NTSHEBELE DEC 2020/JAN 2021
+ YOUR FESTIVE PREP GUIDE
10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
Getting to Know Nomathemba Ntsibande
ISSUE
MANDELA REMEMBRANCE WALK & RUN
LAZI A H S A ISH S AWARD 2020
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SACR Events
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Your Festive Prep Guide
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Lifestyle and Fashion
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Getting to know Nomathemba Ntsibande
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Best Reads, Movies
CONTENTS
Content Contributors Ashley Mabasa Kefilwe Mphake Lebohang Bell Lorato Molepo Nyeleti Shivuri Nomathemba Ntsibande Ofentse Mogotsi
Good Day & Happy 2021 ! 2020 came with its many challenges, most notably the spread of the global pandemic that is COVID-19. The bad news is that we’re not over the hill yet but the good news is that with a new year comes new energy and goals. We would all like to see the back of coronavirus in 2021 so I’m reminding you to keep safe, social distance and always wear a mask. I wish you all a prosperous New Year and remind you that our department will continue to lift up the provincial happiness index through various sport, arts, culture and recreation spaces that you can still enjoy, while observing safe and healthy protocols as we continue Growing Gauteng Together. Ngiyabonga
BY MEC:
e h p o l H i al b M
POWERFUL MANDELA REMEMBRANCE WALK & RUN FROM Wherever UR BREAKS NEW BARRIERS
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OHANNESBURG – Nelson Mandela’s giant bronze statue at the foot of the Union Buildings towered even larger than usual, his outstretched arms seemed even wider, and his smile broader at the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run today, as he welcomed those who gathered in his honour. If ever his presence, warmth and comforting embrace was needed, it was this year - as South Africa and the rest of the world was brought to its knees by a global pandemic that has battered minds, bodies and spirits. It has been seven years since Madiba’s passing, a year like no other, so too the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run (MRWR) hosted by the City of Tshwane, Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) as one of the year’s last major family social events to remember Madiba’s massive contribution, was much more muted and intimate this year. Ordinarily, thousands would gather at the Union Buildings, where in triumph Madiba was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratic President, and in sadness his body lay in state for a final time in 2013. However given the times, the event was held virtually this weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, with just a small number of people observing all COVID-19 protocols and gathering at the Union Buildings to do a symbolic 6.7 kilometre walk through the streets of Tshwane in his memory and to remember all the lives lost globally to the Coronavirus this year.
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While the event may have been more subdued, the big upside was that the virtual event allowed particpants across South Africa and the rest of the world to be part of the event over 5, 10 and 21 kilometres. People from as far afield as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Zambia, Australia, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Zimbabwe and Nigeria participated in the MRWR this weekend, as the event stretched across the globe for the first time. All participants were awarded a unique virtual medals and certificates to confirm their participation in the 2020 Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run. “I would like to express our gratitude to all those who took on this challenge and walked and ran for Madiba, despite the difficult times we are experiencing. The number of people who participated from so many different countries tells us that if anything we should retain that element going forward and make this a global event. Solidarity should know no boundaries, gender and religion and this event has once again reinforced that.” said Nelson Mandela Foundation Chief Executive, Sello Hatang..
“We will always miss Madiba. He was an ancestor of hope, but we must miss him thinking about and continuing to deliver hope for those he cared for - the poor and vulnerable who are losing hope and feeling discarded. Events like this help us to continue to support them. At the foundation we also remember this year the many friends we’ve lost, and the many family members so many have lost this year. We remember Zindzi Mandela, who was not only Madiba’s daughter, but a powerful activist and a dear friend of the foundation. We remember people also who were very close to Madiba, like Dennis Goldberg, Andrew Mlangeni, George Bizos, Achmat Dangor, Shaun Johnson, David Dinkins and Jurgen Schadeberg. May their names live forever,” added Hatang.
