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

Sling bags for a classy style statement or for a casual and funky look.

7 3 5

1. MULTICOLOUR BLOCK PRINT BAG, R559, RIVER ISLAND, EDGARS. 2. BLACK TASSEL BAG, R99, MRP. 3. CRYSTAL GREY SIMELA BAG, R4 999, TIGER OF SWEDEN. 4. CROCHET SLING BAG, R549, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS. 5. BROWN ORTISEI BAG, R3 699, TIGER OF SWEDEN. 6. METALLIC TRIM DRAWSTRING HOBO BAG, R549, WOOLWORTHS. 7. FRANCES FRINGE CLUTCH, R999, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS, 8. BLACK SUEDE BAG, R499, ZARA. 9. BLACK ARIOTTI BAG, R2 099, TIGER OF SWEDEN.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Shopping.indd 25

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 10:11 PM

orn and raised in Meadowlands, Soweto, Tshegofatso Mathe, the wife of Dr Moeketsi Mathe and mother of four, knows that a loving home can make you view the outside world with a more caring heart. Mathe says, “I grew up in a home filled with love. From an early age, my mother showed me the importance of helping the less fortunate.” Like any other little child, Mathe imagined one day becoming a doctor, social worker, flight attendant or even a social worker – any profession that would afford her the skills and opportunity to help her community. “My mother was a social worker for 33 years and I would sometimes go to her place of work after school, where I would wait for her so we could go home together.”

HIGH TEA BRINGS HIGH HOPES

Giving back to the community is the name of the game, and if you grow up surrounded by philanthropists like Tshegofatso Mathe did, you’re bound to follow in their footsteps. M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Women's Network.indd 26

TSEGOFATSO MATHE

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:15 PM

WOMEN’S NETWORK EOA It seems that caregiving is in Mathe’s genes as her grandmother was a midwife at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and she credits her grandmother as being the one who taught her that sharing is caring. “She went on early pension to look after my sister and me while my mom completed her last year of school.” During this time, her grandmother was involved in various business ventures to earn extra money and keep herself busy. She taught Mathe that if you are in business, you would never be in a position that you cannot put food on the table for your family. In addition to her business ventures, Mathe’s grandmother was very involved in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who struggled to meet their day-to-day needs. “So in my case,” Mathe admits, “the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.”

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGE SUPPLIED BY TSHEGOFATSO MATHE.

The Birth Of A Risk-Taker While pursuing her tertiary studies, Mathe accepted an offer to go on a pilot leadership programme, where she was among 270 selected to be in the national pilot programme. Her natural determination resulted in her being one of only seven to graduate from the programme. Not long after that, Mathe was selected to represent South Africa in the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year competition. Her dissertation was awarded second place and Mathe says, “I was proud of this achievement and it was due to this accomplishment that SABC 2 approached me to produce a documentary called Journey To A Dream based on my personal journey on the leadership programme. Mathe went on to become an air imports assistant customer service liaison and from there she was promoted to various positions in the company. While she was still being groomed for a management position in one of the departments, she took a risk and moved into the events business – a move that didn’t work

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Women's Network.indd 27

out as she had hoped, but having left the aviation industry on a good note, doors remained open for her. Mathe joined South African Express Airways as part of the cabin crew, “a dream I had had since I was a young girl,” she adds. After a few months, she returned to the corporate world when she was headhunted and offered a position at a competitor company. It was whilst in the midst of the corporate environment that the idea of High Tea Society was conceived.

“She describes the mission of the society as building a community of women who know their worth and celebrate one another without judgement.” High Tea Society Is Born In 2013 Mathe registered High Tea Society, an idea she had conceived nine years earlier. “The vision is to make a positive impact in the lives of people by grooming young girls and empowering them today, to become the empowered women of tomorrow,” explained Mathe. She describes the mission of the society as building a community of women who know their worth and celebrate one another without judgement. Part of The High Tea Society’s inaugural mission was to be recognised within two years of registration as one of most powerful women-owned networking platforms to create opportunities for community upliftment. Their values include providing superior customer service, and always working in a professional manner with integrity, honesty and respect.

“Family is important and they are my number one priority. Nothing is more fulfilling or makes me happier than seeing my husband and children happy.”

Mathe explained that these platforms offer women of all ages and races who own businesses, aspire to own their own businesses, or even those who support businesses, the opportunity to showcase and market their business. High Tea Society not only believes in giving back to the community, but also in assisting one bit at a time. She explains, “We support a different charitable venture every month, which is something I’m passionate about.” Helping those less fortunate has always been top of mind for Mathe, and the High Tea Society Teapot goes around at events for monetary contributions, and items that are required by the specific charities are also collected. She explains that she also raises funds for schools through recycling projects. “I collect recyclables from the schools and with those funds, I give back to the school in the form of supplying the needs of the schools.”

Living Up To Her Name ‘Tshegofatso’ means ‘blessing’ and this is one lady who lives up to the true meaning of her name. She adds, “I have always been referred to as the goto person if you need to talk or need advice, which is why I am studying towards a psychology degree.” Mathe confesses to finding great fulfillment in listening to people and working with them by offering them support and helpful advice. When she isn’t a busy businesswoman and dedicated philanthropist, she is a committed mother and wife. “Family is important and they are my number one priority. Nothing is more fulfilling or makes me happier than seeing my husband and children happy.” E

Services And Events That High Tea Society Provides:  Girls In Entrepreneurship  On-the-day wedding management  SMMEs’ support breakfasts  Business round tables  Mother and daughter entrepreneurs  Father and son entrepreneurs  A business date with the CEO. Dress up and enjoy some well-deserved me-time at each event. For more information on High Tea Society, visit www.highteasociety.co.za).

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:15 PM

Accessorise THE AFRICAN WAY When head wraps and beaded African jewellery collide.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion.indd 28

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:16 PM

FASHION main EOA

BLUE MULTICOLOUR HEAD WRAP, R200, NTOZINHLE. CHUNKY BEADED CUFFS, R100, NTOZINHLE. SMALL BEADED BANGLES (3 PER SET), R150, NTOZINHLE. OVAL COLOURFUL NECKPIECE, R275, thoughts.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Fashion.indd 29

march 2016

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

NIGERIAN HEAD WRAP, P.O.R, AFRICAN FASHION HOUSE. NDEBELE CHOCKER, R300, NTOZINHLE. NDEBELE CUFF, R300, NTOZINHLE. BROWN CHUNKY NECKPIECE, R450, pieces.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion.indd 30

essays of A frica

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

FASHION main EOA WHITE HEAD WRAP, R490, TRENERY, WOOLWORTHS. MAASAI BEADED PLATE, R550, NTOZINHLE. CHUNKY BEADED CUFF, R100, NTOZINHLE. LONG WHITE NECKLACE, R23O, LOVISA.

Rock it the traditional way. e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Fashion.indd 31

march 2016

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

WHITE CHANNEL HEAD WRAP, P.O.R, CHANNEL. BLACK EARRINGS, R70, NTOZINHLE. BLACK NECKPIECE, R180, NTOZINHLE.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion.indd 32

essays of A frica

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

FASHION main EOA

MULTICOLOUR HEAD WRAP, R290, WOOLWORTHS. YELLOW CHUNKY NECKPICE, R250, NTOZINHLE. BOTTLEGREEN CHUNKY NECKPIECE, R150, NTOZINHLE.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Fashion.indd 33

march 2016

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

GREEN MULTICOLOUR HEAD WRAP, R200, NTOZINHLE. TEAR DOUGHNUT NECKPIECE, R190, LOVISA.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion.indd 34

essays of A frica

2016/02/04 8:40 AM

FASHION main EOA CHANNEL HEAD WRAP, P.O.R, CHANNEL. MAASAI BEADED PLATE, R550, NTOZINHLE. TASSEL BEADS, R300, NTOZINHLE. ORANGE BALLS NECKPIECE, R200, MMAKAMO JEWELLERY.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Fashion.indd 35

march 2016

2016/02/04 8:41 AM

Chic sophistication

MULTICOLOUR HEAD WRAP, R200, NTOZINHLE. LONG WOODEN NECKPIECE, R380, THOUGHTS.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Fashion.indd 36

essays of A frica

2016/02/04 8:41 AM

FASHION main EOA

STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. FASHION ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP ARTIST: LUCOH MHLONGO. HEAD WRAP STYLIST: LELETHU TOBI. MODEL: NTHABISENG KISH NTSONDWA.

MULTICOLOUR HEAD WRAP, R220, WOOLWORTHS. RED STATEMENT NECKPIECE, R250, NTOZINHLE. MAASAI EARRINGS, R70, NTOZINHLE. RED AND GOLD BALLS NECKPIECE, R120, MMAKAMO JEWELLERY.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Fashion.indd 37

march 2016

2016/02/04 8:41 AM

OWNING HE

ma rc h 2 0 16

EOA_Coverstory.indd 38

2016/02/03 10:11 PM

Always the one doing the interviews and interrogating the burning issues of the day, Masechaba Ndlovu drops the mic to share her experiences of being an ace broadcaster, dedicated wife and mother, and how she intends to realise her desire to empower the youth in 2016.

COVER STORY EOA

HER POWER 39

EOA_Coverstory.indd 39

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:19 PM

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Coverstory.indd 40

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:19 PM

COVER STORY EOA

very evening at 7pm Masechaba Ndlovu settles in behind her microphone and invites listeners into her world. Her warm tone and easygoing manner make even the most controversial topics in the powder keg that is the South African political, economic and social landscape, more accessible. Whether she’s discussing sex and sexuality, homophobia and religion, or the many race-based incidents that have recently erupted throughout the country, her intelligence and integrity offer a soft touch that allow her guests and callers alike to open up and engage in honest conversation. “I had to make a conscious decision at the launch of the radio station [Power FM] and the show about who I wanted to be in this space,” she reflects. “The show is so therapeutic. I can walk in feeling heavy or not wanting to be there that day, but I find healing when I get behind the microphone and have conversations with people who find solace in their lives through our contributors, or through simply opening up and trusting me in that space.”

A SPACE OF HER OWN

Power FM founders, Given Mkhari and Andile Khumalo, had been watching the growth of Masechaba’s voice and brand in various television productions and approached her two years before the launch of the radio station to gauge her interest in radio. “They initially envisioned me in a primetime current affairs slot, but we strongly disagreed about that, so I had to show them what I wanted to do.” She was invited to record a test session of her potential show, along with some of the biggest names in South African radio. Taking a cue from her TV background, she

ess ays o f A f r i c a

EOA_Coverstory.indd 41

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:19 PM

took a risk and brought a guest to interview live during her session. Tshepo Sinamela was a young black man born into a middle-class home with educated parents, but instead of finding his way to a tertiary institution and an eventual career as expected, the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his father led him to a life of violent crime and incarceration. Her keen nose for a story told Masechaba that there was something in this young man’s experience that could be of greater social value. “Without apportioning blame and having experts on the show, I wanted to have a conversation that would create a clear connection between generational curses and how this young man became abusive in the end – thereby trying to understand the psyche of this man who still carries the experiences of the boy-child inside of him. No one expected this approach from me.” Masechaba’s radio show, Power Life, is her brainchild and carries the unique perspective that she brings to all the projects she writes and produces. “Until that point in time, no single platform spoke entirely to my core values and it was a marriage made in heaven. Management understood my vision to create the kind of content that will break the generational curses of our time,” she explains passionately.

A BORN REVOLUTIONARY

The seeds of Masechaba’s social conscience were planted as a young child born to revolutionaries in Zambia, and nurtured during her time in Soweto with her grandmother, whose name she proudly carries, as well as her years living in California in the United States, while her parents studied. Her mother bought her her first diary when she was six years old in an attempt to get her introverted daughter to write about her experiences and hopefully help her to break out of her shell. “I was a socially awkward, introverted and shy bookworm, who struggled to make friends. At the age of six, my strongest relationship was with my mother. She taught me to embrace my individuality, rather than try to blend in.” She continues, “As a young girl in America I spent a lot of time alone. My diary entries became poems, which became short stories. Reading and writing allowed me to find myself in the world, and I developed my confidence and a strong sense of self through my writing.” Her talent as a writer is the bedrock of the unique position she holds in the local media landscape. With the exception of her first few forays into television, she has co-written and co-produced every production she has worked on, and in an industry that latches onto the newest ‘it’ girl or face, her intellect has secured her a lasting place as one of the country’s most respected media personalities.

“…in an industry that latches onto the newest ‘it’ girl or face, her intellect has secured her a lasting place as one of the country’s most respected media personalities.” m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Coverstory.indd 42

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:19 PM

COVER STORY EOA “I was trying to build a brand and I wanted to be known in the field of journalism, so I made a choice to give up everything else. I didn’t want to do entertainment, which is why I had to decline opportunities to host entertainment shows. Time and time again I had to decline when it was very hard to say no. When I needed the money, when my lights were going to be switched off, when my rent was due… I had to say no and focus on the end goal of where I wanted to be,” she recalls.

“At the end of the day you come to realise that there’s a transaction that is happening; there’s a service that is being provided and content that is given, and we have to learn how to capitalise on that. And that is where we fall short, particularly as black people.” THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

The most recent example of her tenacity and perseverance came when she walked away from her successful and highly rated talk show Ek Sê – Let’s Talk With Masechaba Lekalake, which broadcasts on e.tv and eKasi+. There’s been much speculation in the media as to why she left, because Masechaba has been reticent to make her reasons public. She spearheaded the show and co-produced it through her company, Masechaba Media, and Ochre Moving Pictures, a company she still holds to high regard. Her ability to speak up for her own interests stood her in good stead when her co-producers and her co-producers wanted the show to take a different direction. She didn’t agree and chose not to betray her convictions – and instead made the decision to part amicably with the show. Masechaba explains, “Sometimes you have to say no to the popular route and take the road less travelled. People won’t understand

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Coverstory.indd 43

ma rc h 2016

2016/02/03 7:20 PM

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Coverstory.indd 44

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:20 PM

COVER STORY EOA why I would say no to such a prominent show on primetime television, with all that money and even more money being put on the table. But for me it’s not about the money as much as it is about the vision.” She credits her age (32) and life experience for her holistic view of career and success. She is now able to firmly distinguish between her business decisions and her calling as a born communicator. “At the end of the day you come to realise that there’s a transaction that is happening; there’s a service that is being provided and content that is given, and we have to learn how to capitalise on that. And that is where we fall short, particularly as black people. “White people know how to capitalise on what they have been given. We’re too spiritual and too emotional about business sometimes, to our own detriment. Trust me, when the industry is ready to let you go because you’re not bringing in the numbers anymore, they’re not going to be emotional about you. They’re going to let you go,” she warns. “I’ve learned that your loyalty is to yourself; it’s important to know when to walk away.”

HOME IS WHERE HER HEART IS

As someone who admits to having a lovehate relationship with the industry she works in, she’s realised the importance of creating her home and family life as her refuge from it all. She recently married her best friend and business partner, Vusi Ndlovu, and they have four children between them, aged two to seven. She has to juggle her work commitments to be as fully present with her children as possible. “I’m one of the very lucky people who gets to have the best of both worlds,” she explains with a dazzling smile. “I get to have breakfast with the kids in the morning, drop and fetch the children from school, go to the gym, and supervise homework in the afternoon. Then I have my career and follow my dreams.” When she speaks about her husband, her voice takes on a thoughtful yet deliberate tone. “It takes a very strong man to have a relationship with me. A man who knows himself well enough to be secure in who he is, and not feel threatened by my success or feel weakened by my strength.” She says with commitment, “It’s not about the woman submitting to the man, but about both of us submitting to our marriage – doing what we have to in

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Coverstory.indd 45

ma rc h 2016

2016/02/03 7:20 PM

EOA COVER STORY

WORDS: NDONI KHANYILE. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. HAIR & MAKE-UP: NOMSA MADIDA. DRESSED BY: TED BAKER & LOVISA. LOCATION: FOUR SEASONS, WESTCLIFF.

order to create a stable environment and raise healthy kids. I have a seven-year-old who says please and thank you, who is thoughtful and kind, who says sorry when he is wrong, and who can pray and connect with God. All of that takes conscious parenting and those are the things that make me feel amazing as a mother,” she adds with pride. Many of her fans and colleagues were surprised at her decision to change her name when she had built so much professional capital as Masechaba Lekalake. “I didn’t care; brand equity and my public profile didn’t matter. If I didn’t follow my desire to unite my family legally, culturally and spiritually, I knew it would mean that I wasn’t being true to myself.” With such firm grounding in herself and her values, there is no limit to Masechaba’s career ascent, but she sees 2016 as the year when she will give more of herself to young people across the country. She is busy writing her fifth book in an as yet unpublished children’s series about unsung struggle heroes, and she is planning to partner with a few schools to help empower learners.

