SHANA magazine

BEAUTIFUL LIFE

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I’m not sure how many times I’ve heard the saying ‘wathinta umfazi, wathinta imbokodo’ - basically translated to ‘you strike a woman, you strike a rock’.

I knew the power of the saying because I had seen one too many episodes of Women Who Kill on the Crime channel and had read about how women played pivotal roles in bringing democracy to the many nations of the world.

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This issue delves back into the roots of women leadership in particular, the courageous stories of female queens in Africa.

Their sheer endurance when their husbands were incarcerated, their ability to stand side by side with men on the battle lines and still walk hand in hand with their children to school the very next day. But I had not fully grasped the power women

yielded before the phrases ’women empowerment’ & equality were mainstream norms.

This issue delves back into the roots of women leadership in particular, the courageous stories of female queens in Africa. African Queens such as Amina, Cleopatra, Nzinaga & many others., these women personify power & many of us wouldn’t even have considered breaking this stereotype back then, but thanks to them we now don’t have too.

I’ve heard you never forget your first & we certainly hope as you read this for the first time, you’ll never forget & it & will continue to support us as we strive to create amazing African stories through this platform.

advancement of politics in South Africa paying particular attention to the young bucks & old break-away parties.

richest woman. We find out briefly who she is & how she bears testament to the saying, the harder one works the luckier they get.

Politics dictate our livelihoods in Africa & the actions of one country can be felt rippling through the rest of Africa, especilly since it is a collective society placing emphasis on togetherness & how one’s actions affect others.

It seems the rules to achievement are simply black & white & so is our fashion focus. Find out whats trending & whats hot for this years upcoming outdoors events as we give the best tips for planning for out-door events from fabulous to functional items you need to consider.

In saying this, Africa is proud of Elon Musk who’s spaceX launched another payload into orbit.

We breathe a collective sigh of relief that we are finally in the outer space playing field.

SHANA magazine salutes & thanks them for paving the way for the many women that One can no longer followed them. mention African achievement With elections without mentioning looming, the ANC Forlunsha the gears itself to face the new kids on the poster child of achievement even block. dethroning Oprah It’s been a wild Winfrey as the and intriguing ride wealthiest black till this point & women and Africa’s we the

We round up our issue with an inspiring interview from the founders of a new dynamic production company called Zi-Productions, whose founders have been making waves in the film and television circles for some time now. Find out what made them take a leap into owning their production company & how you can do the same.

Nicolle Shana Founder & Editor

LESSONS ON GIVING

Department of Health to roll out a childhood cancer awareness programme in the Gauteng Province.

To get involved or donate towards CHOC and their much needed progressive and community centered organisation please contact CHOC. HEAD OFFICE PostNet Suite 105, Private Bag X2600, Houghton, 2041 Tel: 086 111 3500 Fax: 011 326 4998 Email: Headoffice@choc.org.za

CHOC CHILDREN’S HAEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CLINICS

CHOC is a foundation founded in 1977, to help children suffering from cancer and their families deal with the ordeal of cancer.

CHOC has branches in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kwa Zulu in Pietermaritzburg and the Western Cape.

CHOC receives funding from corporates and caring individuals and uses it’s funds for everything from holistic support to the children and their families to critical equipment needed.

Their mission is to contribute

to the well being of children with cancer and lifethreatening blood disorders as well as their families.

Their goals are to support communities in the treatment of children with cancer, advocate complete and early diagnosis, create financial and project sustainability in all divisions, communicate effectively to improve all relationships and to attract, retain and grow talent.

According to CHOC “It is believed that currently less than half of children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed, and many of those who are diagnosed are in advanced stage of illness.”