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Ms Mbali Hlophe, Gauteng MEC for Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation, said even though the COVID pandemic resulted in the MRWR’s numbers being restricted this year, it was important to continue to commemorate Madiba’s life and his immense contribution. “We were able to mitigate having far fewer participants than the thousands we are used to, by covering the event both virtually and physically this year and we are very proud we could continue with this event. It has been a very difficult year for everybody, but we could not even while going through a global pandemic allow our global icon and days like this to go unnoticed and not remembered. Change starts with one small step. And we too can take bold steps and make a difference. Even though we are all going through such hardships, the generations before us who fought for our freedoms went through much worse. The parallels serve as a reminder of what we should be grateful for,” said Hlophe. Madiba’s granddaughter, Ndileka Mandela, said this has been “a very rough year” but that there were positives South Africans could be very proud of.
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“Everywhere you look there are people losing loved ones. A day like this brings a lot of things into sharp focus. This is not just a walk, it’s a remembrance walk and we are reminded today of my grandfather’s great moral compass and his capacity to always be considerate of others. Through those qualities, such as wearing masks, sanitizing and being considerate of each others, South Africans have collectively fought the Coronavirus. We have done that through the spirit of ubuntu and caring for our neighbours that my grandfather stood so strongly for,” said Ms Mandela. Newly-elected Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr Randall Williams, described Madiba as a “unifier” who would have been proud of how people of all persuasions and walks of life gathered in his honour today. “This year has been an exceptionally difficult year. It shows the long walk Madiba started still has a long way to go. This year has been brutal. We started the lockdown with a recession and the lockdown has made our economic situation so much worse. We have a massive challenge ahead of us, but we need people coming together like they did today, with one clear goal, to make sure Madiba’s vision of an equal, caring society is implemented.” said Cllr Williams.
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ISHASHALAZI AWARDS HONOURS THEATRE’S UNSUNG HEROES AND HEROINES
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number of stars were honoured at the 2020 Gauteng Ishashalazi Theatre Awards held at Market Theatre, Newtown on Friday night, 04 December 2020.
A total of 13 categories were awarded to best theatre, poetry and dance productions from the 2020 Ishashalazi Festival staged in February. The two biggest winners of the night were Tainted, for Best Theatre Production who took home R35 000 and Amagents for Best Dance Production, who took home R20 000. The duo also qualified to represent Gauteng at the coming Isigcawu Festival in Durban. The piece, Kwanele bagged 2 awards for Best Musical Rendition and Most Promising Theatre Production. Individual recognition went to Mdengase Govuzela for Best Male Actor and Mbali Ntombela for Best Female Actor. Life-Time Community Theatre Development were given to Malesela Lucky Khafela and Lekgodi. Khafela is the founder of Tlhakanang Drama Group in 1990, which groomed many talented children throughout the country, while well-known veteran actor Lekgodi is also a Sports man, Musician, Composer, Songwriter, Dancer, Choreographer, Scriptwriter, Film Maker, Producer, Director and Educationist. “Congratulations to all of the winners, whose work continues to showcase Gauteng as the home of artistic excellence. 09
“The province is a scene of many events even during years of political struggles, which is enough content for creative. We want to see expansion of the arts within communities going beyond the level and category of developmen but into the mainstream. For years creative industries has proved to be one of the main contributors in the economy of Gauteng and we want to see this also making an impact at grassroots socio economic conditions,” said Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Mbali Hlophe.