“My mission is to help build the confidence of the African child and anyone who wants to partner or join in that effort is more than welcome. The only way we can create successful leaders for tomorrow is to start harnessing the selfesteem and confidence of children today.” “My mission is to help build the confidence of the African child and anyone who wants to partner or join in that effort is more than welcome. The only way we can create successful leaders for tomorrow is to start harnessing the selfesteem and confidence of children today.” Masechaba, whose name means ‘mother of the nation’, is one woman who certainly lives up to the promise of her name. E

ma rc h 2 0 16

EOA_Coverstory.indd 46

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:20 PM

SElf-EMPOWERMENT EOA

HOW TO REALLY BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

The idea of building your personal brand isn’t a new concept. But what does it take to make ‘Brand You’ stand out from the rest? e hear it all the time: ‘You are the CEO of your own brand.’ It’s all well and good knowing that if we want to get ahead – professionally or personally – we have to conduct ourselves in the same way that big brands do. But we don’t exactly have a Nando’s-worthy advertising agency working around the clock to make us look good. We have to do all of that ourselves. Branding and advertising strategist Andy Rice says, “I can’t see any difference between what is required for personal branding and what is required for business branding. Stand for something, differentiate why you stand for that, and be recognised that you stand for that by the

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Self Empowerment.indd 47

people you want to be recognised by, are the key elements. It doesn’t matter whether you’re you or a big brand like OMO.” And don’t be fooled into thinking your brand will be starting from scratch; you’ve been a brand all along. “Everyone is, by definition, a distinctive individual, so we are all brands,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, African branding and reputation architect. “Every one of us is born and lives unconsciously in a particular way – it’s our default brand and how we present ourselves without effort. We understand the importance of telling your own story, moving from a default to a designed brand. And that’s about understanding how others see you and how you want to be seen, and narrowing that gap.” Why is this important? Good brands can command a price premium. “The stronger your

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:34 PM

EOA SELF-EMPOWERMENT

brand, the stronger your bargaining chip. Freelancers can demand better fees, and fulltime employees can ask for a better salary,” says Rice. Emotionally, you’ll also be more respected in your community and seen as a more reliable source by friends and family. So, if there’s no difference between your personal branding and big business branding, it makes sense to use these good branding rules in your own life.

6. BE DIFFERENT

1. BE CONSISTENT

Speaking of being seen and standing out – creativity is key in achieving these objectives. Rice says, “It pays to be more creative than the norm. Don’t just write and post on your blog, for example. Be more creative.” Think about a more interesting way to get your work across or make your personality known.

2. BRAND YOU 24/7 Don’t think that you can spend some time ‘living your brand’ and other times relaxing. “Everything about you builds your brand. How you dress, the company you work for, your friends… and you need consistency among all those elements,” explains Ikalafeng. “For example, you can’t say on your Twitter page, ‘views expressed don’t represent me’. Everything represents you. You must be the person you want to present to the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” He adds, “That doesn’t mean that you must show everything to the world, but you must choose what relationship you want with the world – and that must be your compass in everything you do, wherever you are.”

3. SOCIAL NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK Remember, what you say and do on your social media platforms can have wide-reaching consequences. Be aware, warns Ikalafeng. “Social media has transformed the meaning of a network. It’s expanded your network exponentially, but it’s diluted the quality of that network. If your network is not filled with experienced people but just random contacts, it’s no good. Generally speaking, word of mouth is still a trusted reassurance.” Be good at what you do and let people talk about it in real life.

4. KEEP YOUR PROMISES If you say you’re going to do something, do it. “Your promises are linked to your professional, personal and social ambitions,” says Rice. “You’re expected to keep them by the people you’re talking to.” Letting people down will lead them to think you’ll let them down again in future and they’ll steer clear of working with you.

5. NEVER OVER-PROMISE When you think about what you can offer a client, ensure that you can deliver before you commit. “Make sure that what you’re promising is something you can live up to,” says Rice. “If you’re intending to make a promise that is clearly not true, then it’s best to reconsider and keep quiet. All you’ll do is alert people to your lack of authenticity – and that will decrease the value of your product.”

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Self Empowerment.indd 48

7. GET CREATIVE

8. HAVE CONFIDENCE Great brands know their worth and value, and have internal confidence. “Have confidence in your decisions and in yourself. Once you achieve this, you’ll be amazed at how it enables you to be unapologetic for how you present yourself,” says Ikalafeng, his own confidence undeniable.

9. COLLABORATE! No man is an island. Don’t be afraid to align your personal brand with others. “Great brands collaborate,” says Ikalafeng. “Ask yourself: Who can I work with to magnify my impact?” That goes for building your own business as well as reaching personal goals. Think about who will inspire and motivate you – and stay close to them.

10. WORK TOWARDS HAPPINESS It might sound cheesy, but good brands are happy brands. Your ultimate goal should be happiness. “You want to build your brand to find internal happiness, and not purely because you want to be wealthy and famous. Those are by-products,” says Ikalafeng.

CRISIS-MANAGE THAT!

So you forgot the branding rules. Perhaps you let someone down, you weren’t consistent, or you went against your values on social media when you thought no one was looking. Here’s how to crisis-manage a brand mishap, according to Andy Rice. 1. Explain the problem Tell everyone, “Here is the problem and here is everything you need to know about it.” Don’t hide and give as much detail as you can about what went wrong. 2. Be available to give reassurance Now that the truth is out there, be constantly available to answer any questions. Put out your contact details and answer your phone! 3. Be accountable and apologise Once you’ve owned up to what went wrong, apologise to those who were affected. Accept that you’ve messed up and publically acknowledge it. 4. Be transparent Be open and tell people how you intend to fix the problem. And then, mostly important, do it. E

WORDS: KIM GARNER. IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Good brands are consistent in all aspects of their life. Ikalafeng explains, “Look at Richard Branson. We love that he is a maverick; that he challenges the status quo and he presents that consistently in his social and business life, whether he’s bungee jumping or challenging British Airways to a space race…” Decide on your values and stick to them, at work and at play. It will also keep you happier, says Ikalafeng. “Writer Freyer Stark said, ‘There can be no happiness if the things we do are different from the things we believe in.’” Make your values clear and stick to them.

Sure, you’re focused on building your brand, but so is everyone else. If you want people to know you, you have to work out what differentiates you from the rest. “Your brand needs to be relatively different from the rest or it won’t be seen,” says Rice. “Differentiation is key to being seen.”

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:34 PM

Ads.indd 10

2016/02/03 6:41 PM

GET TO GRIPS WITH OFFICE BULLIES In today’s economic climate, bullying in the workplace is becoming a costly affair. EOA takes a closer look at this issue and what you can do to arm yourself against office meanies. landed what I thought was my dream job. Everyone respected me and welcomed me to the team, except my supervisor, who undermined me at every turn. Two years later I had to leave; it was a battle I just couldn’t win.” Lindy tells her story over coffee in Rosebank, Johannesburg. She shakes her head at the recent memories of being targeted at work, still shocked that someone as confident and capable as herself could be demoralised so completely. She confesses that it has taken her over a year to recover from the experience, although she doubts she’ll ever really get over it. Countless movies and books have been devoted to schoolyard bullies and the ‘mean girls’ of grade school; for many of their victims, the emotional scars remain well into adulthood. Yet an issue that receives far less attention is one equally as damaging and perverse – that of bullying in the workplace.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Career.indd 50

CORPORATE THREAT The International Labour Organisation has stated that workplace bullying is the single biggest threat to the workplace of the new millennium. According to research by the Workplace Dignity Institute, bullying is rife in the corporate corridors of South Africa, where almost 40 percent of workers are bullied or victimised at least once in their careers. And most worrying of all, women are most likely to be targeted. Although it can take shape in many ways, workplace bullying is defined as repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators. Be it by a boss or colleague, workplace bullying includes conduct that is threatening, humiliating or intimidating; sabotage that prevents work from getting done, or verbal abuse.

FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES “Bullying has a devastating effect on targets,” says Dr Susan Steinman of the Dignity Institute. Although victims are more likely to be highly competent and adept at their work, possessing greater social skills than their bully, the psychological and physical damage it can wreak renders them insecure and demotivated. “Most people suffer from psychosomatic illnesses after prolonged exposure to emotional abuse,” she explains, “with many victims suffering from reactive depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in cases of severe bullying.” Dr Steinman believes that this silent epidemic is eating away profits, careers and human potential. Although not a new phenomenon, it is receiving more attention globally as the heavy

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:35 PM

career EOA

ARE YOU A VICTIM OF THE OFFICE BULLY?

consequences are increasingly felt. More than 50 million Americans have reported being bullied at work at one point in their careers, while the United Kingdom recently passed anti-bullying legislation.

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGE: sheknows.com.

MEAN GIRLS A recent study by the Workplace Bullying Institute shows a strong gender dynamic at play, with women making up 30 percent of office bullies – and targeting other women more than two thirds of the time. Men predominantly also target women, preferring open verbal abuse, while female bullies typically opt for subtle putdowns and backstabbing. Many reasons have been cited for this phenomenon, with the most obvious being the proverbial glass ceiling. With women occupying so few positions at the top, a cutthroat atmosphere of competition is fostered, rather than one of support. Yet what makes female bullying particularly pernicious is that women are always the losers. Whether victim or perpetrator, women lose their jobs at a far higher rate than men in instances of bullying. “The mistake most targets make is to deny their reality when dealing with a workplace bully,” says Dr Steinman. “Silence, shame and denial are exactly what a bully needs to succeed.”

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Career.indd 51

Experts recommend the following guidelines if you’re being targeted by a co-worker:  Know that you are not alone: Immerse yourself in literature, books, articles and groups that deal with workplace bullying.  Know that the bullying is not about you: Take time to separate what is unreasonable and untrue from that which you truly are.  Talk with trusted people: Do not go it alone. Seek emotional support from friends, family and trusted co-workers. Get clarity on the negative views you have internalised, and seek support and reassurance from others for the person you are and the good you do.  Take care of your well-being. Do the basics – get good sleep, exercise, nutrition and affection. Know that you are resilient and that you will learn from this experience. Connect or reconnect with your faith or spiritual practice.  Change your focus: Set clearer boundaries at work. Invest time in your family, friends and other interests. Use aspects of your life outside work to define your identity.  Stay aware: Once you realise you’re being bullied, document the situations and events – big and small. Document events back to the point where it all started.  Confront the bully: Be firm and assertive about being treated with dignity, demanding a stop to the bullying. Bring a witness with you. If your request is ignored, inform the person that the matter will be moved to a higher level.  Follow the chain of command: Talk to the bully’s supervisor, and be clear about what you want. Bring documentation and a witness if possible. Keep a record of this meeting.  Be persistent: Continue to follow work policy/procedure, and document everything. The situation could move to a written formal grievance or a grievance hearing.  Pursue legal recourse outside your employment: Make sure you have adequate financial resources, time and a strong support network if you follow this route.

“The mistake most targets make is to deny their reality when dealing with a workplace bully… Silence, shame and denial are exactly what a bully needs to succeed.”

HOW TO SPOT BULLYING BEHAVIOUR

 Verbal abuse or physical threats/aggressiveness.  Words or gossip intended to undermine the colleague or employee’s self-esteem.  Words or gossip intended to question the colleague’s authority, credibility, image or reputation.  Blaming a colleague for the mistakes of others.  Taking credit for the colleague’s work.  Refusal to delegate work or removal of responsibilities.  Unrealistic work demands.  Limits access to meetings, assignments, activities or positions. E

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:36 PM

FIERCELY FORGING FORWARD Few people reach the heights of success that Tshedi Mholo has, but hers hasn’t been a journey without its hiccups. She opens up to EOA about her 21-year voyage to find her voice.

orn in Boikhutso in Lichtenburg, North West, Tshedi Mholo was armed with a gift that would take her to stages in many foreign lands. Mostly known as the lead singer of Malaika, Tshedi had no idea that her passion for music would lead her down numerous roads, with extreme successes and equally intense disappointments, to eventually lead her to a place where she could take true ownership of her talent.

IT STARTS WITH A NOTE Tshedi’s relationship with music is genetic; she comes from a musical family. She was raised surrounded by music and from an early age she was entered into competitions in the church, where she often came out tops. “I grew up inspired by legendary musicians like Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mercy Phakela and international icons like Whitney Houston. I didn’t have solid plans for a career in music, but it was always around me,” she admits. When Tshedi moved to Mahikeng to study a Bachelor of Arts in Education, she couldn’t leave her affinity for singing behind, so she joined the Mmabana Jazz Band. “That was around 1996 and being part of the band exposed me to travelling. We would sing internationally and travel locally to spread word about what the jazz band was doing,” she says. A spark was ignited and even though she completed her degree in education, Tshedi had a taste of what awaited a girl with her talent. The move to Johannesburg to pursue her teaching career opened doors that Tshedi could never have anticipated. “I met Jabu Ndaba and Bongani Nchanga at church and we created a group that would change all our lives. In 2003 we released our debut album as Malaika and what followed was overwhelming success.” Malaika became one of the top bands in the country, making songs that have been wedding favourites across Africa for well over a decade now. The group became instant superstars. “During that time we won all kinds of awards, from Kora Awards to the SAMAs, and everything in between. We travelled the world and got to express ourselves musically to audiences everywhere. It was a magical time and a dream come true.”

ma rc h 2 0 16

EOA_My Journey.indd 52

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:37 PM

My JOURNEY EOA CHANGING TIDES In 2008 tragedy struck when Jabu passed away. Tshedi and Bongani tried to continue with Malaika, but it wasn’t the same. “It was difficult to continue with the legacy we had started as a trio when we were no longer that. We eventually decided to focus on our solo projects,” Tshedi explains. The transition to solo artist isn’t as easy as one would think, even when your star is as big as Tshedi’s was. “I did other projects including acting roles and a stint on season two of Clash of the Choirs. In 2013 I released my solo album, Victory, and that period in my life was filled with many difficult lessons.” Her album didn’t do as well as she had anticipated and even though she had known not to expect Malaika numbers, Tshedi had thought the public would be more open to her music. “It was an introductory project and I was trying to show fans who Tshedi was as a solo artist. People didn’t really understand the style of music that I was venturing into; some were disappointed that it didn’t sound like Malaika and some wanted something else from me.” She adds, “I was angry for a while because I felt like people didn’t want to hear me out.” Not easily defeated, Tshedi decided that she would take her career into her own hands. The culmination of that was her throwing a 20th year anniversary event for herself at the end of 2015. “The break from Malaika made me learn about other things, like being a businesswoman. I handled every aspect of my anniversary show by myself, without any sponsorship. I had to oversee everything and still be able to perform,” she recalls. The event was a hit and Tshedi proved to herself that she was capable of succeeding at what she put her mind to.

“The transition to solo artist isn’t as easy as one would think, even when your star is as big as Tshedi’s was.” PHENOMENALLY FEMALE

WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY TSHEDI MHOLO.

One of Tshedi’s responsibilities includes being a mother to two girls aged 11 and four, and being a partner. “Like other women, I juggle my career with my home life. The journey of motherhood has been a great one for me; children have a unique way of helping you become a better person. Knowing that they are waiting on mommy to come home to give love and support makes me keep my head up and cheer up daily. It’s a gift,” she says. While the roles she plays at home take priority over other things, Tshedi has been adamant about keeping her personal life guarded. “Even though I’m in the public eye, I deserve a personal life like other women. I know I’m a public figure, but I draw the line with my personal life. I am very protective of my family and myself and I don’t want these as part and parcel of my business life. I’m sure all women relate,” she states matter-of-factly. When asked what is next for this fierce woman who chose to take a new direction in life despite what others might have said, Tshedi replies, “I will be venturing into other things like production and talent scouting. I am passionate about music, that won’t change. This new chapter of my life is just beginning and I can’t wait to see what it brings.” E

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_My Journey.indd 53

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:37 PM

Ads.indd 15

2016/02/03 6:42 PM

RELATIONSHIPS EOA

MAINTENANCE LAW What every woman must know We live in a country where many women are suffering financially and some end up relying on state grants to feed their families. NTHABISENG MONARENG breaks down Maintenance 101. nowing our legal rights can be intimidating, especially at a time when we’re facing emotional trauma. There are laws and systems in place to protect women and their children from some of the negative consequences of divorces and relationship break-ups. These laws include child or spousal maintenance, which means women have the right to go to court and apply for maintenance from their ex-husbands or children’s fathers. But it is every woman’s responsibility to make sure that she understands her rights to take the legal route to go to court and fight for what is rightfully hers and her children’s. The law is there to protect us and it is time that we started using it.

SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE Married spouses, irrespective of whether they are married in or out of community of property, owe each other a duty of support. The duty to financially support a spouse comes to an end when the marriage relationship ends in divorce. However, a spouse who was financially dependent on the husband has the right to request spousal maintenance post divorce. This claim must be requested during the divorce process and it cannot be requested once the parties are divorced. Factors the court consider before ordering spousal maintenance post divorce:  T he age of the spouse requesting spousal maintenance.  The financial position of the spouse requesting spousal maintenance.  The standard of living of the parties during the marriage.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Relationships.indd 55

m ar ch 2016

2016/02/03 7:38 PM

EOA RELATIONSHIPS

There are two kinds of spousal maintenance that can be ordered by the court. 1. Rehabilitation Maintenance is an order that spousal maintenance be paid for a shorter period, for example two years. The aim of this kind of maintenance order is to assist the ex-spouse to get back on their feet financially, but not to be a permanent financial burden on their ex-spouse. 2. Permanent Maintenance is ordered when the parties were married for a long period and the ex-spouse requesting the maintenance is an adult that is no longer employable and doesn’t have any other source of income or financial assistance. In order for spousal maintenance to be awarded, the spouse that is required to pay maintenance must be in a financial position to do so. It is worth noting that wives can be ordered to maintain their ex-husbands, too. Also remember that couples who are living together but aren’t married to each other don’t have the right to spousal maintenance.

“In order for spousal maintenance to be awarded, the spouse that is required to pay maintenance must be in a financial position to do so. It is worth noting that wives can be ordered to maintain their exhusbands, too.” CHILD MAINTENANCE Securing child maintenance from ex-spouses is one of the main challenges facing South African women. This is because there are fathers that are not contributing their share to financially support their children, even when they are the only parent who is employed. The right of children to be cared for is guaranteed in Section 27 of the Constitution. The Maintenance Act (99 of 1998) and the Children’s Act (38 of 2005) state that both parents are responsible for child maintenance. The amount payable is dependent on how much each parent earns. The parent who earns more will pay more, For example, if the father earns a high salary than the mother, he will be responsible for 60 or 70 percent of the child maintenance and the mother will be responsible for 30 or 40 percent. The only exception is when one parent doesn’t have the financial means to support the children, due to being unemployed and they have no other means of income. In this case, the parent who is employed or has a source of income bears sole responsibility for the child maintenance.