So awareness on this epidemic is crucial and which is why the Johannesburg and Pretoria Divisions of CHOC have recently formed a partnership with the Gauteng

CAPE TOWN WBHO House, Ground Floor Office GO5, Glen Roy Road (& Corner of Sheldon Way) Pinelands 7405 Tel/Fax: 086 110 6441 Email: wcape@choc.org.za DURBAN PO Box 41629, Rossburgh, 4072 Tel: 086 111 2182 Fax: 031 240 2917 Email: dbn@choc.org.za EAST LONDON P O Box 2565, Beacon Bay, 5205 Tel: 086 111 2109 Fax: 043 731 2272 Email: el@choc.org.za FREE STATE 19 Stegman Street, Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9301 Tel: 086 111 2316 Fax: 051 522 6671 Email: freestate@choc.org.za

BOOKS

LEAN IN SHERYL SANDBERG Sheryl Kara Sandberg is currently the Chief Operations Officer of Facebook, she sits on the board of The Walt Disney Company, Women for Women International and Centre for Global Development V-Day and recently Facebook, becoming the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board.

Sheryl is by any professional yardstick an accomplished business leader and her book documents how women can navigate their business and personal lives to find the balance and courage they need to be successful.

Although Sandberg is an accomplished business leader many have critised her, stating that she is ‘too elist’ to understand the problems of an average women.

We still suggest you read this one as it has great insight about gender roles and speaks to many broader behavioural issues women face such as not settling for second best in order to have a family.

PLACES & SPACES I’VE BEEN PHARRELL Pharrell is no stranger to being cool but his new book has just elevated him to the Emperor of Cool.

He’s a hip-hop, skate-board kid (well, man now) who’s not afraid to live, create and put a different spin on everything from music, to fashion, design and street art.

The book is full of lavish photography and also highlights his musical careers from the work he has done with his band and production team N.E.R.D to some interesting collaborations with some music royalty.

This is a great read for any creative.

FILM & TV

22 jump street Channing Tatum. . . . I’m not sure if I need to even say more about this movie, but I will to educate my male counterparts on the brilliance of this specimen.

22 Jump Street basically continues from the last remake with Jonah Hill who wrote and co-stars along Tatum Channing, as cops Jenko and Schimdt, who go under cover in a High school looking to bust the source of a new fatal drug.

This time in a conventional move (but hey we won’t judge like I said Channing Tatum is in this) they go under cover once again but this time as college students.

We can’t wait to laugh and be as amused as we were by the first rendition by their wild parties, crazy gags and hilarious quotes.

Catch the movie that also stars Kurt Russell and Craig Roberts and Ice Cube in cinemas June 2014.

The Amazing Spiderman 2 release date : 05/02/2014 Andrew Garfield is back as Spider man in The Amazing Spiderman 2.

He’s back slinging spider webs, kicking butt and wearing that tremendously tight spider man suit. Directed by Marc Webb this moive stars Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Jamie Fox as Electro.

The infamous Oscorp is once again involved and Peter Parker life is once again in disarray as Electro makes his way on to the scene. Shot in New York this Spider man movie is sure to be another action packed, thrilling story of hero vs villain.

If you’re into action and anything Marvel Comic related be sure catch this movie in May 2014.

movie to watch :

philemona Noah release date : 18/03/2014 Russell Crowe is Noah.

In this biblical adaptation Russell Crowe takes on the role of Noah.

The movie features Emma Watson, Logan Lerman er Connelly as Ila, Ham, and Naameh. Christains attribute the rainbow to Noah as God used as a promise to Noah that he would nev the world again.

If the movie is anything the bible st with drama, tears, and a good dose of adventure.

Catch the movie premier.

SHANA Magazine: the beautiful life

Philemona

release date : 18/03/2014 Philemona is a heart wrenching story of a woman who had to give up her child to a Covent and never got over the loss. The film takes us on a journey with her on self discovery as tries to find her son after years. If you are interested in a dose of drama and a sprinkle of humour, be sure to watch this.

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ENTERTAINMENT

events in pictures KIDS ART FESTIVAL FANTASTIC MR FOX

DESIGN IN BASKET MOUTH AND THE THREE KINGS [UNCENSORED]

AN EVENING WITH SANTANA

IT’S MY CULTURE TREVOR NOAH

eminem SA TOUR

INDABA EXPO CAPE TOWN

KENDRICK LEMAR SA TOUR

WORLD NEWS HIGHLIGHTS For the international African, what is shaping and shaking the world on an international scale. Who should we be looking out for and what modern advancements can we speak of. This is also a place to showcase, in particular, cases of investigative journalism.