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Winners List:
BEST SUPPORTING MALE ACTOR: Teboho Serapelo Kwanele BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE ACTOR: Tshepiso Fenyane Kings of Kings BEST ACTOR MALE: Mdengase Govuzela
Kwanele
BEST ACTOR FEMALE: Mbali Ntombela
MOMENT OF BRILLIANCE: Dingaan Khanye
Tainted Blah Blah Brothers Production
BEST MUSIC COMPOSED IN A PRODUCTION: Generation of Stars Kwanele BEST SCRIPT: Thabang Mboshane
BEST DIRECTOR: Potsane Mohale
The Guy Code
Blah Blah Brothers Production
MOST PROMISING DANCE PRODUCTION: Amakoporosho BEST DANCE PRODUCTION: Amagents MOST PROMISING THEATRE PRODUCTION: Generation of Stars Kwanele BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION: Tainted
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GETTING TO KNOW
Nomathemba
Ntsibande
Who is Nomathemba Ntsibande? A very kind and loving individual, a perfectionist and lover of life. A motivated, self-starter. Where do you originate from? Born and raised in Kwa-Thema, Springs. Many people refer to it as East Rand Tell us a little about your family. When I count my blessings, I count my family twice. I come from a family that is full of love and warmth. Very acceptive and tolerant. I’m the first and last from my mother’s side and first of three on my father’s side
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What’s your Family Festive Season Tradition, how will that be affected by the COVID-19 regulations? It’s a season where we all come together and spend the holidays together, however we won’t be doing that under the covid regulations When did you join the department? I joined the department in August 2013 What’s one thing would you like to change about yourself? Its definitely my short temper What’s your deal breaker in a relationship/ friendship? Respect What’s something you can’t go a day without doing? Singing out loud, unprovoked LOL What do you do for fun? Hiking. Relaxing with friends and family. Who is your role model? Mommy Dearest What is the most exciting part of your job? Changing the lives of people within our communities
What are your views about our new normal in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic? I honestly think you would rather have your life altered than loosing it. We just have to accept our situation and do exactly what is expected of us. Not just for ourselves but our loved ones too During the month of November and December, we observe “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”, what is your view about the current state of GBV in our country and how would you help fight it? Its very saddening and breaks my heart. We all deserve to live and to be respected. I urge all our sisters to speak up and get assistance, and our brothers to call each other out. If you could change one thing about working for the department, what would it be? Its actually a wish, I wish the department had enough means to reach out to as many people within the communities Any future career plans? To be honest, I would love to see more and more females taking part in sport and exercise. I am busy putting a project together that aims to do exactly that Five facts most people don’t know about you. - I love cooking - Captained the USSA team to the World Student Games in Thailand and Belgrade respectively - Gymnasium fanatic - Adventurers - Perfectionist 15
LIFESYLE
THOUGHTFUL YET INEXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT DON'T LOOK CHEAP
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tick to your budget with these ideas that'll impress your family, friends, and co-workers
Chances are, you have quite a few people to shop for this holiday season. And while spending money on family and friends is a sweet way to express your love, you know very well that the people in your life don't want you to stretch yourself too thin, especially during the most wonderful time of year.
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This two-in-one candle radiates warmth, but still fills her space with nature’s beauty (even though it’s artificial).
Help her stay organized, clear clutter and more for the next 365 days.
Give the stylish man or woman in your life a pair of patterned socks
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THEArt
OF SEASONING
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easoning adds interesting elements and diverse flavours to your dish, taking it to a whole different level of deliciousness. It’s adding the cherry on top or the icing on the cake. However, the trick is to first understand the different ways to season dishes, and why we do it. WHAT EXACTLY IS SEASONING? Seasoning is the art of adding flavour to your dish while it cooks, simmers, boils or is being plated. The most common form of seasoning is adding a crack of pepper and a sprinkle of salt, but this is just the surface of an ocean of tasty ways you can season dishes. Here is our list of other great ingredients you can use to add delicious depths of flavour to your meals.
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CHILLI
LEMON
From dried chilli flakes to freshly chopped chilli, this versatile ingredient adds a bite to your dishes. The great thing about chilli is that you can add it to your dish at any time you want. You can simmer it up with some garlic during the beginning stages, chop it up and add it at the end, or mix it with some olive oil and drizzle it over your dish.
Tart, fresh and zesty - lemon brings an edge to your dish or cooked ingredients. A squeeze of this bright and versatile fruit is great over chicken, fish or calamari or even as a dressing for garden salads.
CORIANDER This flavoursome herb tends to be hit or miss with many people, but can add a fresh and earthy zing to your dish. Perfect when used as a garnish or even in curries while you leave your ingredients to simmer and soften.
Top tip:
Chop your lemon in half, shake some cayenne pepper onto the surface you are working on, and rub the fruity part of the lemon all over the spice. Squeeze this moreish amalgamation of flavour over your raw meat ingredients before cooking or tossing it over the flames.