CLAIMING MAINTENANCE If the father of your children refuses to pay maintenance, you must consider suing him for child maintenance. The procedure is as follows: l Go to the Magistrates’ Court, as every Magistrates’ Court is also

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Relationships.indd 56

a Maintenance Court. The prosecutor in that office is also the maintenance officer. l The clerk of the court will help you fill in a form that will ask you to stipulate the child’s expenses. Bring along proof of how much you earn and the receipts of expenses for the child’s activities, such as school fees, rent, food, medical care, clothing, etc. l A date will be set for both parents to come to court for mediation. This is a meeting with court-appointed mediators who will assist you and the father to reach an agreement on the amount of maintenance and the dates of payment. Then the maintenance officer will send a notice to the father. l If the father does not show up for mediation, the maintenance officer will set a date for the matter to be heard by the magistrate.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR MAINTENANCE CLAIM l Your identity document l The birth certificate of the child or children l Where appropriate, a copy of the divorce order l Proof of your income (payslip) l Proof of all the expenses related to raising your children l Details of the father defaulting on child maintenance. When a parent who has been ordered to pay maintenance defaults on payment, the parent requesting the maintenance has to lodge a complaint at the Maintenance Court. The maintenance officer will summon the defaulting parent, who has to explain why he has not been paying. If he or she says they have been making payments, they must produce proof of payments. If there is no proof of payments, the court can order the following: 1. Attachment of emoluments (also known as a garnishee order). This involves payment to be taken directly from the salary of the non-paying parent. 2. Warrant of execution. This involves attaching the moveable property of the non-paying parent and selling it at an auction. The money raised will be for maintenance. 3. Warrant of arrest. The non-paying parent can be arrested.

DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Often in marriages where the woman was financially dependent on her husband and it becomes clear that the union is heading for divorce, the man stops financially supporting the wife. For example, he ceases to pay for groceries or household neccessities. In cases like these, the spouse who is struggling financially can make a Rule 43 High Court application or Rule 58 application at the Magistrates’ Court. These applications offer temporary relief for a spouse who needs financial assistance, or in cases where the spouse wants temporary custody of minor children until the divorce has been finalised. E

WORDS: NTHABISENG MONARENG. IMAGE: ©ISTOCK.COM.

l The duration of the marriage. l The educational qualifications of the parties, and whether or not the spouse who is requesting the spousal maintenance is in a position to be employed.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:38 PM

SEX & INTiMaCY INTIMACY EOA quick Google search on ‘being sexier’ returns a cool 160 000 results. From waist trainers and fad diets, to strutting your stuff in killer heels, we’re bombarded with new ways to make us look and feel like a sex kitten every day. And yet, when asked what makes someone sexy, most responses have less to do with how someone looks and more to do with what they exude from the inside, with confidence as the number one factor to feeling and being sexy. So, how can you overflow with sexiness without looking like you’re trying too hard? It’s simple; you have to feel sexy. The more you feel sexy, the hotter you’ll be. Promise.

1. UNDERWEAR CENTRAL Nothing feels less sexy than wearing your period panties on a Friday night because your only set of lacy come-hither panties and bra are in the laundry bin. What you need is enough padded, well-fitted, colour-coded, matching underwear to last you from one washing day to the next. Knowing that you’re all business on the top and lots of party at the bottom will make you feel super hot and believe us, people will notice.

2. DITCH THE KNICKERS Not an everyday strategy, and definitely not one for those windy skirt days, but every now and then just try going full commando and head out sans undies. Again, knowing you’re totally bare underneath your outfit will make you feel like you have a dirty little secret – which will do wonders for your smouldering come-hither look.

3. CREATE A HUMP DAY PLAYLIST Even if it’s made up of Drake-only rap jams that make your inner feminist cringe, have a playlist that makes you feel sexy enough to get down. Keep it on repeat in your car and listen to it on the way to work in the middle of the week (because why not?). Nothing will make you feel more like Beyoncé than listening to Jay Z singing about slipping panties to the side… Hot, right? We know!

10 WAYS TO FEEL (EVEN) SEXIER We all have our bag of tricks to being sexy, but a bit of extra help never hurt anyone. Here are EOA’s 10 tips to ensure you ooze sexiness around the clock. e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Sex.indd 57

m ar ch 2016

2016/02/03 7:42 PM

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” 6. MORE ME-TIME No, we don’t mean taking a moment to read a book in a bubble bath. We mean take time out to masturbate – regularly. According to Camille Noe Pagán on WebMD, ‘Masturbating increases blood flow throughout your body and releases feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins.’ Plus, it can benefit your sex life by helping you figure out what you like (and what you don’t like). Take time to yourself and then enjoy walking around the rest of the day with that magnetic, post-orgasmic look.

7. GET UP AND GET ACTIVE We know that running around the block, dripping with sweat and panting like a sick puppy doesn’t sound all that sexy, but exercise will make you feel good. Full stop. It’s impossible to return from a spin class without looking a little more toned – even if it’s just in your head – which will give you a huge confidence boost for the day, and you can count on someone noticing.

8. THROWBACK SEX Have you had a recent sexy encounter that left your knees shaking? Think about it – often. Spend time daydreaming about that sexy night, remembering what you liked about it and how it made you feel. And then, wait for the excitement to build again. Sexy thoughts equal sexy looks.

4. GET YOUR FLIRT ON Yes, even if you’re in a relationship, flirting with someone other than your partner can do wonders for your sex drive. If you know that the IT guy has a huge crush on you and you’re having a bit of a low day, unplug your router and call him to your desk to check it out. Hmm, a bit of troubleshooting never hurt anyone. Studies have shown that flirting can boost confidence, help with negotiating skills and even improve your immune system. Not to mention it’ll give you a little kick that reminds you that you still got it going on.

5. ROCK A RED LIPPY We don’t know why it works, but it does. Wearing hot red lipstick will make you feel like it’s your big night at the Oscars, and you have a one-way ticket to Ryan Seacrest’s after-party. This is not about how you look wearing red lipstick, but much more about how it will make you feel when you’re wearing it. As Gwyneth Paltrow puts it, “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”

10. GIVE YOURSELF A PEP TALK Sometimes you just have to stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself that you are fabulous. Take time to tell yourself all the things you love about you, and to admire your hard work (even if it’s choosing that green salad over pizza once a week). The more you think you’re sexy and confident, the more it’ll manifest and become true in no time. Go and get your sexy on! E

“Studies have shown that flirting can boost confidence, help with negotiating skills and even improve your immune system. Not to mention it’ll give you a little kick that reminds you that you still got it going on.” m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Sex.indd 58

WORDS: KIM GARNER. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM, Depositphotos.

9. LET YOUR LEGS DO THE TALKING Of course, the choice to have or not have body hair is a personal one, but let’s face it, there’s nothing sexier than freshly shaven legs. Have a bath, shave and then get in between those clean bed sheets with those smooth calves. It’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cloud, and you’ll be rubbing your limbs around the bed in no time. Tap into this sensation for a truly sexy feeling and if your partner is next to you, they’ll be sure to notice.

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:43 PM

PARENTING EOA

GETTING DOWN TO THE TRUTH Monday 21 March 2016 marks the 11th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. BULELWA MOKORI looks at how Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) works to reduce stigmatisation and isolation of children with Down syndrome in the townships. ccording to DSSA, the incidence of Down syndrome (DS) is estimated to be two in every 1 000 live births in South Africa. This chromosomal disorder is caused by an abnormality in the genetic material, which results in delays in physical and intellectual development of the child. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm, although each child with Down syndrome is unique and may possess these characteristics in different degrees, or not at all.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION National Executive Director of DSSA, Ancella Ramjas, says although it cannot be cured, people with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, appropriate medical care, early intervention, education and vocational services. “Sustainability of support groups is very important. That is why DSSA, in 2011, launched self-help groups under the project ‘Break the Barrier – Strengthening the Townships.” Ramjas explains the aim of the group is to promote acceptance and inclusion of children and adults with Down syndrome. These groups empower mothers who can go to their communities and work together as a strong voice to eradicate stigma and marginalisation in their community.

CULTURAL BELIEFS According to Ramjas, some communities usually have no special treatment for people with mental illnesses. She adds that they are often neglected and labelled as cursed by witches or possessed by evil spirits, and this includes children born with Down syndrome. Some say the parents did something to cause their child to be born this way. Due to the lack of education and information, Ramjas suggests that some communities say it is a punishment from God. She says this causes fear of the unknown in the parents, as well as disappointment, which can lead to rejection of the baby – or even the hope that their baby will die, as they lack empathy and the confidence to raise this child with special needs.

LEARNING TO COPE Mavis Buya (61) from Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape knows firsthand what it means to be a parent of a child with DS. She says she learnt most things while raising her now 19-year-old daughter. But when she was just starting out she didn’t know so much. “I accepted and treated my child like any other child. My family was distressed and they tried to help by making suggestions that I interpreted as negative,” she recalls. According to Mavis,

ANELISA PIENAAR

DEAN VAN DER MERWE

“Because I managed to cope with the situation effectively, I noticed that most other people within the community also learnt to do so.”

E SSAYS O F A F R I C A

EOA_Parenting.indd 59

TANIELLE CLARKE

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:47 PM

EOA PARENTING

“Shortly after that I picked up my baby boy, placed him on my chest and said to myself: Now the journey begins, Baatile.”

REJECTION Sive Msomi (39) from kwaMashu in Durban says her first reaction when she heard her child was born with DS was one of shock and confusion. “I felt that our world had fallen apart. I was frightened of the future, I ached with sadness, I cried and grieved for the baby we thought we were going to have, but didn’t. The sense of loss was overpowering,” she says. She says she avoided the community and contact with friends because of embarrassment. Sive adds that she now feels sorry she didn’t welcome her child’s birth with more delight and joy. She says that outsiders find it difficult to treat children with DS as they would any other child, and acknowledges the unique challenges they face. “Finding that balance is not always that easy,” she says.

TRIUMPH OVER PREJUDICE Beauty Mbalela was 37 when she gave birth to Sihle, her ninth child. She says when she took her baby home, his early years were marred by developmental problems. She was forced to keep Sihle at home and that it was a bitter, painful experience because, while she and her husband loved their son with all their hearts, others in the community did not. “They started calling him ‘the boy with the flat face'. They tried to make him not human. And the more they did this, the less human they themselves became,” she says. Beauty’s hands shake when she recalls that some people in the village had suggested that Sihle should be ‘thrown away’ and that they were ‘wasting their money on him’. They were even told to keep him at home and spend his disability grant money on themselves.

LACK OF INFORMATION Beauty says DS is also not a recognised medical condition among her community, adding that people with intellectual disabilities like Sihle are neglected and left to wander the streets in rags.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Parenting.indd 60

Others are chained or tied up and locked away because they’re considered a great shame to their families. She adds that when she now hears people insulting her son, she understands that it is because of their lack of information around the condition.

SUPPORT GROUPS Baatile Komane-Mofokeng (40) from Tshwane was recently honoured for her role in promoting awareness of people with disabilities when she received the 2015 Mother-Of-Child Award at the 2015 Tributes Excellence Awards held in Bloemfontein. She says her lifelong learning journey and involvement in matters of disability started with the birth of her son, Nyakallo Mofokeng in 2005. He was born with Down syndrome and she admits that she immediately turned to her husband who was by her side and cried. “Shortly after that I picked up my baby boy, placed him on my chest and said to myself: Now the journey begins, Baatile,” she recalls. When Nyakallo was five, Baatile says she received emails from the senior development social worker informing her that she should look for an alternative crèche for him, as the teachers at that crèche were not equipped to deal with children with disabilities. Her response was to send three teachers from the school for training in inclusive education so that they could be exposed and equipped to accommodate children with disabilities. Baatile then started a self-help group, now known as Khanya Support Group, with the assistance of Ramjas. Nyakallo is currently attending school at Valhalla Primary School, one of the mainstream schools that accommodates children with intellectual disabilities and the support group has now extended to other areas like Mamelodi, Soshanguve – and is still growing. E

TASHA OOSTHUIZEN

NWABISA BUYA, DAUGHTER OF MAVIS BUYA

WORDS: BULELWA MOKORI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY DSSA AND PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION.

communication helped her find solutions. “When time came for her to start school, I took her to one of the mainstream schools,” Mavis recalls. She says because the teachers were battling to cope with her daughter, she moved her to a special school. Mavis says that with the help of the support groups, she was able to influence the attitudes of her other children, family and friends regarding her daughter. “Because I managed to cope with the situation effectively, I noticed that most other people within the community also learnt to do so,” she says.

KAYLA SKEIN

The 2016 theme is: ‘My Friends, My Community’ – The benefits of inclusive environments for today's children and tomorrow's adults. Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) is a non-profit organisation which acts as a parent advocacy organisation and lobby group for the constitutional rights of persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Contact them on 0861 369 672 or email dssaoffice@icon.co.za

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:47 PM

Magazine On Sale NOW!

R27 PER ISSUE!

Parenting... Your Way! Parenting... Your Way!

DIGITAL ONLY R5 PER ISSUE! Go to www.mamasnpapasmag.com M&P Ad.indd 69

2016/02/03 5:02 PM

healthy vagina is a happy vagina. But in the last decade, advances in cosmetic surgery and even endorsements from celebs have seen women do some of the most ludicrous – and often harmful – things to their vaginas, all in the name of making it better. But there really is no need to improve upon the design. Dr Ntlotleng Mabena of the Open House organisation sets the record straight: “The vagina, like any other part of the body, has a pH balance. It will keep itself hygienic unless you start using products that will alter or completely change that pH balance.” Essentially, what governs the pH is bacteria that live in the body. “This bacteria produces acids that keep the vagina moist and improves the flora of the vagina, while killing off unwanted organisms,” explains Dr Mabena. So what are some of the things that you can do to keep your vagina, and by extension yourself, healthy and happy?

WATER YOUR GARDEN Dr Mabena says, “All women should get into the practice of wiping their vaginas with clean water and a clean cloth after using the toilet.” The same goes for during bath time. You sweat during the day, so using a soap bar that has a similar pH balance to that of your vagina (such as Dove) to wipe the labia of your vagina is fine, Dr Mabena says, but she cautions against using any soap internally.

HOW HAPPY IS YOUR VAGINA? Whether it’s waxed, shaved or good-old ’70s bushy, your vagina’s wellness is about more than your preferences; it’s about knowing the rules. Here’s what you need to know to makes yours a happy one.

ma rc h 2 0 16

EOA_Health.indd 62

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:47 PM

health EOA

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

LET THE LIGHT IN

From flavoured condoms to scented pads, women have an unhealthy obsession with smelling fruity or flowery down there. There is nothing wrong with your vagina’s original, unhampered-with scent. “Using perfumed products such as pantyliners, pads or condoms are the number one cause for recurrent vaginal discharges,” warns Dr Mabena.

Women tend to choose underwear that’s just pretty but according to Dr Mabena, lacey underwear and G-strings hold onto unwanted organisms and pass them from one area of the genitals to another – like from the anal area to the vagina – so they don’t recommend them. “Cotton-based underwear is the best as it doesn’t go inside the vagina,” she advises. “When washing these, make sure you use a small amount of a soap that is close to your vagina’s pH and make sure you rinse it well.” Do not use washing machine detergents, as these are too harsh and avoid hanging your undies in a dark bathroom to dry. Dr Mabena says, “There are microscopic spores that stick onto fabric but direct UV light will kill those. Be sure to hang your underwear where it can be dried by the sun’s rays.”

STEAM YOUR VEG NOT YOUR VAG We’ve seen everyone from Tia and Tamera Mowry to Gwyneth Paltrow endorsing steaming one’s vagina, but Dr Mabena strictly warns against this practice. “The vagina is sensitive. Heat and chemicals will break the barrier of the thin inner skin. If you’re opening pores when you steam your face, you can imagine the damage you are doing to the vaginal tissue,” she says. Vegetables can handle the steam, but not your vagina.

“Everything that is scented or flavoured completely tips the balance of the pH in your system. WIPE AFTER SEX

WORDS: HELEN HERIMBI. IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.

To Dr Mabena, foreplay starts with food because “what you eat manifests through the openings in your body. It is good practice to use a clean cloth and water to wipe in and around the vagina to remove any juices that may have been produced during intercourse. Don’t use wet wipes as these are often scented and will disrupt the pH. “I’m not saying you should immediately jump out of bed after a passionate moment, but don’t give foreign organisms a chance to fester.” Dr Mabena also raises awareness of the harm in sharing sex toys. “Sex toys are big transmitters of STIs,” she says. “Even if it’s just you and one partner, make sure the toys are cleaned properly and that a new condom is used for a new orifice at all times.”

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Health.indd 63

DON’T BE A DOUCH-ER “Put perfume on your neck, not on your vagina,” warns Dr Mabena. The practice of douching sees women spraying various fluids into their vaginas in order to clean and give it a pleasant smell. “Everything that is scented or flavoured completely tips the balance of the pH in your system. Douching isn’t a practice that is encouraged from a medical point of view. Rather use clean water.”