Of course, the content is targeted to Africans and what effects they are having on the world at large, vice versa to the world and its effect on us.

Zim election review A TALE OF TWO SIDES. It has been an intriguing and excitng time for Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans scattered across the continent. Although SADC endorsed the last Zimbabwean elections as fair and legitimate, many including the official opposition cried faul. Only time and the history books will the answers.

UPCOMING SA ELECTIONS SHUFFLES & BOMBS. The ANC faces its toughiest elections to date.

The DA has certainly been a tough competitor but so have new kids of the block EFF and Agang. President Jacob Zuma has definitely been hard at work on the campaign trail following Thuli Madonsela’s scathing report on Nkandla, The in fighting in COSATU & the ruling parties in ability to provide basic services. Yes the ANC will win, but we cant help but be fascinated by it all.

Vote NO Campaign Former South African intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, former South African Communist Party leader Vishwas Satgar and former deputy health and defence minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge launched their “Vukani! Sidikwe! (Wake Up! We Are Fed up!)

Vote No” campaign in Johannesburg on April 15, 2014. The campaign calls on South African voters to vote for small parties during May 7 elections or simply write “No” on the ballot. http://globalvoicesonline.org/2014/04/22/

MARIKANA THE HEADLINE THAT WON’T GO AWAY. The Marikana saga seems far from over... with the blame game still in full swing we wait with baited breathe for witness X, to testify and give detailed information that could swing the case wide open about the miners plans for the strike and what exactly went wrong. We still grieve for all the families can bring justice and closure.

The tale of Oscar & Reeva Justice or a media spectacle?

Only revivaled it seems by the OJ Simpson case. The case has been adjurned until July but speculation is rife after Gerrie Nel seemed to demolish the defenses case that the defense is losing valuable ground & witnesses to testify.

Oscar has been brought to emotional puddle many times throughout the hearing and we now wait for his team to bring a convincing enough argument and end what many are now calling the trial of the century.

FRIENDS & FRIENEMIES South African political parties. Not only is it the brain child of former ANC Youth League brand party championing legalisaling cannibus, calling for indegenisation of mines and questioning the land distribution system.

Whetherr this party will stand the test of time

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE? AND THEN DR MAMPHELE? She is a stalwart and an academic, one of the few women is worth more than a million, but how will she fair in a political arena where already she has had a failed political alliance with DA leader Helen Zille and seems to be the one leader within her party? Is there actually a space for amongst the black middle class or is this just a crusade by a lone ranger.

beauty

Great looking hands are a must for any season but especially the warmer months when your hands are not covered up by gloves.

The hands are usually exposed to more sun and water in the warmer seasons and a great hand care regime can go a long way to leaving hands moisturized, strengthening nails and keeping your looking clean, maintained and of colour.

HANDS & NAILS

3 BRILLIANT ESSENTIALS FOR THE BODY There’s nothing worse than HL.L aka hungry-looking-lips, ect the sun t has on your lips and colour that’s taken away by all the liquids that interact with our mouths and inevitably our lips a great lip balm, lip stick or lip gloss is essential.

Although lip-sticks and glosses need more reapplication during the day than lip balms, they ve a more visible impression.

But if you do prefer balms, stick to moisture balms in tinted peach or coral colours.

Try this seasons trendiest lip colours and a demure yet alloccasion worthy nude lip.

LIPS

Let’ saying you can never drink enough water.

Water hydrates your face and wash out toxins in your skin.

May be its time you changed your moisturizer and traded it on for tinted mosituriser, for a more natural look.

Concealer known as the little secret weapon will hide any imperfections and easier to apply and use. Please may sure you’re with an expert when you make your You’re looking to conceal your imperfections not highlight them with the wrong colour.