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YOUR FESTIVE PREP GUIDE
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ecember is only a few weeks away, and while that may still seem like plenty of time to gear up to host your festive get-togethers, it may be time to start getting prepped. Luckily, we’re here to help you with our list of handy tips to help to make your festive planning hassle free!
TIP 1 Begin to gradually stock up on smaller staples (butter, sugar, flour, spices, Knorr stock pots) when grocery shopping. TIP 2 Start asking family and guests about dietary restrictions. TIP 3 Have a good answer for guests when they ask you what they can bring, or you may wind up with a bunch of bottles of wine and not enough food. A great request is a cold dessert, because it’s usable even if the guests arrive late. TIP 4 Begin tidying up. This is also the perfect time to start polishing any silverware and glasses, and to do a thorough audit of your grocery cupboard. TIP 5 Start stocking up on gifts and taking advantage of any sales. Be sure to always stay mindful of your budget and spending. TIP 6 Start emptying your fridge and freezer now and making room for snacks, desserts and leftovers. You will need every bit of space. TIP 7 Begin your meal prep well ahead of time. Start printing out recipes and making sure you have a list of all the ingredients needed.
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TIP 8 Last but certainly not least, try to have fun, and if all our advice isn’t enough, indulge yourself in a calming bubble bath on the big day, put on your favourite festive playlist and countdown till you see the last car disappears down the road.
10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY The festive season is upon us and so is senseless spending. Many people always find themselves come January. Despite December bonuses and sales, January always have financial woes. The following tips though, can help you save money during the crazy festive season.
1.MAKE PAYING YOURSELF A PRIORITY Probably the very best tip for saving money is to pay yourself first. Aim to save at least 10% of your earnings before tax. If you think of your savings like you would any other bill, you’ll ensure that saving becomes a habit and start building that emergency fund or nest egg. A good way to force yourself to save is to automate the process. Set up a direct debit so that a certain amount of money is moved directly from your income to a separate savings account at the start of each month. 2. START TRACKING HOW YOU SPEND Just by watching where you spend your money, it’s likely that you’ll start spending less. Begin by noting how much money you spend daily and what debit orders you have in place, so you can determine your current spending habits. Then decide which of your expenses are needs versus wants. Remember, your needs come first. If there’s extra money to spend after you’ve saved a predetermined amount, you can spend it on your wants. A template, such as this free Excel budget template, may help you track and manage your budgeting. 22
3. REVIEW MEDICAL AID AND INSURANCE POLICIES, AND BANK CHARGES You may be able to save thousands of rand a year by reviewing your medical aid, insurance and bank charges annually, and either negotiating better rates or shopping around for better offers. It’s worth trying to negotiate better rates or shopping around for better offers on: • medical aid • home building insurance – also update and re-examine your household inventory to avoid over-insuring your possessions • car insurance, given that the market value of your car will depreciate each year • bank fees, including facility and credit fees; don’t be afraid to ask about the different products on offer and how fees are bundled. You can also reduce costs by avoiding other banks’ ATMs and, where possible, signing up for automatic bill paying, to avoid any late fees. 4. REDUCE PHONE COSTS Note how much time you spend on your phone for a few days, tracking the calls you make and the data you use. Then investigate whether you’ve got the best possible package/plan. Also, consider switching off your phone at certain periods of the day and check for and remove any apps that use data without you even knowing. The savings that result could add up to hundreds of rand. 5. WATCH YOUR CAR EXPENSES Regular maintenance of your car ensures it lasts longer and may help you avoid major costs three or four years down the line. Currently, South Africans spend more of their salaries on petrol than most other nationalities. So also do what you can to reduce your fuel costs.