CHECK YOURSELF Although eating plain yoghurt is a popular home remedy for urinary tract infections and other similar symptoms, Dr Mabena recommends seeking the advice of a medical professional if you suspect something is amiss in your nether region. “Unflavoured and unsweetened plain yoghurt is a natural probiotic and has the same qualities as probiotic pills,” says Dr Mabena. But strawberry yoghurt, for example, will do more harm than good. “From your teeth to your genitals, sugar kills off good bacteria. This can cause conditions such as thrush. Analyse your habits, then see a doctor if your discharge is white or requires a pantyliner,” she advises. E

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:47 PM

PR WITH A PURPOSE Vanessa Perumal is a force to be reckoned within the PR industry and some of the titles she identifies with include feminist, humanitarian and social entrepreneur. We chatted to her to find out what her secret to success is and how she’s managed to stay on top. e live in a digital age and staying relevent means maintaining a strong online presence. Vanessa has this all figured out and you can find her on various social media spaces. She has over 3 000 followers on Twitter and her timeline is buzzing with many of her thoughts, views and ideas about PR and the world at large. Vanessa accepts any invitation to collectively discuss how individuals can use their skills to unite Africa under one flag. This is where Vanessa’s passion and purpose lies. Her 100-percent black-empowered media and publicity company, JT Communication Solutions, is very well known for its level of professionalism and fantastic delivery of maximum coverage in traditional and new media spaces for her clients. Vanessa has been extremely consistent in her efforts and devoted towards building a united Africa, where Africans join forces in changing the negative perceptions of the rest of the world. When she isn’t travelling and discovering the continent, Vanessa is hard at work planning some of the country’s biggest events, some of which include Macufe, We Are Africa: Moretele Park Tribute Concert and the coveted and globally attended Cape Town International Jazz Festival. “I never have a free moment,” says Vanessa on the telephone as we set up an appointment.

“Once I realised black women in a free SA had options to create their own economies, I explored different scenarios…”

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Profile.indd 64

A LONGSTANDING LOVE AFFAIR Vanessa studied journalism 22 years ago, but when she moved to the northern surburbs of Johannesburg, she realised the power of entrepreunership. “Once I realised black women in a free SA had options to create their own economies, I explored different scenarios and enrolled to do the PRISA management course, which I passed hands down,” she says. “I launched a media and publicity agency and also quite quickly learnt that JT Communications was filling a gap that saw us dominate a sector of the market by default. It was sort of like meeting destiny halfway.” As markets rapidly change, Vanessa has managed to stay put in an industry where many were going under. “Surviving a saturated industry, coupled with the rapid technology revolution, is a challenge on many levels. The best way to survive this changing industry is to change with it,” she advises. “Of course you need to

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:49 PM

PROFILE EOA stay true to your core mission, but I believe in the power of digital so much that I’ve made it a main component in how I run my business and how I stay relevant,” she says. Vanessa also adds that creating new income streams quickly to gain a steady cash flow helped her company swim against the tide. “Entrepreneurship is not always an easy ride and in our case we started selling food when things hit rock bottom. However, making the 360-degree turn to provide an integrated communication offering enabled us to disrupt the status quo and create new markets.”

CREATING YOUR OWN LANE Even though her business was already established, Vanessa found merit in learning new things that would help her expand her thinking. “When we opened my business nearly 12 years ago, I also studied PR and Communications but I had never studied business until I received a scholarship on the Goldman Sachs 10 000 Women Programme at GIBS,” she explains. Vanessa continues, “What I have realised is that lack of business knowledge and not scaling to other business sectors was a serious problem for me. It’s so easy for SMEs to become complacent, especially when income streams are almost guaranteed – I have learnt the power of knowledge. In a technology age there is so much opportunity to learn from those who have conquered despite the odds,” she advises. Of her plans for the future, Vanessa says, “We have a lot planned, but what I can say is that we have expanded our operations to include branding, audio and visual solutions. I am hoping to launch #ECAfrica online – this will be a TV channel using the internet to create content on entrepreneurship.”

WORDS: LUYANDA SIBISI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY VANESSA PERUMAL.

Vanessa shared her short, tothe-point survival tips with us:

VANESSA PERUMAL

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Profile.indd 65

l Always have a plan B. l You have to keep moving and exploring new ideas. l If you’re going to fail, fail quickly – but pick yourself up and keep moving. l Foresight planning. l Innovate while adapting. l Creating new income streams (Diverse markets and innovate using new marketing strategies). l Excellence in your entire value chain is key, BUT being able to deliver more than expected helps. l Surround yourself with winners. E

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:50 PM

Ads.indd 17

2016/02/03 6:44 PM

NEWS REPORT EOA

BEAUTY DISRUPTED Black women around the world are radically embracing their looks, bypassing systems that never used to celebrate them and forcing the world to see that black is indeed beautiful. EOA takes a closer look at this growing reality. “Black is beautiful but currently going out of style, yet I am still Black. The women’s movement may be going out of style soon too… But I am not going to stop being a woman.” Audre Lorde described herself as black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.

hen Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014 for her gutsy portrayal of Patsy in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave, media across the globe took notice. Nyong’o has continued to dazzle on the red carpet as much as she does on screen – gracefully and calmly taking her place at the centre of a fetishised frenzy of adoration. Whilst many journalists seemed almost stunned by her beauty, as if it were an anomaly, Nyong’o grasped the power that her image held and what it represents within a context of hegemonic ideals. Speaking at the annual Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon, she stated: “I too remember a time when I would turn on the TV and only see pale skin. I got teased and taunted for my night-shaded skin. And my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter skinned.” Growing up in Mexico City, the actress of Kenyan descent went on to describe how things changed for her when South Sudanese model, Alek Wek, came onto the scene: “I couldn’t believe people were

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_News Report.indd 67

embracing a woman, that looked so much like me, as beautiful. Now I had a spring in my step because I felt more seen, more appreciated by the far-away gatekeepers of beauty.”

WHO TRAINED THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER? As pointed out by feminist icon Naomi Woolf in her seminal work The Beauty Myth, ‘The concept of beauty is a weapon used to make women feel badly about themselves; after all, no one can live up to the ideal.’ In modern history, through media platforms, the idea of beauty that has been normalised the world over is that of white beauty. There was a time when, if you turned on any TV channel you’d likely be met by the images of blondes, brunettes and redheads. Whiteness, and white beauty, was the standard. “Seeing white women being set as the standard for beauty has been very harmful to many societies over long periods of time, and has gone largely unchecked until now,” says Ntobeko Shezi, a psychologist with a keen interest in women’s issues. “It is one of those insidious sicknesses that creeps into people’s psyche. Most of us grew up seeing the love interest of a powerful CEO being a thin, blonde woman who looked nothing like

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:50 PM

EOA NEWS REPORT

HASHTAG REVOLUTION In The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison called the Western obsession with beauty ‘one of the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought’. Yet unlike the protagonist of her novel, whose desire to have blue eyes turns to insanity as an escape from a world where she cannot be beautiful, perhaps there is another way. As reflected in the multitude of voices and movements arising throughout South Africa and around the world, women are beginning to define beauty on their own terms. And it is dazzling to witness. In South Africa, Twitter user Tlalane Letlhaku called on international retailer H&M to include more black models in its global marketing campaign. Their racist reply caused a furore on social media, with the story quickly going viral and millions holding them to account. Other

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_News Report.indd 68

movements around black beauty include #MelaninMonday and #BlackOutDay, which are days dedicated to black girls celebrating their black beauty. “As tides turn and women whose beauty was always ‘othered’, if not altogether ignored, start to speak out for themselves, new ideals and perceptions of beauty emerge. It’s a radical act of self-love that black women have been starved of for centuries,” says Shezi. Although they may still be an anomaly, a new breed of fashion models are joining the groundswell of those subverting hegemonic conventions. From women in wheelchairs hitting the runways of New York Fashion Week to a proliferation of plus-size models gracing the covers of magazines – these icons are slowly creating diversity in fashion. South African models Refilwe Modiselle and Thando Hopa have challenged prejudice in their own right by revelling in their albino skin for top designers.

KNOWING BEAUTY PERSONALLY For 34-year-old Nomfundo Zulu, the slow yet impactful conversations that are happening globally among women of colour, specifically black women, has changed her life dramatically. “As someone who never saw myself as beautiful, it has been affirming and liberating to be part of this movement that not only acknowledges black as beautiful, but also celebrates that black represents an entire spectrum of beauty,” she says. Growing up in Soweto, Zulu says she learnt very early on that the term ‘beautiful’ was something reserved for girls with lighter skin, longer hair and flatter bellies. Those who had a combination of all those qualities were the owners of beauty, only ever overshadowed by coloured girls who had even lighter skin and even longer hair. “As a chubby dark-skinned girl, I knew I stood no chance in the beauty Olympics. Because of that, I took no interest in things related to beauty. With hindsight I think I felt that I had not been given permission to take part in things that were reserved for beautiful women, like make-up and fashion,” she confesses. Factors including time, self-acceptance and the realisation that there is a whole system that was created to make her feel ‘less than’, has helped Zulu free herself from these perceptions and celebrate her beauty. “These days I openly celebrate and acknowledge my beauty. It helps that we now have communities as black girls where we can do that. We no longer need editors and directors to pick us, because we pick ourselves and create our own platforms where we celebrate ourselves. It makes me incredibly happy to know that generations of black girls will grow up knowing that they are enough, not only in their looks but in their being. This is a revolution.” E

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN & ZAMA NKOSI. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM.

us. White women can argue that they too were harmed by the images, but at least they were exposed to examples of people who looked like them; a look they could aspire to. For young black girls, though, there was nothing in the world you could do to look like Cameron Diaz, no matter how hard you tried,” Shezi states. In Africa, we have been dominated by European ideals of beauty due to our racist, colonial history. It’s only in more recent years that mainstream media has begun to reflect the diverse reality of our population, although this often still plays itself out along systemic racial and socio-economic hierarchies. The change is happening at a snail’s pace. Thankfully, the democratisation of social media has provided a platform for millions of women, here and across the globe, to share their experiences of everyday sexism. Using social media, they challenge the perpetuation of patriarchy and racism, calling out those who shame and police women for their looks. These women are disrupting the status quo, setting new trends and forcing the so-called arbiters of beauty to pay attention to this revolution.

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:50 PM

TECH EOA

M-PESA

Standing in a long queue to deposit money can be a waste of precious time, especially when you have a business to run. M-PESA allows you to deposit, withdraw and transfer money using a mobile device, a breakthrough in many African countries where banks are characterised by long queues and a small staff complement. This app allows for flexible transactions and mobile banking, as well as after-hours transactions.

MARKITSHARE

Winner of the Best Android app Enterprise in the 2013 MTN app awards, this logical and eay-to use app modernises the entire process of listing real-estate and allows real-estate agencies and agents to move information around within a social platform, maximising the day-to-day performance of the industry itself.

BUZZME

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: GOOGLE PLAY STORE, BOZZA.MOBI, MARKITSHARE.CO.ZA.

This free mobile message and video-calling network for smartphone users allows pictures, information and videos to be shared between family and friends. Aimed at connecting Africa to Africa, BuzzMe is a new addition to the world of social media and is perfect for business travellers keen to find out more the African countries they are visiting. Available in Google Play store for Android users or visit buzzme.cc for information.

SLIMTRADER

With SlimTrader you can carry out e-commerce transactions, like buying or paying for goods and services via SMS or WAP – ideal for those who struggle with cash or bank payments. Visit slimtrader.com for more info.

TOP BUSINESS APPS & SITES Staying connected and informed in the business world through these great apps can be the key to your entrepreneurial success and to giving Africa the business edge in a competitive economy. LIGHTSTONE LIVE

A winner of the 2013 MTN Award Best Android enterprise app category, Lightstone Live has revolutionised South Africa’s car sales industry by allowing car dealers to instantly validate both a vehicle and a potential buyer within seconds. This VVi app, is a first of its kind in South Africa, generates instant vehicle verification reports by scanning the barcode encrypted VIN number on the vehicle’s license disc using your smartphone.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Tech & Apps.indd 69

BOZZA

Founded and headed by entrepreneur Emma Kaye, Bozza enables communities to tell their stories from the inside out. Backed by HP ventures, it is focused on contextually relevant made-for-mobile content. Bozza is rooted in townships across Africa and allows you, your friends and communities to see and share life through local music, videos, and photos. Visit bozza.mobi to see what Bozza is all about.

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:51 PM

ALL MEN ARE CHEATS… OR ARE THEY? Here’s a look at how our flippant generalisations about male infidelity, and sometimes our acceptance thereof, can harm our men, our relationships, and ultimately us. m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Man Feature.indd 70

‘All men will eventually cheat; it’s just what they do’… ‘Five ways to find out if he’s a cheater’ … Do these statements sound familiar? Between the manner in which we talk about male infidelity and the general perception about how men will behave, it seems that women are sending a strong message that a cheating man is par for the course. The conversation is part of our everyday lives – at the office water cooler or over coffee with our besties, with further mass reinforcement on those fun-filled girls’ nights out. The conversation and growing perception has become so common that we don’t give it a second thought. But we need to stop for a minute and really think about how badly this message is harming our relationships. We know that not all men cheat. And despite this knowledge, there is still the overwhelming opinion that men can’t help but be unfaithful, and one that women often spread like

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:52 PM

MAN FEATURE EOA

“Women have attested to the fact that these sorts of stereotyped statements can leave them feeling inadequate, which can often erode their self-esteem.” wildfire. “I don’t think it’s fair to say that men cheat more than women,” says Veronique Breugelmans, Life Coach from Just Be Coaching & Consulting in Lonehill, Johannesburg, “but it seems that this perception does exist.”

WATCH YOUR MOUTH

WORDS: KIM GARNER. IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Do a quick survey of the last few conversations you’ve had about infidelity and try to remember how many times the conversation included statements like ‘boys will be boys’ or ‘of course he cheated; he’s a guy’. Also consider how often we accept comments about the ‘side-chick’ – the woman a man is sleeping with outside of his relationship – as if they’re the norm. What about the fact that the media bombards us with feature headlines such as ‘Why do men cheat?’ Chances are, our conversations perpetuate this belief that it is coded in a man’s DNA to be unfaithful. “I honestly can say that I don’t know many women who can say with certainty that she believes her man will not cheat on her,” says Candice (34) from Johannesburg. But is this attitude or opinion creating a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy for men and telling them it’s an expected behaviour, so why not do it? After all, as Breugelmans says, “Research and history have shown that what you are exposed to consistently over long periods of time, can and will eventually play a role in how you develop your own norms, values and morals. But,” she adds, “while a person who has been told all their life that it’s common to cheat may grow older thinking that way, and even indulge in such [activity], they too will face conflicting opinions through TV, conversation and friends. So unless the person is certified incompetent, it is their choice to indulge or abstain.”

NOBODY WINS Of course, men are also tired of this perception. “I think it’s lazy to think all men are like this or all women are like that,” says Tom* (31) from Johannesburg. “It’s avoiding any deep, critical thinking on the subject. Not all men cheat; your man cheated. It’s a personal thing that has to do with your relationship. It isn’t as simple as ‘I have to have sex with someone else’, but rather because of deeper reasons that are a sign of an unhappy relationship or deeper fears about missing out on life.”

e ssays o f A f r i c a

EOA_Man Feature.indd 71

The way we so flippantly talk about male cheating might lead us to think of it as harmless generalisation, but it can be much more than that. In fact, sending this message is not only untrue but it is harmful to both women and men. “Women have attested to the fact that these sorts of stereotyped statements can leave them feeling inadequate, which can often erode their selfesteem,” says counselling psychologist, Athena Lazarides. “Many women have expressed feelings of shame, anger, frustration, inadequacy and sadness around this false idea that all men cheat. It also perpetuates that belief that women do not have the same satiability for desire and eroticism, which is simply incorrect. This kind of thinking lumps both men and women into one terrible category,” Lazarides adds, “and leaves no room for selfwill, self-restraint or loyalty.”

“This kind of thinking lumps both men and women into one terrible category and leaves no room for selfwill, self-restraint or loyalty.” The effect this has on men is equally difficult. “Men may feel that they have to constantly reassure their partners because of this falsehood. This can frustrate and overwhelm a man to the point that he is exhausted and isolates himself,” says Lazarides. “Consequently, men may feel that they can’t fully express themselves for fear of what the woman perceives to be true. Many men (specifically younger men) even feel pressured to cheat, specifically if they associate these falsehoods with perceptions of what it means to be a ‘real man’.”

FOCUS ON YOUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS So how do we change the narrative? We need to be conscious of our words and monitor how these alter our perceptions of men. Branding all men as cheaters is as bad as slut-shaming women who enjoy sex. Both genders become victims of perception rather than being truly understood by their prospective life partners. Lazarides suggests dumping the generalisations and focusing on your own relationship. “Issues of intimacy, sex, trust and communication need to be addressed,” she adds, “and both individuals should try to identify what roles they are playing within the relationship.” You may have to ask your partner those uncomfortable questions if you are feeling insecure, because that is how you build a relationship based on honesty – but you don’t have to slur half of society in a haphazard manner. E *Name has been changed for purposes of this article.

mar ch 2016

2016/02/03 7:53 PM

4 5

ACCESSORIES FOR HIM Simple accessories to elevate your manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style from regular to suave.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

Men Fashion.indd 72

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:55 PM

MAN SHOPPING EOA 10

WORDS: TEBATJO MANAMELA. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS, PINTEREST.COM.