YOUR FACE

INTERVIEW

Visit:

tech pages...

property 24 south africa

bid or buy south africa

Bid or Buy is one of SA’s premier online websites, launched in 1999.

They also have a mobile app that is freely available where you can ‘bid or buy’ numerous goods. Also important to note is that once you open an account you can monitor what’s been bought and everything you’ve placed to sell.

Property24 is an amazing app for finding homes in South Africa. This website and app links property owners, real estate agents and potential tenants and home owners.

The app allows one to see images of the homes up for sale or rent and send a mail to the owner/agent.

It’s very easy to use and you can subscribe to receive alerts on homes similar to the one you’re looking for.

You are also able to email the link to a friend that could be interested.

jumia nigeria

Owned by Africa Internet Holdings, Jumia is one of Nigeria most popular websites and apps. It’s a one stop shopping destination and it’s online platform makes it one of the relevant shopper’s paradise in West Africa. The app is free and allows shoppers to find great shopping deals, fashionable clothes and essential and luxury products.

iROKING NIGERIA

OLX SOUTH AFRICA, KENYA, NIGERIA

OLX is so popular I have literally heard people using the term ‘OLX - Sell It’ in everyday conversation even when they aren’t talking about the actual site.

One of the new kids on the block; it’s hilarious ads have captured the attention of many and allows you to buy or sell goods or services via their website and mobi app.

OLX has an active presence in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The OLX app has been downloaded over 5 million times across the continent.

Looking for the hottest Naija music? Then iROKING e-commerce site and mobile app are the best platform to Nigeria is on a musical rampage, breaking African music barriers and records. across the continent jamming to D’banj’s Oliver Twist, P. Squared’sPersonally and even young Davido’s Dami Duro. Not only does iROKING provide the lates Naija hits but it also sells clothing and a variety of goods.

(simply fashionable)

Events 101

Be sure to ask the locals, as well if you do know anyone there, ask them to recommend safe places with easy access to shops or the police station or hospital so that you are close to the most essential services and don’t have to spend more money traveling when in need.

Very important but extremely under-estimated is getting reliable taxi/cab numbers, who knows what will happen.

OUTDOORS

Ever feel unprepared for an event? Well SHANA has a few tips for making any event an amazing experience. Who knows they might even save a life.

Whenever you plan to attend you need to attend an event.

What is the cost?

1. Travel 2. Tickets 3. Accommodation 4. Fuel 5. Drinks and food 6. Airtime 7. Miscellaneous 8. Can you save by traveling as a group?

9. Get a map if you need it- there’s no point getting lost in an area where you might not know anyone but the police. get a discounted price for paying early? Also do some research into some of the ‘HOT’ spots.

What to pack?

1. Toiletries- Sun cream, Deo, toothpaste, underwear/lingerie, towels, perfume, lotion, etc 2. Water/refreshments 3. Snacks 4. Towels (sometimes) 5. Camp chairs 6. Cooler box 7. Hats & sunglasses (yes the two cannot be separated) 8. Camera’s- if you’re spending you might as well capture it.

9. Event appropriate clothes.

10. A phone or laptop charger- yes we easily forget these but they are so essential.

Invest in a car charger as well as a USB cord for those whose phones can be charged through a computer or inserted into another charger.

Always carry!

“Firstly Extra money incase of an emergency.

Secondly A bag that’s easy to carry- as you’ll be moving around a lot.

Thirdly If you are female, carry all the necessary toiletries- pads, tampons, panty liners.

Trust us rather be save than really sorry.”

When you’re there?

• If you want to be adventurous and tour, let someone know where you are incase something happens.

• See if you can get the goods seats/spot.

• Make sure your phone is charged or carry a spare phone- the spare phone can be an old model which has good battery life and won’t easily be stolen or lost.

• Don’t just give out your information to strangers- local gangs usually know there maybe a lot of foreign people at big out-door events and target them.

• Have some numbers on speed dial, just incase.