https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/ saving-budgeting/ways-to-save-money 23
For example, save on petrol by: • planning routes and combining tasks to minimise number of trips • have your car serviced regularly • have your vehicle’s wheel alignment checked and keep your tyres at the optimal inflation to minimise resistance • close your car windows when driving to reduce drag • reduce your car’s weight by clearing the boot of unnecessary items • keep your speed to a minimum to reduce wind resistance • use the air conditioning sparingly. If you have the opportunity to move so you can live closer to work, do so. It makes sense to invest what you can in a home, which is an appreciating asset, rather than spending on petrol and vehicle maintenance. 6. MANAGE YOUR GROCERY SPENDING Once you’ve figured out your monthly budget, you’ll know how much you can afford to spend on groceries. Stick to this limit by planning your meals in advance, listing what you need to buy and then buying everything in one trip. Limiting the duration and number of shopping trips you make is key to avoiding temptations and unnecessary spending. Also, be both wary and aware of specials. They can be useful if they’re on goods you’d buy anyway. However, they can also lead you into impulse buying. You can monitor specials online.
7. REDUCE SPENDING ON ELECTRICITY Eskom’s electricity prices have increased by roughly 356% over the past ten years. You can reduce your electricity costs by following common-sense tips like these: • • • • • • •
limit how often you open the refrigerator and ensure you close it as soon as possible after opening it switch to energy-efficient bulbs when it’s time to replace appliances, invest in ones with high energy efficiency ratings reduce the temperature of your geyser to 55°C or less and consider installing a timer on it switch off the TV, appliances and lights when not using them insulate your home properly – this can save dramatically on heating and cooling costs run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher, and use cold water where possible.
8. PAY OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT Credit card debt can be taxing on your psyche. So halt your credit card spending and focus on paying off debt, one card at a time. Organise cards by interest rates, from highest to lowest, and pay off the card with the highest rate first.
9. SWITCH TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE Bad habits can be expensive. The average pack of cigarettes in South Africa currently costs R41. Someone who smokes a pack a day would save approximately R1,200 a month, or R14,965 a year, by quitting. The same can be said for daily alcoholic drinks, sweet treats and expensive cappuccino habits. If you manage to quit bad habits, the money that you would’ve used on them can be used toward paying for other expenses. You may also become eligible for lower life insurance premiums and, over the long term, spare yourself and your pocket from various illnesses. 10. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to follow a strict budget 100% of the time, no matter how disciplined you are. Stay realistic, forgive yourself for small errors and build occasional treats into your accounting. This way you’ll ensure you’re in the healthiest mindset to get back on track, as soon as possible.
Pay as much as you can every month. Also, see if you can make a dent in your debt by paying more than the minimum balance. This will reduce the interest you have to pay.
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JANUARY STAFF BIRTHDAYS GUNDO JOSEPHINE REFILWE RUTH SAMUEL MODUPI ADAM NOKUTHULA TYRONE JERRY NKOSINATHI MATEBOHO LIFE THABO ABRAM SOLOMON MOLEFE NONDUMISO MPHO ZIMBINI CECILIA PETRUS MANDLA NTOMBIZODWA AMANDA GLADWIN KEKELETSO NTSWAKI LYNETTE MOSIMA NOMVULA BUYISILE TEBOGO TEBOHO MAJANE MAKHOSAZANA SIBUSISO NEO SEFORA ZAMANI