15 16

1. SPOTTED SCARF, R180, STUDIO, WOOLWORTHS. 2. SUSPENDERS, R149, H&M. 3. BAMBOO COTTON HANDKERCHIEFS, R140, WOOLWORTHS. 4. LEATHER BELT, R229, H&M. 5. BROWN WALLET, R1 199, TIGER OF SWEDEN. 6. WEEKEND BAG, R749, H&M. 7. EASY READER LEATHER WATCH, R999, TIMEX, SPREE. 8. ANTSBT WALLET, R375, BOSSI, SPREE. 9. SLIM WIDE STRIPE TIE, R549, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS. 10. 48 20 CHRONO LEATHER ROSE GOLD WATCH, R5 699, NIXON, SPREE. 11. TRAVEL WALLET, R999, FOSSIL ACCESSORIES, SPREE. 12. TWO-PACK BRACELETS, R129, H&M. 13. 51 30 CHRONO WATCH, R7 299, NIXON, SPREE. 15. WHITE LETTERED SNAPBACK, R299, BUTAN, SPREE. 14. BLACK LEATHER WALLET, R1 799, TIGER OF SWEDEN. 16. NORDIC BACKPACK, R449, MI PAC, SPREE.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

Men Fashion.indd 73

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 7:56 PM

A LEAP OF FAITH

After 15 years in the mining industry, Mike Moipolai (38) took a leap of faith and opened up his own events company. m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_MAN Q&A_All men for seasons.indd 74

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 7:56 PM

MAN Q&A EOA

Q: Who is Tebogo Michael Moipolai? Tell Us About Your Journey.

Q: If You Weren’t In Events, What Profession Would You Choose?

I am a family man, married to Thembelihle Moipolai, and we’re blessed with two children. I was raised in a disadvantaged family of nine in the rural area of Kuruman (Northern Cape). After matric it was mandatory that I look for a job, as the financial situation at home didn't allow me to study any further. In 2003, I enrolled for a learnership with Wade Electrical, where I qualified as an electrician. I then enrolled with the then Johannesburg Technical College and I also completed a Safety Management Course with SAMTRAC. Thereafter I worked in the mining sector for over 15 years before resigning and using my provident fund to open my own business.

Growing up I wanted to be a CA, but my dreams were shattered when I couldn’t get a qualifying pass symbol to study for the degree. However, that didn’t stop my aspirations for success. I studied electrical engineering because I was passionate about fiddling with electrical wires and designing homemade electrical cars. Even though I qualified as an electrician, I realised that wasn’t where my heart really was.

Q: Tell Us About TMM Events. TMM is an events management company that was established in 2005 and officially registered through Cipro in 2006, specialising in the rental of sound, stage, lighting and AV equipment. We have worked at major events, including those hosted by Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape governments. So far, we have hosted international DJs as well as 90 percent of all South African DJs independently. TMM has since grown to a point where it can host an outdoor event with a capacity of 30 000 people, as well as host four outdoor events concurrently.

Q: What Are Pros And Cons Of Your Job?

COMPILED BY: HLULANI MASINGI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MIKE MOIPOLAI.

Q: How Do You Stay On Top Of Your Game In A Very Competitive Industry? We have to prioritise our clients’ needs, be reliable and be available when needed. Also, having enough equipment on site contributes to our success. Understanding the clients specific needs/requirement and providing them with sound advice where possible is significant, as well as going the extra mile is also always appreciated.

Q: Who Is Your Role Model And How Have They Inspired In Your Career? I look up to my mother, Patricia Moipolai. After my parents divorced she became the breadwinner at home and she was a very strong and hardworking woman. She taught me about having respect for others and myself; she also taught me about the importance of never giving up and standing up for myself.

EOA_MAN Q&A_All men for seasons.indd 75

When I was in secondary school my grandmother bought me a camera, which I used to take pictures and develop them for a fee. I ended up being a photographer for parties and weddings, and I soon realised that these events always required a sound system, a camera and DJ. At that stage I didn’t have the financial muscle to start something on my own and package it. I even resigned at work at some point to use the provident fund to buy a small sound system. I then returned to mining, but would work part-time at events on weekends. After three years, I was well known in that industry and in demand, which made it feasible to take time off work. I then decided to resign and take a chance on myself and grow my business.

“After three years, I was well known in that industry and in demand, which made it feasible to take time off work. I then decided to resign and take a chance on myself and grow my business.”

It always brings me great joy to see my clients happy with our service delivery. Of course, one of the disadvantages lies in slow customer payment.

e ssays of A f r i c a

Q: What Made You Choose A Career in Events Management?

Q: What Challenges Have You Encountered In Your Career Journey And How Did You Overcome Them?

Growing up in a rural village and trying to crack into an urban market and white dominated industry has been a challenge. Many clients believed that only white companies could deliver quality service. I wasn’t always given an opportunity to prove myself. We had to prove our capabilities by working hard and exceeding the client’s expectations.

Q: What’s Your Advice To Those Who’d Like To Follow In Your Footsteps? When you are young, all you really think about when starting a business is money. You forget that there is so much more to it. If you want to do events management, you have to do thorough research of the industry to make sure it’s something you really want to do. The next step is to ensure you have the dedication, discipline, passion and focus to follow through – the money will just be a bonus.

Q: What’s Your Motto In Life? Never wait for someone to tell you that you’re capable or not, and never allow external forces to discourage you. Always believe in yourself and go for what you believe in. Strive for excellence and never limit yourself. E

ma rch 2016

2016/02/03 7:57 PM

CHRISTINA SENNE

SHAPING HER OWN EMPIRE

As one of the few black women to own a salon in the leafy suburbs of Joburg, Christina Senne has blazed a trail of hope and determination. Driven by her passion for excellence, she has managed to create a haven of beauty at Christina’s on 8th whilst empowering other young women along the way. Q. How did you get into the beauty industry? As a young girl, I loved braiding hair. My mother was a domestic worker and I used to braid her hair on weekends. Eventually all of her friends

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Beauty Interview..indd 76

also wanted to get their hair braided, so that’s what I did every Sunday after church – it was exhausting! At around 15, I started working in a salon on weekends to earn some money and I fell in love with it. My grandmother, who is my

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 7:58 PM

BEAUTY INTERVIEW EOA personal hero, encouraged me to follow my dreams. She believed in me and that gave me the confidence to take on this industry.

Q. Why did you want to open your own salon? I worked at a salon while I was studying parttime at a technical college, and even though I had a great boss, it became a dream of mine to have my own space. I stayed there for quite a while and learned a lot, but eventually realised that I needed to finally take the leap and go it alone. I had built up a huge clientele, and everyone followed me. It’s been six years and I haven’t looked back.

Q. What do you love most about being in this industry? A new challenge always excites me. But most of all I love being able to bring out the beauty in every woman and make her feel special. It’s about so much more than hair: we deal with our clients’ personal lives too, with their divorces or whatever they’re going through in life. It’s important because this industry is relationship-based.

“… most of all I love being able to bring out the beauty in every woman and make her feel special.” Q. Do you feel it’s important to keep up with international trends?

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY CHRISTINA SENNE.

Absolutely – you have to in this business. I was fortunate to spend some time training at Toni & Guy in London, one of the most renowned academies for hair, where I learned some cutting-edge techniques. I think it’s exciting to merge trends from overseas with what’s happening here.

Q. What’s been the hardest part about owning and growing your own salon? I was petrified at first – the pressure is enormous! Running a business has many ups and downs, sometimes you find yourself in tears on the floor. But so long as you have a strong team around you, they’ll keep you going through the difficult times. I had to work hard to get where I am and you can never really rest when it’s all on you. But I’ve managed to grow something bigger than myself and that’s truly exciting.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Beauty Interview..indd 77

“I believe in empowering other women. I was given an opportunity at a young age and everything I do is about honouring that and passing it forward.” Q. How would you define your beauty and business ethos? It all stems from passion. I believe in empowering other women. I was given an opportunity at a young age and everything I do is about honouring that and passing it forward. Over the years I’ve had a phenomenal team of women working with me who come with no training or experience. I’ve spent countless hours and months training them in order to give them a chance at achieving their dreams. This drives everything I do. Seeing them grow and evolve into talented, focused stylists is so inspiring for me. That’s my legacy and it keeps me going.

Q. What are your plans for the future? We’ll be opening a new salon soon, with a coffee shop, retail and beauty space. Women spend so much time here that I’d love to be able to offer a one-stop beauty shop. Coming here is also a social occasion, so it’s important to make it as fun and pampering as possible.

Q. What advice would you give to other women wanting to start their own salon or beauty business? Believe in yourself! If you’ve got that fire burning and know deep down that you can do it, nothing can stop you. Obviously it won’t happen overnight, but if you have passion and determination, the hard work will pay off eventually. E

march 2016

2016/02/03 7:58 PM

A GLASS OF BUBBLY FOR YOUR SKIN Bubbly is usually associated with the celebration of milestones, but Glassofbubbly.com says that champagne contains antioxidants that makes it a refreshing and effective skin toner. Soak a cotton wool ball or pad in the bubbly and wipe gently across your face. The polyphenols in the champagne can help reduce redness and inflammation of breakouts – when you apply it to skin and when you drink it! The bubbly liquid also acts as an exfoliator for dry skin. Pour a glass into a warm bubble bath and rub your skin with a salt scrub to increase the circulation. Truth be told, we’re not sure whether it’s the champagne or the salt that acts as the exfoliator, but it’s a great excuse to pop the cork of your favourite sparkling wine! For more info, visit Glassofbubbly.com

DREADING BROKEN LOCKS?

Brian Warfield is an ethnic hair expert with over 27 years of experience, both locally and internationally. Warfield explains that if your locks break from the roots, they were re-twisted too tightly. This can result alopecia, a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. Therefore it is important not to have your hair twisted very tightly when you have locks done. According to Warfield, another reason your locks might break is the tension caused by excess weight. Having them trimmed can prevent this. Using a good moisturiser will prevent the ends from drying out and breaking. Visit Beautysouthafrica. com for more info.

PAINT ON YOUR URBAN COWGIRL

WORDS: HLULANI MASINGI. SOURCES AND IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM, BEAUTYSOUTHAFRICA.COM. BRIAN WARFIELD, GLASSOFBUBBLY.COM, SPARKLE SA, BEAUTYSOUTHAFRICA.COM.

EOA BEAUTY & HEALTH NEWS

Saddle up and wrangle in a style statement with Morgan Taylor’s Urban Cowgirl 2016 autumn collection that captures the essence of a fearless, modern cowgirl who loves the city lifestyle. The collection contains daring and soothing rustic colours, from a gorgeous earthy green crème shade to a standout, stunning pink with a pearl finish. Each shade is created for the strong, sophisticated woman with a wild at heart spirit. For the citified lady with a Western flair, every ravishing colour is a knockout worth falling for this season. So, grab a lasso and roundup the Urban Cowgirl collection that will have your nails the talk of the town. Available at salons and spas nationwide. E

MA RC H 2 0 16

EOA_Beauty News.indd 78

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:01 PM

main BEAUTY EOA

DETOX FOR RENEWED LIVING If you have been feeling sluggish or not quite as healthy as usual, it could be your body trying to shake the effects of prolonged overindulgences. Too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol, overeating and under-exercising can catch up with you. t is never too late to adjust the clock on our liver and give our body a fresh start,” says world-renowned psychologist and nutrition expert, Patrick Holford. “The liver is the chemical brain of the body, constantly recycling, regenerating and detoxifying in order to maintain your health. Sometimes an overload in toxins prevents the processing from happening fast enough and, consequently, toxins are stored in the body to be dealt with later. This is why you feel especially ‘under par’ after a period of excess,” explains Holford. Without resorting to an extravagant detox that is bound to leave you starved and unable to focus for a few days, give your liver a good kickstart each year, simply by making and sticking to five new good habits, while committing to breaking five bad habits. Start with the difficult part. to give your liver a good break, you need to avoid: 1. Wheat – Our deadly bread. All wheat contains a protein called gluten, which is exceedingly unfriendly to your digestive tract. Give your gut a week’s break to allow the liver to focus on detoxifying other toxins. You can eat cereals, breads and pastas made from oats, amaranth, buckwheat, corn, grain, millet or quinoa.

e ssay s of A f r i c a

EOA_Beauty Main.indd 79

2. Avoid milk. It’s the most common food allergen and most people produce antibodies to it. In other words, it causes your immune system to react. It’s also mucous-forming. Give your system a week off milk and all dairy products. 3. Caffeine – Kick the habit. If the thought of giving up coffee causes a burst of hostility, then the chances are you are addicted to caffeine. Caffeine makes your liver work hard to detoxify it. If you can bear it, cut out caffeine for one week and replace it with green tea, Rooibos or Patrick Holford’s new Awake Tea with Moringa. 4. Alcohol – Give it a break. Putting aside any benefits that a glass of red wine may have for heart health, there is no denying that alcohol taxes both your liver and gut. The more alcohol you consume, the more antioxidants you need and the harder your liver has to work. Give it a complete break for a week or two. 5. S tay away from bad fats. These are damaged fats called trans-fats, which these days are much in the news, for good reason. They are found in deep-fried foods and foods containing hydrogenated

march 2016

2016/02/03 10:18 PM

vegetable oils. To minimise your exposure to trans-fats, stay away from fried food and processed fat spreads and meat. Five Habits for 2016: 1. D rink eight glasses of water a day. Your body is 66 percent water and this alone will help you detoxify. 2. Eat superfoods to spring clean your system. The best foods include fresh apricots, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, kiwi, papayas, peaches, mangoes, melons, red grapes and all types of berries.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Beauty Main.indd 80

Vegetables that are especially good for detoxification include artichokes, peppers, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, kale, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, watercress, and bean and seed sprouts. 3. L oad up on anti-ageing antioxidants. They are the key players in detoxifying your body. If you boost your intake of both food and supplements, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely notice the difference. The top antioxidant power foods include pomegranate, blueberries, blackberries,

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 10:18 PM

main BEAUTY EOA

strawberries, raspberries, baby spinach, kale, broccoli, beetroot, avocado, red peppers, cherries and kiwi fruit. COMPILED BY: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM.

4. T ake supplements to detox your liver. From MSM to milk thistle, there’s a combination of seven top detoxifiers to give your liver’s detox capacity an upgrade. Look for a supplement that contains: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Milk Thistle Extract, Cruciferous Vegetable Compounds, MSM, Ellagic Acid, Dandelion Extract and Alpha Lipoic Acid. 5. D o detoxifying exercises every day. Exercise has a vital role to

e ssay s of A f r i c a

EOA_Beauty Main.indd 81

play in helping the body to get rid of toxins – especially at times of excess. Any whole-body exercise is good for detoxification – brisk walking, jogging, swimming, yoga or Pilates are all great for this. Holford also advises a good massage to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic systems as the body stores chemical toxins, physical tension and negative emotions – all by-products of a busy festive season. So book yourself a massage in the name of health, drink your water, eat your super foods, get a bit of exercise in and be sure of an energised and healthy start to 2016. E

march 2016

2016/02/03 10:18 PM

THE MAJOR TRANSITION Cutting your hair isn’t the only way to have natural hair. With just the right products and a lot of patience, you can get the best results through transitioning. m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Hair.indd 82

atural hair seems to be taking over as black women across the world embrace their hair. If you’re thinking of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, do so slowly. There really is no right or wrong way to start your hair journey and it doesn’t matter how you get there – all that matters is what makes you comfortable.

GOING FROM RELAXED TO NATURAL The process of removing chemical treatments and allowing your hair to

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 8:04 PM

BEAUTY EOA grow out while you gradually trim the chemically processed ends is called transitioning. Trimming the relaxed ends also helps to keep breakage at bay. Many people trim their relaxed ends as they grow out their relaxer to give their hair a healthier appearance.

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCE: ROYAL KULAKADE IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM.

5 TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING 1. B e Pepared – Transitioning doesn’t happen in one day. It’s a lifestyle choice. Get ready for bad hair days and know that it’s okay! Tip: throw on a hat or wear a turban or head wrap and get on with your day. 2. Deep Condition – Your relaxed ends need protein to maintain strength and prevent breakage. Deep condition your hair weekly and stick to it. 3. Avoid Heat – Excessive heat styling compromises the protein bonds of your natural hair. Using heat as a crutch while transitioning can result in an uneven curl pattern, loss of curl and breakage. 4. Keep Your Hair Moisturised – Moisture is as important as protein for your hair. Your hair is made up of 90 percent protein, so in order to maintain your hair’s length you need to replenish your hair monthly with a suitable protein treatment. 5. Befriend Low Manipulation Styles – Don’t stress your edges. Twists and braid-outs, pin curls, roller sets, buns and braids should become your style staples. Handle your hair gently and infrequently and remember to moisturise.

4 BENEFITS OF TRANSITIONING 1. You get sufficient time to get to know your hair type. 2. As you transition, you have time to perfect your hair-styling skills. 3. You have more style choices with natural hair. 4. If you aren’t comfortable with short hair, you can avoid that adjustment period and avoid the wait of growing your hair back out.

PROS OF THE BIG CHOP  There is no long wait to go natural; your hair is returned to its natural state as soon as your relaxed hair is chopped off.  You have a fresh start with no chemically processed hair and no split ends.  You have a consistent hair texture, unlike with transitioning where you have to deal with both natural and growing out textures.

ONLINE GUIDANCE... If you’re considering transitioning and looking for visual guidance, there are many Youtube channels that can provide you with valuable tips and advice. Check out the following: Jouelzy Askproy Naptural 85 My Natural Sistas MissKenK Alternatively, follow these Instagram accounts that are winning at natural hair – they’ll definitely ease your journey. @earthy_sa @askproy @Unconditionedroots #EOA #TeamNaturalHair

THE HAIR EXPERT SAYS... Royal Kulakade from Long & Lasting advises, “Natural hair is brittle and dry and therefore prone to shedding. The key to a successful transition is to moisturise every step of the way. As the natural hair grows, trim the ends of the relaxed hair every four to six weeks to strengthen the hair and reduce shedding.”