• Be safe don’t do these you wouldn’t usually do such as walking in dark allies alone or leaving your valuables lying around.

• Attend as many functions as your budget allows… DO NOT use your emergency money, unless it is for an actual emergency (dresses, shoes, drinks, VIP section tickets are hardly ever emergencies) • Have your camera ready to capture the moments.

• Make sure you don’t drive and drive- sleep it off in your car if you need to or call a safe cab.

• Do look hot!!! But make sure outfit is event appropriate- you spent so much money already you might as well. Avoid skyscraper heels for out-door garden events, you know your heels with just get stuck in the ground. If you must wear shades/sun-glasses at night that’s up to you, but please do not bump into anyone/thing and possibly get injured.

• Enjoy yourself but don’t endanger yourself because of a moment of euphoria.

• Watch your drink- not everyone out has the best intentions. Try your best not to be a victim.

• Watch over those you came with (this is however optional , but just try).

When it’s all over. . .

• Wake up in time to check out so you know you have all your luggage & haven’t forgotten anything.

• Get enough rest before you hit the road.

• Check your to-list- did you actually do what you said • Eat so you have avoid multiple stops on the road.

• If your traveling by air, make sure you call your transport before hand so you arrive in time to catch your flight.

• Leave ‘Thank-you’ notes for anyone who helped youyou never know when you might be back and need their help.

• Avoid driving at night if you can- unless you have the eyesight of an owl. Also people are usually tired at night as they may have been busy during the day and your body may be in the habit of sleeping at a certain time.

“The most important rule of

traveling to or attending an outdoor event is to enjoy yourself!”

Queens

amazing

of the past

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I’ve always wondered what role women really played in Africa’s past.

Not just the bearing and rearing of children and not just as emotional pillars for their societies.

Maybe the real question I was asking is were we ever in the drivers seat of our own destinies in the past?

So I decided to ask one of the most reliable sources I have.

I asked Google and I was both pleased and saddened by what I found.

Amazed by the courage that these women had to take up the highest leadership positions in a society usually opposed to any form of women empowerment, disheartened by the limited amount of women, who decided to rise up and meet the challenge.

Queens such as Cleopatra of Egypt, Amina of what is now Nigeria, Hatshepsut of Egypt, Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethopia and finally Nzinga Mbande of what is now Angola.

the spotlight and took many of the responsibilities of her late mother.

Amina studied military tactics and was an excellent solider and strategist. After her brother who was the King after the death of her mother passed Amina invaded neighbouring lands and although she was was a cunning and fierce opponent Amina was more interested in using the new acquired nations for economic gains.

Called “Amina, Yar Bakwa ta san rana,” she definitely was “Amina, daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man.”

Did we send them around and impose imaginary glass ceiling on what men could and couldn’t do? I’m by no means saying all men have acted in this way.

Women were married off and a wife could be returned to her family for not meeting the expectations of her husband but, could a husband ever be exposed by a woman for not meeting the expectations of his wife.

Why? How did women lose so much power even over their own bodies for so long without ever fighting back?

Queen Amina The first story I found involved Queen Amina. Queen of Zaria, around 1588 to 1589 in Nigeria.

She was born during the reign of King Sarkin Zazzau Nohir who was a dominant force across Africa through trade.

After the death of her mother Queen Amina was thrust into

“although she was was a cunning and fierce opponent Amina was more interested in using the new acquired nations for economic gains”

“The only person to have ever persuaded both these Roman legends to renounce their Roman allegiances and fight for Egypt in therefore Queen Cleopatra turning Egypt into The second queen and a supreme power probably most famous African in Africa.”

Queen is Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, a combination of Greek and Egyptian heritage she single-handedly stole the hearts of both Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony.

The only person to have ever persuaded both these Roman legends to renounce their Roman allegiances and fight for Egypt in therefore turning Egypt into a supreme power in Africa.

She died tragically but as keeping to the theme of her llife, an asp bit into her breast an intriguing way to go.