MAALAKANO SELOISE MOKOKA KEKANA NKUNA MAGAMPA NXUMALO HAMMOND NGWENYA GUMEDE NDLOVU SIHLANGU NDLOVU SEEQELA HLUBI NKOGATSE RADEBE SEGAECHO MWANDA PHIRI MOTLOUNG MASANGO MAPHALALA MPETHA MCHALLA MOALOSI PHETO MENGWAI LETSOALO DLAMINI TSHABALALA MOGAPI MANTSOE LEBONA MOTAUNG GUMBI MADLOPHA MOKOENA MBANJWA
01-Jan 01-Jan 01-Jan 01-Jan 01-Jan 02-Jan 02-Jan 02-Jan 03-Jan 03-Jan 04-Jan 05-Jan 06-Jan 07-Jan 07-Jan 08-Jan 08-Jan 09-Jan 09-Jan 10-Jan 12-Jan 13-Jan 13-Jan 14-Jan 14-Jan 14-Jan 18-Jan 19-Jan 19-Jan 19-Jan 20-Jan 20-Jan 20-Jan 21-Jan 22-Jan 22-Jan 23-Jan 24-Jan 24-Jan
REFILWE RUTH SAMUEL MODUPI ADAM NOKUTHULA TYRONE JERRY NKOSINATHI MATEBOHO LIFE THABO ABRAM SOLOMON MOLEFE NONDUMISO MPHO ZIMBINI CECILIA PETRUS MANDLA NTOMBIZODWA AMANDA GLADWIN KEKELETSO NTSWAKI LYNETTE MOSIMA NOMVULA BUYISILE TEBOGO TEBOHO MAJANE MAKHOSAZANA SIBUSISO NEO SEFORA ZAMANI DINEO WONGA ARSHAD MAGDALENA MARTIN MONTSENG MANDLA PATRICIA ITUMELENG ANNA
MOKOKA KEKANA NKUNA MAGAMPA NXUMALO HAMMOND NGWENYA GUMEDE NDLOVU SIHLANGU NDLOVU SEEQELA HLUBI NKOGATSE RADEBE SEGAECHO MWANDA PHIRI MOTLOUNG MASANGO MAPHALALA MPETHA MCHALLA MOALOSI PHETO MENGWAI LETSOALO DLAMINI TSHABALALA MOGAPI MANTSOE LEBONA MOTAUNG GUMBI MADLOPHA MOKOENA MBANJWA MDLALOSE MSIKINYA DUKANDAR PACE MAKOEYA KOLA YENGENI LEBEPE MOLOKOANE KABINI
01-Jan 01-Jan 01-Jan 02-Jan 02-Jan 02-Jan 03-Jan 03-Jan 04-Jan 05-Jan 06-Jan 07-Jan 07-Jan 08-Jan 08-Jan 09-Jan 09-Jan 10-Jan 12-Jan 13-Jan 13-Jan 14-Jan 14-Jan 14-Jan 18-Jan 19-Jan 19-Jan 19-Jan 20-Jan 20-Jan 20-Jan 21-Jan 22-Jan 22-Jan 23-Jan 24-Jan 24-Jan 25-Jan 25-Jan 26-Jan 27-Jan 27-Jan 27-Jan 28-Jan 28-Jan 29-Jan 31-Jan
Local Reads, & Movies ZULUS OF NEW YORK By Zakes Mda The impresario Farini introduced Em-Pee and his troupe to his kind of show business, and now they must earn their bread. In 1885 in a bustling New York City, they are the performers who know the true Zulu dances, while all around them fraudsters perform silly jigs. Reports on the Anglo-Zulu War portrayed King Cetshwayo as infamous, and audiences in London and New York flock to see his kin. What the gawking spectators don’t know is that Em-Pee once carried nothing but his spear and shield, when he had to flee his king. But amid the city’s squalid vaudeville acts appears a vision that leaves Em-Pee breathless: in a cage in Madison Square Park is Acol, a Dinka princess on display. For Em-Pee, it is love at first sight, though Acol is not free to love anyone back.
YES YANGA! By Refiloe Moahloli Yanga is the 3 Tins champion in his community. His life changes completely when his 3 Tins skills are channelled into cricket. Watch Yanga’s crazy talent as it takes him from local school team to the global sporting stage as one of the stars of the South African Cricket World Cup team.
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KINGS OF JOBURG Kings of Joburg is a Netflix Original which premiered on 4 December 2020. It is a thrilling test of loyalties under the gritty, concentrated populous of the crime-ridden streets of the City of Johannesburg. The action-drama series with a layer of dark fantasy and a sinister aspect of the African occult. The story delves into legacy building, fragmented family structures, treacherous brotherhoods and the effects of crime and African masculinities on families and society at large. Loyalties will be tested, with long held secrets threatening to shatter the fragile faรงade.
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TRENDY CRAFTS
BEAD WORK PRODUCTION Ekangala Centre 1484 Section F, Ekangala 1020 Busi Mahlangu: 072 226 0035
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DID YOU KNOW
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Congratulations Tumelo Taunyane for the new addition to your family !!