THE BIG CHOP

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

If you want to go natural now, the ‘big chop’ is for you. This entails cutting off

Go for something that makes you feel good and something that suits your lifestyle. E

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Hair.indd 83

all the relaxed hair and wearing your TWA (teeny weeny afro) with pride.

m arch 2016

2016/02/03 8:04 PM

EOA BEAUTY

Sexy SEVEN

1. NIVEA SUN ANTI-AGE FACE SUN CREAM SPF 30, R94.99, RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE. Non-greasy formula for intensive and long-lasting protection against premature skin ageing, fine lines and sun-induced wrinkles. 2. EUCERIN SUN-GEL CRÈME OIL CONTROL DRY TOUCH, R179.99, CLICKS, DIS-CHEM AND PHARMACIES NATIONWIDE. Offers superior photo protection and anti-shine effect for oily and acne-prone skin. 3. PONDS LIGHT INFUSING UNDER-EYE CREAM, R64.99, RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE. Gently calms and moisturises while brightening the under-eye area at the same time, eliminating the appearance of dark spots and circles. 4. CELLTONE SNAIL EXTRACT GEL, R399.90, DIS-CHEM, CLICKS, GAME, PICK N PAY HYPERMARKET. Reduces the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles, scars and stretch marks after continued use. 5. PREVAGE ANTI AGING + INTENSIVE REPAIR DAILY SERUM, R1 795, RED SQUARE. Contains Idebenone, an ingredient exclusive to Elizabeth Arden to help prevent and neutralise environmental damage, address past damage and restore a youthful appearance. 6. TRIO WHITE NIGHTTIME DEPIGMENTING CARE, R340, SELECTED CLICKS STORES AND DERMATOLOGISTS. Blocks melanin production to rapidly and visibly correct brown spots in the long-term on the face, hands or cleavage. 7. VASELINE HEALTHY EVEN TONE LOTION, R49.99, RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE. The first ever daily, allover body lotion and cream that helps match uneven and discoloured areas to the body’s most natural shade.

MA RC H 2 0 16

EOA_Beauty Sexy 7.indd 84

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

Innovation to keep skin care protection top of mind.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:05 PM

DAILY SKIN POLISH POWDER for the skin that demands the salon glow Instantly brightens, exfoliates and restores your skin. Dermatologically approved Beyond the Blue C51101

Bring Home that Sorbet Salon feeling with our Sorbet Skincare Collection.

*No.1 selling product within the Sorbet Skincare range in Sorbet stores.

C51101_Essay Sorbet 295x220.indd 1 Ads.indd 20

2015/05/13 4:29 PM 2016/02/03 6:44 PM

I’M LIVING MY DREAM Constantly expanding her horizons and reaching for new opportunities, Kgomotso Matsunyane talks about her journey, binge-watching TV and people who think out of the box. gomotso Matsunyane (43) is a multitalented, well-known figure in the African entertainment industry. Her career has spanned an array of disciplines from producing, writing and directing, to editing, blogging and stepping into stilettos as a businesswoman and gracing our television as presenter. Her latest endeavour is as Consulting Channel Director for Black Entertainment Television (BET) Africa. Born in Johannesburg at Baragwanath Hospital, where her mother worked as a nurse, she lived in Dube and went to boarding school in the old homeland of Bophuthatswana. Matsunyane attended Batswana High School, Mmabatho High School and then matriculated at the prestigious Roedean in Parktown, Johannesburg.

THE BET EXPERIENCE BET in Africa is the home of local and international entertainment. Matsunyane explains, “We hosted the first BET Experience Africa in December 2015 and featured local and international artists in what we plan to be a serious calendar event on the continent's entertainment roster.” She adds, “It was a brilliant success, attended by thousands of music enthusiasts who sang along to their favourite artists.” Her ambition for BET is to develop it into the destination channel for viewers by delivering high quality programming that elevates, reflects and respects the viewers. The successful media contender admits to being happier than she has ever been. “There is still so much I want to achieve in my life, but right now, I’m absolutely living my dream!” she says with enthusiasm.

“There is still so much I still want to achieve in my life, but right now, I’m absolutely living my dream!” she says with enthusiasm.

EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES It’s a busy time in her life. Being ‘single and child-free’, her job requires many hours of creativity and excitement coupled with plenty of hard work. But she finds this exhilarating and believes that life is too short to stay still in one place for too long. “You just have to keep moving forward,” Matsunyane advises, “and grab every opportunity to live an exciting, adventurous life!” She confesses to not being able to commit

ma rc h 2 0 16

Entertainment Interview.indd 86

2016/02/03 8:08 PM

ENTERTAINMENT Q&A EOA

to one task for too long a period of time. “I love starting projects and seeing them succeed,” she says, “and then moving on to the next project.” Matsunyane claims that studying politics in the USA was an invaluable experience. “Northfield, Minnesota, where I stayed between 1990 and 1995 was very small; even the private college I attended only facilitated 1 800 students,” she explains, adding, “I loved studying there! It expanded my horizons and taught me the value of befriending people from outside of your own country.” At this stage she even entertained ambitions of becoming a president, but once back in South Africa in 1996, she realised that the best way she could make a difference to the lives of people was through media and not politics – and the rest, as they say, is history.

reflecting on the events of the day and then vegetating in front of the TV, indulging in my favourite series,” she confesses. Despite these quiet moments of reflection, she does get bored easily and finds motivation in working on challenging projects, or letting off a little steam by running and boxing. Well established in the country of her birth, Matsunyane is spreading her wings throughout the continent and beyond. When asked how she defines success, her answer is simple: doing what she loves. “My career and my life are closely intertwined and in many ways my work is my life. I used to think there was something wrong with that,” she adds, “but since I haven’t changed the situation, I think it is safe to say I love what I do!” E

“These are huge milestones that took a lot of drive and ambition,” she shares, “ where I had to conquer my fears about not feeling worthy.” ON HER CAREER

COMPILED BY: MELISSA JANE COOK. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY KGOMOTOSO MATSUNYANE.

Inspired by rule breakers and strategic planners who think out of the box, Matsunyane is a force to be reckoned with and acknowledges her incredible career opportunities as Commissioning Editor for Drama at SABC1, editor of Oprah Magazine South Africa, hosting a morning drivetime show at Kaya FM, and now running BET Africa in its first year on the continent. “These are huge milestones that took a lot of drive and ambition,” she shares, “ where I had to conquer my fears about not feeling worthy.” Matsunyane describes the entertainment industry in South Africa as a fickle, rocky road that still has a long way to go. “SA artists are a resilient lot with an international reputation and that’s something solid we have to build on to achieve even greater heights,” she emphasises. “You have to be versatile. All the work that I did came in phases; previous writing, producing, hosting and leadership positions have paved the path for me to be right here, right now.”

ON FEELING GOOD Her TV persona leads others to consider her an extrovert, but Matsunyane describes herself as more of an introvert who is very comfortable with her own company. “I love coming home,

E ssays of A f r i c a

Entertainment Interview.indd 87

march 2016

2016/02/03 8:09 PM

Apple Charlotte

BREAK THE SEASONAL FAST Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just made it through the long Lenten fast or Passover, it is time to spoil the family with these delicious Easter goodies.

m a rc h 2 0 1 6

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 88

essays of A frica

2016/02/03 8:12 PM

FOOD & Entertaining EOA

Milk Tart Cookie Cups e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 89

march 2016

2016/02/03 8:12 PM

Chocolate and Orange Bread Pudding

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 90

2016/02/03 8:12 PM

FOOD & Entertaining EOA

Hot Cross Buns in less than an hour

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 91

march 2016

2016/02/03 8:12 PM

*MICROWAVE COOKING TIMES Microwaves vary in wattage. Your wattage is usually located at the back of the microwave or on a label on the inside of the door. If your microwave’s wattage is lower, you’re likely to need to cook your cake for longer and if it is higher your cake might cook slightly faster.

Molten Chocolate Microwave Mugs in 90 seconds M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 92

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:12 PM

FOOD & Entertaining EOA

Apple charlotte Serves 8 to 10

RECIPES AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY SASKO.

Ingredients ½ kg apples 100 g butter 1 /3 cup sugar 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1½ loaves of Sasko Cranberry Plus Brown Bread 80g butter (softened) To serve: Whipped cream or custard Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Peel, core and slice the apples. Melt the 100g of butter in a large pot on medium heat, then add the apple slices, sugar and lemon juice and stir to ensure that all of the apple slices are coated in the butter and sugar. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, then uncover and simmer for a further 10 minutes or until the apples have softened and the liquid has reduced. Remove from the heat. Cut the crusts off the Sasko bread and smear each slice with the softened butter. Take a 23cm round cake tin and layer the bread like dominoes around the sides and along the bottom of the cake tin, ensuring there are no holes or gaps. Spoon in the apples and seal with the remaining slices of bread, folding over the bread sticking out along the sides of the cake tin and then pressing the top down gently to seal. Bake for 40 minutes, then allow to cool for 15 minutes in the cake tin before loosening the sides and turning our onto a serving plate. Serve warm with whipped cream.

e ssays of A f r i c a

EOA_Food&Entertainment.indd 93

Milk tart cookie cups Makes 16 Ingredients Cookie Cups: 1 packet Sasko Quick Treats Cookie Mix 140 g Butter 1 extra-large egg 115 g chocolate chips Milk Tart Filling: 1 Extra large egg ¼ cup Sugar 1½ tbsp. cornflour 1 cup milk ½ tsp. vanilla essence 1 tbsp. butter To serve: Cinnamon Method: Cookie Cups: Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease two muffin baking trays. Make the chocolate chip cookie dough as per the instructions on the packet. Divide the dough into 16 evenly-sized balls (golf-ball size). Press the balls into the muffin cups and about three quarters of the way up the sides of each cup. Bake in the centre of the oven for approximately 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. If the centres of the cups rise slightly during baking, simply press them back down with a spoon. Allow to cool before removing from the muffin tray and placing on a cooling rack. Milk Tart Filling: Whisk the egg, sugar and cornflour together in a bowl. Heat the milk in a saucepan and, once hot, remove from the heat and add to the egg mixture one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly, until combined. If you don’t add the milk a tablespoon at a time, the eggs will cook and separate in the mixture and

you’ll end up with sweet scrambled eggs. Pour the mixture into the saucepan, place back on medium heat and whisk constantly for approximately 5 minutes until you achieve a thickened custard. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla essence before filling the cookie cups with the milk tart mixture and leaving them to set. Once set, sprinkle over a little cinnamon and serve.

Chocolate and orange bread pudding Serves 6 to 8 8 slices Sasko Low GI Oats and Honey White Bread 300 g orange marmalade 150 g dark chocolate (chopped) 1 /3 cup sugar 4 extra-large eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup cream 1 tsp. vanilla essence To serve: Custard or cream Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a medium-sized (2-litre capacity) baking dish. Spread each slice of bread with marmalade and cut each slice diagonally in half to create triangles. Arrange the slices of bread across the dish like dominoes, scattering pieces of chocolate between the slices and over the top of the bread. Whisk the sugar, eggs, milk, cream and vanilla essence together in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Cover and allow to sit for 1 hour so that the bread can absorb the custard. Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour or until the centre of

the pudding is just set. crumbs. Add warm water Serve warm with custard in small amounts until or cream. the dough has a mushy consistency. Mix well to create smooth dough. Pipe thin crosses on top of the buns. Pop them into your preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. The glaze: Heat water and the apricot jam until well mixed. Once the hot cross buns have finished baking, remove from oven. Brush Hot cross buns glaze over the buns and in less than an serve warm with butter, hour jam or even cheese. Ingredients For the buns: 850 g Sasko Cake Wheat Flour 1 ½ cups of icing sugar 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tbsp. baking powder 500 ml milk 1 large egg 60 ml seedless raisins / cake mix 2 tbsp. bicarbonate of soda For the cross: 1 cup of Sasko Cake Wheat Flour 1 tbsp butter 180 ml warm water For the glaze: 100 ml water 50 ml apricot jam Method: The buns: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a bowl, sift together wheat flour, icing sugar, ground cinnamon and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat milk and egg together, then add the raisins and bicarbonate of soda. Add butter to the dry ingredients and mix together with your fingers until you have fine crumbs. Slowly add some of the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix the dough. It must have a soft, but firm texture. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough until it is approximately 4cm thick. Press the buns out with a round cookie cutter and place them close together on a well-greased baking sheet. The cross: Sift the wheat flour and add the butter. Rub the mixture together with your fingers to get fine

molten chocolate microwave mugs in 90 seconds 1 packet makes 4 mugs Ingredients: 60 ml milk 2 tbsp. sunflower oil 160 ml Sasko Quick Treats Chocolate Muffin Mix 20 g chocolate of your choice (dark chocolate with any flavouring work well, as well as white and milk chocolate) To serve: Cream, whipped cream or ice cream Method: Mix the milk and oil together and pour into a heat-proof, 400 ml capacity mug. Add the 160 ml of chocolate muffin mix and stir until combined and lump-free. Push the chocolate into the centre of the mixture and microwave for approximately 90 seconds in an 850W microwave oven*. There is no egg in this recipe so a slightly undercooked mix will result in an even more molten cake. Allow to cool for approximately 4 minutes before serving. E

march 2016

2016/02/03 8:13 PM

he latest bathroom designs turn the main bathroom into a featured space within the bedroom. The trend is towards a feeling of spaciousness, with an elegant and minimalistic look and feel. Usually an extension of the main bedroom this space is one of the most private and luxurious areas in the home. It’s usually the ideal place to put your individual style stamp, be it in small decorative finishes or larger fixtures.

Sanctuaries, personal oases and places to pamper our tired souls… these are just a few ways people describe their master bathrooms. And who wouldn’t want one?

OUR TOP 5 TIPS TO GET THE ULTIMATE MASTER BATHROOM

1. The Right Light Natural light combined with task lighting is key for your bathroom. Large windows are uncommon but you can always opt to have skylights installed. You’ll be going through a large part of your beauty regime in that space and task lighting is a must, especially above your mirrors. Blinds are a practical window treatment option, but sheer curtains will add to the luxurious effect. 2. Quality Always choose the best fixtures you can afford. Bathtubs, toilets, basins, taps and mixers are not things you buy every other year, so make sure these are the best quality your money can buy. They also add to the overall value of your home. Quality never goes out of style.

THE MASTER

3. Spaced Out Spacious bathrooms are the ultimate luxury and with the right light you can create the illusion of space. Remove as much clutter as you can – wallmount fixtures to get a floating effect and keep it light in shade. Mirrors and glass reflect light and are always a good option to include in your final touches, adding luxury to the feel as well.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Decor Feature.indd 94

4. Touch And Feel Various textures in the same space adds depth and character. If you have smooth floor tiles opt for focal points with textured surfaces, mosaic tiles, or pebble-like tile sheets. Alternating between smooth and matte tiles is also an option. Bring more textured pieces in with bath mats, towels, etc.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:17 PM

WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGE: SUPPLIED BY GEBERIT.

DÉCOR FEATURE EOA PRACTICAL MAKES PERFECT Other more practical elements to take into account include l Placement of fittings including a bath tub, toilet, basin. A bath tub is almost always the focal point in a bathroom, so ensure it is placed in such a way that there is ample floor space in front of it for easy access. If you have the space, a cordoned off space for the toilet is always a good option. A corner with a metre high wall or partition is ideal to add some privacy. • Circulation for easy flow of movement and of course fresh air. Showers should be built in close to a window so the steam and overspray is circulated out very quickly – having it enclosed or as a walk-in is very trendy.

TRENDS TO TRY

TER BATH 5. It’s All In The Detail Personalise your oasis with unique decorative items that reflect your personality and your lifestyle. Add to the lux look by focusing on items like candles in all shapes and sizes, metallic soap dishes and dispensers, and storage containers of various heights. A crystal chandelier is as at home in your bathroom as it is in your bedroom and, last but not least, plush white bath sheets and robes.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Decor Feature.indd 95

We chatted to Dorianne Isaacman, Head of Retail Sales & Marketing, Geberit Southern Africa to get some inside info on getting the ultimate trendy bathroom for 2016. Technology and functionality are playing a larger role in the bathroom with the inclusion of built-in odour extraction units. It provides a dose of freshness, as it extracts nasty odours from the toilet bowl at the touch of a button and is cleverly concealed within the cistern. Seamless surfaces are also becoming more popular. The new Sigma70 flush plate from Geberit features a smooth, seamless surface without sacrificing dualflush capability! The minimalist yet striking design refines elegance and style in a glass or stainless brushed finish. Consumers are also looking for ways to be more water efficient and opt for the dual-flush option, as they save water on each flush. The current trend in bathrooms is towards an oasis of relaxation by creating a more spacious environment with open-plan interiors. One of the ways to achieve this is with a floor-even bathroom and open-plan shower. Stylishly simple, it is a great way to add value to your home and suitable for both small and large spaces. This minimalistic style of bathroom with muted colour tones and light open and airy spaces, creates the perfect inviting environment for you to unwind and relax and it still reigns supreme this year. When it comes to showers the trend is a flooreven or open-plan shower, which in turn does away with the claustrophobic shower enclosure and has an open feel with a fully tiled shower area creating a roomier space with freedom of movement and more comfort. The area looks more spacious and opens up the room, regardless of the size and shape. These types of showers are also more hygienic and make cleaning easier, as there are fewer nooks and crannies to scrub and less mildew and soap scum build-up. If you have the space, why not opt for two showerheads as it lends a romantic feel and is exceptionally useful. E

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:17 PM

EOA DÉCOR SHOPPING

THE

lux TOUCH

Bathroom accessories for a modern haven.