This Queen reigned in the 1500’s BC one of the first stories about female leadership. Her father impressed with the strategic mindset of his daughter appointed his daighter co-ruler of his kingdom, then married her off to her half brother Thothmes before he died.

Her husband ruled for thirteen years. After her husbands death she was to rule until her son was of age under the name of Thothmes III. She wasn’t satisfied and declared herself Pharaoh reigning in Egypt for 21 years, making peace with other African nations in order to strengthen the position of Egypt.

Her death is shrouded in mystery but her legacy kives on with her temple remaining in the alley of the Kings now known as Del el Bahri is later years.

“Not one to be deterred Empress Menen Asfaw commandeered a tank drove it herself through the garrison gate and freed her husband.”

brother to flee as well as many of their people being captured.

Ndonga sent his sister Nzinga to negotiate a peace treatyshe was successful-the Portuguese didn’t honor the treaty- her brother committed suicide & left his sister the throne.

Empress Menen Asfaw A great story of love was Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethopia who married the regent Ras Tafari.

This woman dealt with an army revolt, which led to her husband being kidnapped. Not one to be deterred she commandeered a tank drove it herself through the garrison gate and freed her husband.

She was definitely more than just beauty and was even counted as one of Emperor Hailie Selassie IIIs closet advisors.

Queen Nzinga Queen Nzinga Mbande was a ruthless and powerful 17th century African ruler who fought against the Portuguese, who tried to colonise parts of Luanda (Angola) from the formidable commercial state which was on equal footing with the Portuguese colonies.

She transformed her kingdom into a formidable force on foot with the Portuguese which helped her stay relevant and in control.

In 1617 the Portguese began an aggressive campaign against Ndongo, leading her

“She transformed her kingdom into a formidable force on foot with the Portuguese which helped her stay relevant and in control.�

Nzinga gained power and tried on numerous times to ally with the Portuguese in order to regain peace for her kingdom while keeping it viable, but the Portuguese did not honour the terms of their treaties, time and time again.

Nzinga was even baptized as Ana de Sousa but this did not help so she persuaded the Dutch to ally with her and defeat the Portuguese, even with their help they could not defeat the Portuguese and eventually Nzinga took over Matamba with her army and made Matamba parallel with the Portuguese colony.

The Portuguese respected her thereafter and Matamba long resisted colonization even in her passing at age 81.

POWER PROFILE

Born1951 Age : 63 Nationality : Nigerian Relationship status : Married.

Spouse(s) : Modupe Alakija (married 1976)

Background Birth place: Nigeria Schooling background: Alakija traveled to the United Kingdom to begin a four year primary education at Dinorben School for Girls in Hafodunos Hall in Llangernyw, Wales.

After returning to Nigeria, she attended Muslim High School Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria.

Afterwards, she returned abroad for her secretarial

studies at Pitman’s Central College, London.

She also studied fashion design at the American College, London and the Central School of Fashion.

Children: Children4

Fame & Fortune Forolunscha is an outstanding entrepreneur known primarily for her oil business.

She also has a fashion label and printing business all under her Rose of Sharon Group

FASHION BUYS , op. e t i pt h w cro & t ck do lic a bl lka epub .za o o R p e .c l e Sty 50 pre s 2 R w. ww

wrap-top long jump suit Isabele de Villiers R640 www.spree.co.za

fan-detailed dress.

Bottega Voneta £2 2793 www.net-a-porter.com

black shift dress with white triangle Somerset Jane R620 www.spree.co.za

cut-out black costume

Mara Hoffman £279 www.net-a-porte r.com

black and white sweater

cotton blend tween tunic

Proenza Schouler £1 396 www.net-a-porter.com

Proenza Schouler £1 976 www.net-a-porter.com

sweater

Kenzo £206 r.com a-porte t e .n w ww

black pailletteembellished canvas baseball jacket Maison Martin Margiela £1 921 www.net-a-porter.com

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SHANA celebrates woman in all her glory especially the African woman, in Business, Arts, Technology, Entrepreneurship & Good Living