11 9

13 3

15 6

1.GLOSSY TILE IN GREY WITH DARK AND LIGHT THIN VEINS CREATING PATCHES OF SHADOW, 340 X 670 X 11MM, FROM ABOUT R397.86, WORLD OF MARBLE AND GRANITE. 2. GEBERIT MONOLITH PLUS, FROM R17 995 EXCL.VAT, GEBERIT. 3. SOAP DISH WITH BIRD DETAIL, R159.99, MR PRICE HOME. 4. BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL TOILET BRUSH, R159.99, MR PRICE HOME. 5. GEBERIT SIGMA FLUSH PLATES RANGE, FROM R598 EXCL. VAT, GEBERIT. 6. ESSENTIAL BATHMAT, R169, @HOME. 7. JAR CANDLE WITH TASSEL DETAIL, R159, @HOME. 8. ALUMINIUM PLANTATION SECURITY SHUTTERS, FINISHED IN MATT SIGNAL WHITE (QYA 203) – HINGED DESIGN WITH ARCHITRAVE FRAME OPENING ONE SHUTTER TO THE LEFT AND ONE SHUTTER TO THE RIGHT. FROM R4 700 PER SQM EXCL. VAT, FROM PLANTATION SHUTTERS. 9. SERENITY LUXURY SCENTED SOAP, R29.99, MR PRICE HOME. 10. EGYPTIAN COTTON BATH TOWEL, R199.99, MR PRICE HOME. 11. JAR CANDLE WITH HEART TRIM IN FABRIC HOLDER, R65, @HOME. 12. SILVER OVER-THE-DOOR HOOK, R129.99, MR PRICE HOME. 13. SERENITY BATH CRYSTALS, R89.99, MR PRICE HOME. 14. TW0-PACK EMBROIDERED TOWEL, R199, @HOME. 15. CHUNKY TWISTED LAUNDRY BASKET, R749, @HOME. 16. BATHMAT WITH ROSE CENTRE DETAIL, R399, @HOME.

MA RC H 2 0 16

EOA_Decor Feature.indd 96

WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:18 PM

DÉCOR NEWS EOA

EXPRESS YOUR DESIGN SPIRIT Luxe linen, green living and DIY book that will enhance your home are a bit of what we have in store for you. LET FORM FOLLOW FUNCTION

Chris Weylandt and Kim Smith from Weylandts fame will be launching Weylandts Spaces in collaboration with acclaimed interior designer, Adam Court. The new bespoke interior design offering under the guidance of Court, a team of highly specialised designers and decorators, will be offering clients (residential, commercial and hospitality sectors) a full spectrum service including interior design to tailored furniture. Adam’s advice for decorating your space is: “Form follows function first, then add personal accents and idiosyncratic elements. Consider all the details and then personalise your environment …. Don’t cut corners, spoil yourself!” The offering is broken down into Design Concept, Development, Project Evaluation and Project Installation. Visit weylandts.co.za for more.

DO IT

TAKE A SEAT

Add style to your dining and entertaining space with these striking new contemporary chairs from Eclipse. The range focuses on designs interpreting the classic and artful blend trends so you can easily express individuality, personality and versatility in your décor. The sassy Pluto in sleek black is ideal seating for covered outdoor areas and fun, informal entertainment spaces. Funky bar stools include the Oval, Spaghetti, Kat and Sleigh, offering a variety of styles and colours. For further information or for a branch near you call 0861 ECLIPSE (325 4773) or visit eclipse.co.za.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Decor News.indd 97

DIY Internet sensation SuzelleDIY has taken South Africa by storm. Everybody loves her and her nifty ideas for the home. This comedic DIY diva’s YouTube videos are viewed by hundreds of thousands of people every day and now you can own a copy of her new book that shows readers how to deal with household chores, green living and even braaiing. The book is published by Human & Rousseau and retails for R325.

GLORIOUS SLEEP

Did you know quality, luxurious bed linen adds to a good night’s rest? High thread count is key and Loads of Living gives you the ultimate in bedtime comfort and luxury. Sheets in various sizes are available in Egyptian, Percale and Pima and prices start from R949. View the full range and shop online at loadsofliving.co.za.

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:19 PM

EOA DÉCOR NEWS TOUCH TRANQUILLITY

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Decor News.indd 98

BESPOKE SHOWCASE OF SOUTH AFRICAN CREATIVITY

The Trading Company at Spice Route in Paarl in the Cape Winelands stocks an array of exquisite artisanal goods in local designs. The store showcases just how appealing European styling can be when it’s modernised with a contemporary African twist. “We support local, and 98 percent of the product in The Trading Company is local. I really have no need to shop overseas and the only import is the cutlery that I get from France. Every day I find more and more local suppliers”, says Abigail Bisogno, Proprietor of The Trading Company. The store boasts singular products that are available nowhere else and which express the global spirit of the times in a bold, local language. The gorgeous array of goods is testament to the generous collaborative spirit in which Abigail engages with her suppliers. For more information, visit spiceroute.co.za or follow @SpiceRoutePaarl on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates on the store.

NOT SO MOODY BLUES

Hues of blue always conjure up images of tranquillity, serenity and calmness, and this is exactly what Hertex conveys in their latest collection ‘Moody Blues’. Various shades of indigo in bold patterns are woven into linen to create this multipurpose collection. Tribal motifs are still trendy this year and tribal, shibori and dandelion motifs, together with classic geometric and stripe embroideries, are available in colourways of navy, sand, duck egg and indigo.

EASE INTO GREEN LIVING

Green and eco-conscious living may seem intimidating to some, but there are simple ways you can get into the green of things. Start with adding eco-friendly products to your home… this 10-pocket hanging planter is a great place to start a trendy vertical gardening project. You can plant herbs and vegetables directly into the pockets, as they are big enough for a root system to grow. These hanging planters are durable and ideal for small spaces; they will not damage your wall and can be fitted with a drip irrigation system. To prevent damp caused by condensation, it is recommended that the panels are mounted onto a wooden frame and the frame then mounted on the wall. Also available in four, six and 14-pocket units. The 10-pocket hanging planter is available from yuppiechef.com at R599. E

WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED UNLESS SPECIFIED, YUPPIECHEF.COM.

You can never have enough plush towels for your bathroom – now Volpes has an extra six new ranges for you to choose from. From luxurious to super-absorbent everyday towels, and even ones with prints and in colour, these new additions combine both quality and affordability. The Tranquillity range is a sophisticated blend of cotton and moda, giving it a soft and smooth texture that is similar to silk. This superior quality towel is highly absorbent and available in natural, eggshell, grey and white. The Simply Soft range is soft and luxurious. Made from ‘Zero Twist’ cotton, it absorbs water rapidly and the less dense woven pile also gives it a light feel. This opulent collection is available in navy, chocolate and white. The Indulgence range is decadent – it is both soft and highly absorbent. Made from 100 percent all natural cotton, the range is eco-friendly and available in steel blue, ice violet, moccha, duck egg, white and charcoal. The Inspire range, exclusive to Volpes, is made from micro cotton. These environmentally friendly ultra-soft, ultra-absorbent towels have hems sewn for durability and add a splash of colour with their bright rust and blue options. The Creative and Circles and Stripes ranges are more fun and playful and available in a myriad of bright and bold colours – ideal for the kids’ bathroom. Browse and order online at volpes.co.za.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 10:21 PM

BOOKS EOA

THE BROKEN WING: Divorce, A Memoire

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHERS.

LITTLE SUNS

Zakes Mda R230, Umuzi It is 1903. A lame and frail Malangana, ‘Little Suns’, searches for his beloved Mthwakazi after many lonely years spent in Lesotho. Mthwakazi was the young woman he had fallen in love with 20 years earlier, before the assassination of Hamilton Hope ripped the two of them apart. Intertwined with Malangana’s story, is the account of Hope, a colonial magistrate who, in the late 19th century, undermined the local kingdoms of the Eastern Cape in order to bring them under the control of the British. It was he who wanted to coerce Malangana’s king and his people, the amaMpondomise, into joining his battle, a scheme Malangana’s conscience couldn’t allow. Zakes Mda’s fine new novel Little Suns weaves the true events surrounding the death of magistrate Hope into a touching story of love and perseverance that can transcend exile and strife.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Books..indd 99

Ntsiki Sigege R190, Dark Chocolate Publisher When she finally got married at the age of 30, Ntsiki Sigege made a vow with God that it was for keeps. All she had in her mind was a perfect life: perfect kids, perfect husband and a perfect future. There was never a ‘what if?’ With so many changes and adjustments, reality’s erosive tremors, big and small, gradually destabilised her faith. When she finally admitted that not much of what she believed was true, she ended her marriage. The aftereffects were the worst, but what kept her going was faith and the hope that, with time, the broken wing would heal.

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Zola Nene R250, Struik Lifestyle Simply Delicious is Zola Nene’s culinary career told through her recipes, interspersed with snippets. A book perfect for foodies, with over 70 recipes for all occasions that range in level of difficulty, there is something for every type of cook, from novice to expert. Nene’s food philosophy is very simple: cooking is for everyone. With her easy-to-follow instructions, the recipes will ensure that anyone can produce mouth-watering results.

FROM THE BEDROOM TO THE BOARDROOM

Princess Tsakani Nkambule R185, Black Card Books This is a book for every woman who strives to create balance and success in all areas of their lives. It will allow you to not only take better care of your family, but to achieve financial success and avoid the money mistakes that prevent many women from achieving their financial freedom. E

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:21 PM

FOUR DECADES OF LOVE argaret and Philemon Ledwaba’s eventual journey to the altar is one many wouldn’t have endured. It was only fitting that they gather their loved ones for a majestic celebratory weekend to commemorate their love. Margaret and Philemon met nearly 40 years ago at church in their hometown in Limpopo and their hearts longed for each other ever since. Embarking on their separate life journeys, Margaret went to medical school in Pretoria and Philemon ventured into business; each had their own children respectively, but they still managed to find each other again. In her speech, Margaret emphasised that she was truly marrying the love of her life, a man she believes God was perfecting for the time when she was ready to be loved again. The only brief the couple gave their wedding planner, Ntombi Nhlapo of Extravaganza, was the venue – Zebula Game Reserve. The couple longed for an elegant, simple wedding where the focus would be on ensuring that the guests and couple have a good time. With a guest list of 100, only close friends and family could witness the blessed couple’s vow exchange and eternal promises to each other. Guests arrived on the Friday afternoon, welcome with personalised notes on their beds and an itinerary for what promised to be a memorable weekend. On the day of the nuptials, the bride arrived on elephant back before she made her way down the aisle in a gorgeous full-length gown, embellished with white lace and sequined waist detail on the arm of her father. They were accompanied by subtle violin chords coming together in the hauntingly beautiful A Thousand Years by Jasmine Thompson – a song that tells the lengthy journey of the lovebirds. “The attention to detail with the décor, entertainment, comfort and enjoyment of the guests was exceptional and truly thoughtful,” was one of the comments in the feedback, and this seemed to be the consensus amongst the guests. E

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Social Scene.indd 100

100

SEALED WITH A KISS WHAT’S A WEDDING WITHOUT A CAKE?

THE ENTERTAINMENT

TSHIFHIWA AND WILLY MOYABA

LEFT TO RIGHT: MOSA LEDWABA, KARABO LEDWABA, DUDU LEDWABA, LESETJA MAJA, PHILEMON LEDWABA (GROOM), MARGARET LEDWABA (BRIDE). IN FRONT: KABELO JNR LEDWABA AND AMOGELANG LEDWABA

GUESTS

BETTY AND VICKY MANGWALE

LEFT TO RIGHT: JENNIFER RASENAT, HER PARTNER AND LINDY

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:57 PM

SOCIAL SCENE EOA

SHASHI LEDWABA (BRIDE’S FATHER), PHILEMON LEDWABA, MARGARET LEDWABA AND MABEL LEDWABA

BRIDESMAIDS

RIDING IN STYLE LEFT TO RIGHT: DUDU LEDWABA, MARGARET LEDWABA, NEO CALLIS, LIBYA CALLIS AND AMOGELANG LEDWABA

DOROTHY MAIMANE AND THABANG LETANTA

WORDS: DUDU LEDWABA. PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL TREE .

PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THE BRIDE

FRANGY LELAKE

CEREMONY IN THE BUSH

FATHER OF THE BRIDE READY TO GIVE HER AWAY

WEDDING VIBES

BRIDE AND GROOM’S TABLE

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Social Scene.indd 101

MPEKANA MAMABOLO

101

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:58 PM

AFRICA’S TOP GOLF RESORTS From the north to the southernmost tip of Africa, golfers are spoilt for choice with a variety of courses available not only to play, but to experience as well. Some skirt cliffs and offer inspirational ocean views, while others are set in the African bush with wildlife all around. Here are 10 top golf resorts to consider when you next plan a visit to Africa. KILIMANJARO GOLF & WILDLIFE ESTATE, Tanzania This estate is an exotic 18-hole championship golf course and real estate development set within an area of outstanding natural beauty – Tanzania’s northern highlands. Consisting of 400 hectares of African bush, it is about 25km from the town of Arusha (a convenient tourism hub to travel to/from) and lies equidistant from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The estate offers a spectacular golf course, amazing views, African wildlife and easy access to world-famous safari destinations. For all its remoteness, this golf course allows travellers the chance to experience the best of Africa in comfort and indulge in a favourite pastime.

KILIMANJARO GOLF & WILDLIFE ESTATE

FANCOURT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE, South Africa

FANCOURT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Travel.indd 102

102

Fancourt is an elegant property in George in the Western Cape, with three top-rated golf courses – Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links – all designed by legendary golfer, Gary Player. It has a pro shop that stocks all a golfer may need or desire and boasts a hi-tech golf academy for instruction with PGA-accredited pros. Montagu and Outeniqua are beautifully developed parkland-style courses that take the coastal winds into account, while the Links takes its inspiration from a traditional Scottish course. Accommodation is available on-site in stylish five-star lodges, built along the Montagu fairways in the colonial style with soothing white and green exteriors. The nearby coastal town of George caters for travellers’ needs with an airport, car hire, shops and restaurants.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:24 PM

TRAVEL EOA ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA, South Africa Arabella, an Italian word loosely translated to ‘beautiful land’, is a world-class estate situated in the majestic Overberg in Hermanus, Western Cape, surrounded by magnificent mountains, the Bot River Lagoon and with protected fynbos flora all around. Arabella Golf Club was awarded the Compleat Golfer Five Star award in 2003, and is the preferred playground of celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Jack Nicklaus. It borders the largest natural lagoon in southern Africa and the 9th, 17th and 18th run parallel to it. A choice of five-star quality accommodation is available. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Arabella is located near the whale-watching town of Hermanus on the border of the Bot River and Kogelberg nature reserves. Wine estates and farmers’ markets are plentiful, and nearby Gansbaai is sharkcage-diving central.

ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA

PALMERAIE GOLF PALACE, Morocco

PALMERAIE GOLF PALACE

The setting lives up to its name and is regal and imposing in its grandeur. Set against a backdrop of the snow-capped crests of the Atlas Mountains, the Palmeraie golf course is one of extreme contrasts, with desert on one side and seven lakes and thousands of palm trees on the other. The recently built Le Pavillon du Golf Hotel in Marrakech provides exceptional views of the course and surrounding landscape. The hotel is equally breathtaking and offers exceptional dining. Apart from an international conference centre, it boasts a magnificent swimming pool, tennis court, fitness centre, spa, horse-riding facilities and massage options. Golf is right alongside, bikes can be rented, there’s a playground for the kids and even a traditional hammam.

FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE, South Africa

FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Travel.indd 103

Exotic and upmarket, Zimbali Lodge looks like something out of a Tarzan movie thanks to its subtropical setting in a lush dune forest right beside the ocean. It is home to 85 species of birds, hosts of butterflies and a wide variety of indigenous plant life, plus the lodge overlooks the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated along the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, The Zimbali Country Club golf course was designed by former British and South African Open golf champion Tom Weiskopf and includes constant changes in elevation and beautiful streams and ponds. The dining facilities and wine cellar at Zimbali are pure enjoyment, if not indulgence. At dusk, standing on a balcony and listening to the ocean with a drink in hand is everyone’s favourite moment.

103

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:24 PM

GARY PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB, South Africa South Africa’s most successful golfer, Gary Player, designed this course. Set in the African bush and part of the Sun City Resort, the course hosts the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge. It is suitable for serious golfers as water comes into play for five of the holes, while the resort itself claims to be ‘many holidays in one place’. Sun City offers diverse accommodation options (palatial to family-friendly), swimming in gigantic pools, cinemas, multiple restaurants, dancing, gambling, spa treatments and wildlife excursions to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park to observe Africa’s Big Five. It’s the ideal place for a family holiday – you park your car once and, for the rest, the resort takes care of you. Even Oprah Winfrey has visited!

GARY PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB

LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT, South Africa

LEGEND GOLF ESTATE & SAFARI RESORT

Situated in Mokopane, Limpopo, the Legend Golf & Safari Resort is one of a kind with a setting that feeds the soul. The 18-hole Signature Course was designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers, including Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Trevor Immelman and Retief Goosen. The resort lies within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa, where the Big Five roam. The most thrilling aspect of the course is the extreme 19th hole. Accessible by helicopter only, the tee is set 400m high on the majestic Hanglip Mountain and played to a green in the shape of Africa down below. The resort’s Tribute Course is a short 10-hole, based on famous holes around the world, including the legendary ‘Golden Bell’ at Augusta.

TABA HEIGHTS GOLF RESORT, Egypt

TABA HEIGHTS GOLF RESORT

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Travel.indd 104

104

Situated on the Sinai Peninsula, this spectacular, sprawling resort is home to a choice of four- and five-star hotels, plus a unique golf course with views of the Arabian, Jordanian and Israeli coastlines. Located between the Red Sea on one side and desert mountains on the other, the course also features lakes, flood canals and sparkling green fairways. With sunshine a given during all seasons, the Taba Heights Golf Resort is open every day of the calendar year, allowing serious golfers the opportunity to enjoy this (green) desert golf course at any time. Magnificent five-star properties with European and Middle Eastern themes offer numerous restaurants, and shopping options to explore.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:24 PM

WORDS: DENISE SLABBERT. IMAGES: KILIMANJARO GOLF & WILDLIFE ESTATE/FANCOURT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE/ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA/ FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE/PALMERAIE GOLF PALACE/TABA HEIGHTS GOLF RESORT/WINDSOR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB/PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA/GARY PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB/LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT.

TRAVEL EOA WINDSOR GOLF HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, Kenya The visual impact of the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club in Nairobi is just stunning. This five-star hotel features a cluster of looming Victorian-style buildings with African accents and accommodation options that range from rooms and suites to cottages – all overlooking the spectacular 18-hole championship golf course that threads through coffee farms and indigenous forests. Hotel amenities include a business centre, free Internet access in all rooms and public areas, a jogging track, tennis and squash courts, a heated pool, and venison choices on the menu. This is safari swank taken to another level. Every effort is made to ensure you leave feeling like a member of royalty who has found a haven in these expansive African surrounds. Excursion options include a tour of a coffee plantation to see how a cup of coffee is made, from the production process of the coffee berry to the grinding of the aromatic beans.

WINDSOR GOLF HOTEL & SPA

PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA, South Africa

PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Travel.indd 105

This resort in the Western Cape offers impressive ocean and lagoon views, gourmet dining and a magnificent 18hole golf course. It is part of the Garden Route with its world-famous forests, lagoons, ocean views and mountain ranges. The resort offers an upmarket five-star environment that soothes the soul with unique spa treatments and boasts a 254-hectare golf course along the Knysna cliffs with impressive vistas and some wildlife (small forest dwellers and birds). The nearby town of Knysna is renowned for its oysters, artisanal breads and markets. Pezula has it all – location, amenities and options to explore, like the Knysna forest and the nearby holiday town of the well-heeled Plettenberg Bay with plenty of good restaurants and shops. E

105

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:24 PM

WHEN AFFLUENCE MEETS INFLUENCE Aspirational vehicles appeal to the image-conscious driver who places a priority on performance, dynamics, technology and design. These fine vehicles reveal achieved successes and offer a car that is not only a personal reward, but also one which broadcasts achievements. BMW 428i GRAN COUPÉ SPORT SPORTS AUTO

Power And Aesthetics BMW is a very desirable vehicle brand in the South African market and the 4 Series Gran Coupé is a niche choice. If you like the dynamics, quality and engines of the BMW 3, but want something more individualistic, look no further than the 4 Series Gran Coupé. With its wider and sleeker stance, it looks not only

march 2016

EOA_Motoring.indd 106

106

racier, but also more expensive. The BMW engine delivers 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque, and is mated with the German brand’s very smooth, yet fast eight-speed automatic transmission. With a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds, the 428i Gran Coupé is very fast indeed, yet if you drive sedately, you could achieve an economic 6.3L/100 km. The price escalates very quickly with the variety of

optional extras available. The standard Sport package is a bit thin on surprise and delight features, but items such as rear park sensors, cruise control, radio/CD with Bluetooth/aux/ USB are all included. If you like to stay connected at all times, then BMW ConnectedDrive could be a good option. Cruise control, climate control, leather upholstery, auto lights/wipers all contribute to a very comfortable cabin environment, and should you desire a few additional luxuries, you are not short of choices, including heated front seats and a very sexy Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. Add flash with 19-inch wheels, Adaptive LED headlights or the M Sport suspension. This car puts pretty to shame, without sacrificing the luxury executive feel.

EssAY S of Afric a

2016/02/03 8:26 PM

WORDS: MELISSA JANE COOK. IMAGES: QUICKPIC.

MOTORING EOA AUDI S3 QUATTRO S TRONIC

An Energy Boost For a racy drive boasting a startling performance, the S3 offers a comprehensive package that includes an audio system with Bluetooth streaming functionality. Most of the on-board functionality is controlled via Audi’s MMI system linked to an attractive retractable 5.8inch colour screen. Items such as auto lights/ wipers and cruise control come standard too. Audi offers a couple of very tempting extras, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and MMI Navigation Plus, with touchpad that also includes 10GB music storage. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers 210 kW and 380 Nm of torque. Coupled with the superb six-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system, performance is electrifying. Brace yourself for 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, or enjoy a moderate combined cycle consumption figure of 6.9L/100 km. Like all Audi A3 models, the S3’s interior displays a minimalist design theme that actually contributes to the feeling of upmarket luxury. The S3 is essentially the flagship A3 and benefits from most of the features, including auto lights/ wipers, cruise control, sports seats trimmed in a fine leather/cloth combination and an autodimming rear-view mirror. The fitment of four exhaust outlets and wheelarch-filling 18-inch alloy wheels boosts the racy appearance of this sexy compact sedan, which comes standard with Xenon plus headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. The smart panoramic sunroof is an added extra, while the interior boasts a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with large shift paddles, amongst other attractive items.

LEXUS IS350 EX

Flawless Quality And Sumptuous Luxury The Lexus’s naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine is a big plus for driving enthusiasts, as plenty of power and features come with competitive pricing. It’s really hard to argue against 228 kW delivered to the rear wheels via a silky smooth eight-speed automatic, and a rare treat to access that much power via steering-mounted shift paddles. The Lexus recipe has always been a very comprehensive one – you get basically everything as standard. The front seats come with heating and ventilation functions, as well as full electric functionality. Dual-zone climate control and cruise control are included, too, as are auto lights/wipers, keyless entry and much more. To match the IS350 EX’s standard specification, you will have to spend a lot on extras with the German brands. Dynamic entertainment is prioritised and the latest IS features include rather bold detailing, such as split headlamps with the lower parts being LED ‘arrows’, a deep version of the brand’s so-called ‘spindle’ grille and a muscular rear end with two large exhaust outlets. It is a handsome, distinctive car. E

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Motoring.indd 107

107

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:26 PM

ON STAGE

EOA MOVIES & THEATRE

BEYOND THE BIG BANGS

ON SCREEN

Written by Ashwin Singh, Beyond The Big Bangs is a new South African play showcasing the trials and tribulations of three women, one black, one Indian, and one mixed race, set in the suburb of Durban North in contemporary South Africa. This rare piece is a combination of dialogue and long monologues that deal with a variety of complex issues facing many women in our multicultural society. Catch Beyond The Big Bangs at the Theatre On The Square from 1 to 12 March 2016.

DRAGGING 30

Be prepared to be taken on a journey by this coming-of-age musical comedy through the eyes of two women, trying to come to terms with life’s third decade, whilst learning to love themselves and embrace their thirties. With the help of the fabulous drag queen extraordinaire, Cadenza Jones, these two women realise that there is truly nothing more liberating than being yourself, living in the moment and owning your ‘fierce’ at any age! Catch Dragging 30 at the Theatre On The Square from 14 to 26 March 2016.

SOLACE: Mercy Or Murder

A murderer, played by Colin Farrell, is targeting terminally ill individuals and “killing them with kindness” – actually starts to sound like a real psychological conundrum. Anthony Hopkins plays a premonition-prone doctor enlisted by the FBI to solve especially tough cases. Solace: Mercy Or Murder opens at NuMetro on 26 February 2016. The sequel to the smash hit Olympus Has Fallen, this non-stop, suspenseful action thriller delivers high-octane excitement through a heightened sense of authenticity. The visceral intensity springs from a timely premise: after the passing of the British prime minister, his funeral is targeted by a terrorist organisation to destroy some of the world’s most powerful leaders, devastate the British capital, and unleash a terrifying vision of the future. The only hope of stopping it rests on the shoulders of the President of the United States (Aaron Eckhart) and his formidable Secret Service head (Gerard Butler), and an English MI-6 agent (Charlotte Riley) who rightly trusts no one. Morgan Freeman also stars as the Vice President of the United States. London Has Fallen opens at NuMetro on 4 March 2016.

SINK: ‘n Oomblik Kan Alles Verander

Rachel is a Mozambican domestic worker in Johannesburg who is forced to make a lifechanging decision after her daughter dies whilst under the care of her employer: return to poverty-stricken Mozambique or continue working for the people responsible for the death of her child so that she can keep her home, her visa and continue to support her family. Based on Rachel Weeping (the novel) by Michael Innes. SINK: ‘n Oomblik kan alles verander opens at NuMetro on 18 March 2016.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Movies & Theatre.indd 108

108

ROOM

Both highly suspenseful and deeply emotional, Room is a unique and unexpectedly tender exploration of the boundless love between a mother and her child under the most harrowing of circumstances. Room tells the extraordinary story of Jack (Jacob Tremblay in a breakout performance), a spirited five-year-old who is looked after by his loving and devoted Ma (Brie Larson, Short Term 12, Trainwreck). Like any good mother, Ma dedicates herself to keeping Jack happy and safe, nurturing him with warmth and love and doing typical things like playing games and telling stories. Their life, however, is anything but typical – they are trapped – confined to a windowless, 10-by-10-foot space, which Ma has euphemistically named ‘Room’. Room opens at Ster Kinekor on 26 February 2016.

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: THEATRE ON THE SQUARE; STER KINEKOR; NUMETRO.

LONDON HAS FALLEN

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:28 PM

MUSIC

MUSIC EOA

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Bring out your glow sticks and dancing shoes because Ultra South Africa will knock your boots off! The Mother City and City of Gold are ready to welcome world-class DJs and producers for delivering head-banging beats at every appearance. Originally launched in Miami in 1999, the Ultra Music Festival has become renowned for bringing the hottest names in the dance scene out to play. The popular festival first made it to South African shores in 2014 and returns with featuring well-known artists such as Zedd, Skrillex, Robin Schulz, The Martinez Brothers and our very own Black Coffee to name a few. Get yourself a ticket and be part of the jam-packed fun! On from 26 to 28 February at the West Coast Ostrich Ranch

LOVE GOOD MUSIC We have you covered with some of the best music so far this year.

UNBREAKABLE

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: DAVID GRESHAM RECORDS. UNIVERSAL MUSIC, ULTRASOUTHAFRICA, JAZZ ON THE ROCKS.

Janet Jackson David Gresham Records Her talent undiminished, music icon, multiple Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist, Janet Jackson, has released her much-anticipated studio album, the first in seven years, produced by Jackson’s Rhythm Nation record label. Unbreakable has already garnered critical acclaim and constitutes a historic re-teaming of the iconic performer, now a holder of 46 record chartings with producer/songwriter superstars, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The initial single entitled No Sleep continues to top Billboard’s Adult R&B chart, becoming Jackson’s longest running No.1 on the chart. Missy Elliott is also featured in the hard-hitting dance floor number Newsday.

JAZZ ON ROCKS

Elements of outdoor living combined with everything jazz-related, Jazz On Rocks will take place in the Cape West Coast’s most pristine setting. Established by Heart 104.9 presenter, Clarence Ford in 2004, the concert was a hit from conception. Artists like Hugh Masekela, LIRA, Andy Narrel, Joe McBride, Freshly Ground, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jimmy Dlulu and Judith Sephuma have all appeared on this premium stage. Billed as family-friendly, this event gives families a chance to enjoy the pleasures and intimacy of the great outdoors. On from 26 February to 2 March at the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

STRONG AS GLASS

Goapele David Gresham Records Goapele’s album takes you on a powerful musical journey. Her love and passion for the world pours out into her music and her smoky, sensual voice will make your day. This is her fourth studio album and she works closely with executive producer Keith Harris, veteran Eric Benet and producer Demonte Posey to finish this genre-bending record. Listeners will enjoy tracks mixed with powerful ballads, hard-hitting drums, classic Goapele vocals and even a duet with one of R&B’s top artists.

COMPTON

Dr Dre Universal Music Hip-hop lovers are in for a treat. Compton is the third studio album of hip-hop legend Dr Dre and features Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Game and others. With music evolving around Dr Dre, this album is a case of past meets present, bringing a pleasant melancholy that frames Compton.

E SSAYS OF A F R I C A

EOA_Music.indd 109

A TWIST OF RIT

Lee Ritenour Universal Music Guitarist Lee Ritenour combines new material and tunes selected from earlier albums. Ritenour’s soaring guitar lines with 12 of his compositions range from the funky fusion to the sophisticated jazz that he has become well known for.

109

MARCH 2016

2016/02/03 8:29 PM

EOA HOROSCOPES

AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February It’s a loved-up month with the art of conversation as the main attraction so, solo or spoken for, talk to each other. Being more imaginative with your income puts you in a steadier groove for months to come and accelerates plans you’ve needed motivation and money to get moving.

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Home and love are movable commodities for you now so seize new opportunities to promote your talents this month, and the rewards should flow in thick and fast. You’ve got all the skills you need and a head full of ideas, so it’s time to unleash them and see where they take you.

M A RC H 2 0 1 6

EOA_Horoscope.indd 110

110

PISCES 20 February – 20 March This is the ideal month for a transformation. If you choose to upgrade your look, your love style and your lifestyle now, you can’t go wrong. Your career gets supercharged as restrictions fall away, and an ongoing issue with passion, money or power plays comes to a close now too.

ARIES 21 March – 20 April Outworn attitudes and ideas get the heave-ho this month. Love is on your mind too but not in the usual ‘treat ‘em mean to keep ‘em keen’ way that has sometimes been your trademark. It’s a month to plot and plan ahead rather than go all out for instant glory or gratification.

YOUR MONTH IN THE STARS

Your gemstone is the aquamarine, which symbolises youth, hope and health. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October This month you might choose to change your attitude, your image or your approach to get you where you want to be or how you want to be treated. A new perspective on wellbeing is vital now too. It’s a powerful month, at last getting you closer to being who you’re meant to be.

VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Holding back is the right thing to do, whether it’s with a financial situation that’s come full circle or with a relationship where it’s time to let someone else shine if you’ve been taking the lead. At home, there’s a feeling that things are finally starting to move forward.

LEO 24 July – 23 August A romantic entanglement with a hint of ‘50 Shades’ is possible now. Less exciting but perhaps more essential is a shake up of your finances. Too much of anything is too much now – including you. It is better to be seen and not heard so much this month – to leave people wanting more.

TAURUS 21 April – 21 May New friends could come your way now or old friends could suddenly hold much more appeal. It’s time to do something unexpected and life changing; follow your instincts and your dreams. Love and money become easier to access and a change with health or at work could transform you too. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June You’re likely to reach completion on something close to your heart this month. Big ideas take shape in your career and with collaborations, and making a leap into the unknown, holds huge potential now if you want to elevate creativity, love and ambitions to higher levels. CANCER 22 June – 23 July A home situation feels complete, so you’re free to move on, move up or move out. You’re also ready to blitz dull, daily routines and get super-toned at the gym. Travel or the media are calling your name so innovate and start leading your followers rather than following the herd.

WORDS: STELLA NOVA.

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January You’re in a devilmay-care mood now, bypassing caution and heading straight into ‘why the hell not?’ territory. You still want to backtrack with certain plans, but success, especially with love, is about taking a more intuitive approach, so tap into your touchyfeely instincts.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December A career stumbling block is out of the way now so get busy at home instead, whether you're thinking of moving, restyling or working things out with family. The balance could shift in a friendship or you could tick an ambition off your todo list, so get the next one ready to roll.

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2016/02/03 8:42 PM

STOCKISTS EOA

WORDS: NDONI KHANYILE. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. ASSISTANT: TEBATJO MANAMELA. HAIR & MAKE-UP: NOMSA MADIDA. DRESSED BY: TED BAKER & LOVISA. LOCATION: FOUR SEASONS, WESTCLIFF.

@HOME

Stockist list.indd 111

ACCESSORIZE

011 615 7755

CASTELO

011 883 8767

CLICKS STORES

021 460 1911

DIS-CHEM STORES

011 589 2200

EDGARS

0800 203 925

FOREVER NEW

011 883 4585

FOSCHINI

021 938 7666

FOUR SEASONS westcliff

011 481 6000

G-STAR

011 784 0321

GAME

011 776 4600

GERBERIT

Gerberit.co.za

GERT-JOHAN COETZEE

011 268 0989

H&M

011 592 3200

MIMCO

011 290 5200

MMAKAMO JEWELLERY

079 562 4900

MRP MR PRICE HOME

Mrp.com Mrphome.com, 0800 212 535

NTOZINHLE ACCESSORIZE

011 058 8445

PICK N PAY HYPER

011 465 0084

PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Plantation.co.za, 021 577 1705

RED SQUARE

Redsquare.co.za

SPREE

SPREE.CO.ZA

TAKE CHARGE

011 450 1156

TED BAKER

011 450 1156

TIGER OF SWEDEN

011 784 0561

TRENERY

011 290 2500

TRUWORTHS

021 460 2300

WOOLWORTHS

011 290 1011

WORLD OF MARBLE AND GRANITE ZARA

e ss ay s o f A f r i c a

Home.co.za, 0860 576 576

Womag.co.za, 021 447 6161 011 302 1500

111

march 2016

2016/02/09 12:35 PM

Ads.indd 1

2016/02/03 5:06 PM

Ads.indd 2

2016/02/03 5:07 PM

Ads.indd 3

2016/02/03 5:08 PM