SowetanLive S Mag June 2020

C FO OM R IN G

NA TH TA AH S H AN A E

EV ER YT HI NG

J U N E 2 0 2 0 www.sowetanlive.co.za

Magazine

UNS M FOR

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J U NE 2020 www.sowetanlive.co.za

Magazine

EDITOR I’ve probably written five different versions of this ed’s letter.

The pressure to “say something” in light of the renewed cry that #BlackLivesMatter weighed down on me. Like many other young, black people, I feel a heavy burden to join in whenever the societal performance of viral hashtags, social-media posts, and “insightful” conversations denouncing racism comes around again. But that’s not why I started out putting this edition together. Despite Youth Month having been born from racial injustices, this edition was, and is, meant to be celebratory. A celebration of the present and what’s to come — a collection of some of the brightest minds in our community. Even those who have worked on the different elements — from the graphic designer who did the beautiful cover artwork, the writers, and layout designers — over 70% of us are part of the next generation that is set to amp things up.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Stanley nookstool, R1 899, @home

cover up

Pont 9 bag, R63 000, Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.com

WHERE’S MY COIN?

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Dress, R1 499, Country Road

tone

Sorbet Pro Gel Effect Nail Polish in Redulicious, 15ml, R110, Clicks

Cut-out boot, R599, Superbalist

NOT SO HIGH

Parka, R1 699, Zara

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, R799, Takealot.com

IMAGES SUPPLIED EDITOR’S MAKEUP KHUMO NGWENYA

from the

N TH ATA AH S ANHA E

C FO OM R IN G

During my chat with our cover star Natasha Thahane, one thing she kept EV repeating, almost as if it was a mantra, ER YT were four simple words: your dreams HI NG are valid. So take a moment to say that to yourself: out loud, in your mind, Illustration:Siphu Gqwetha whatever. “My dreams are valid.”

While we are reminded this month of those whose dreams were cut short, their blood mercilessly spilled on the streets of Soweto (and other parts of the country), take the time to see yourself in the eyes and stories of the people we have featured. Young people who face challenges the world continues to throw at them, but who are walking proof that we are here, and we matter.

Choosing not to talk about the racial injustices happening in the US right now does not mean I care any less. Prejudices are an ever-present shadow in our daily existence. But what we have to say, and what we can do is so much more. Pain does not have to be our story, although it forms our history. So dive into this edition with us, and take it all in: the trends, the aspirations, the stories of success. This year, we celebrate Youth Month by looking forward, because I tell you: we are ready to take up space — and we are coming for everything. xxxx

Interview

JUN

NATASHA THAHANE IS BLAZING A TRAIL

PHOTOGRAPHY ENOCK MBUYI

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THEMBALETHU ZULU (SMAG@SOWETAN.CO.ZA) CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNA LINEVELDT MANAGING EDITOR MATTHEW MCCLURE 011 280 5605 (MCCLUREM@ARENA.AFRICA) FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG FASHION EDITOR SAHIL HARILAL BEAUTY EDITOR NOKUBONGA THUSI SUBEDITOR BENAZIR CASSIM JUNIOR DESIGNERS CARIKE DE JAGER and MANELISI DABATA FASHION INTERN NOMBUSO KUMALO FINAL EYE ELIZABETH SLEITH SOWETAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NWABISA MAKUNGA PUBLISHER ASPASIA KARRAS HEAD: ADVERTISING SALES EBEN GEWERS MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDREW GILL BUSINESS MANAGER Yvonne Shaff 082 903 5641 shaffy@arena.africa ACCOUNT MANAGER Johannesburg: Letitia Louw louwl@arena.africa. co.za083 454 1137 ACCOUNT MANAGER Cape Town: Samantha Pienaar pienaars@arena.africa 082 889 0366 ACCOUNT MANAGER Durban: Gina van de Wall 083 500 5325 vdwallg@arena.africa S Mag is available with all copies of Sowetan newspaper, on a quarterly basis. PRINTED by Paarl Media for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

6 Beauty The next generation of tips and hacks 16 Conversations Stay safe, stay sane, stay connected 18 Health Facts or fads?

Check out these trends and decide 22 Food Neo Nontso’s cooking up our faves S.MAN 32 Interview Langa Mavuso’s got us all in our feels 34 Grooming The bare necessities every guy needs 40 Ekhoneni Economist Sifiso Skenjana on the power of reading and education

FRONT ROW

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Blue Bloods CAROLINA HERRERA

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Carolina Herrera’s autumn 2020 show was a fresh take on modern maximalism, playing with bold form and intense colour compiled by SAHIL HARILAL 1. Vikki Lou necklace, R190, YDE 2. Trousers, R999, Forever New 3. Sunglasses, R60, MRP 4. Knit top, R899, Country Road 5. Essentials Collection Black Layered watch, R1 220, Swatch 6. Jumpsuit, R1 199, Mango 7. Scarf, R179, Superbalist 8. Bag, R499, Mango 9. Mules, R1 499, Aldo 10. Trousers, R699, Mango 11. Loafers, R699, Zara 12. Shirt, R560, Zara 13. Earrings, R249, Mango Stockists Aldo aldoshoes.co.za, Country Road woolworths.co.za, Forever New forevernew.co.za, Mango shop.mango.com/za, MRP mrp.com, Superbalist superbalist.com, Swatch swatch.com, YDE yde.co.za, Zara zara.com/za

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IMAGES CAROLINAHERRERA.COM AND SUPPLIED

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O T S P E T S 3

A golden glow Get a dewy, sun-kissed look this winter by focusing on these areas of your face.

Step 1: An even foundation A fresh-faced look needs a smooth, blemish-free surface – achieve this effortlessly with a foundation that glides on, and pick one that offers SPF (you need protection all year!) and a moisturising element such as a serum.

Try: 1/ Face First SPF 15 Anti-Ageing Foundation + Serum 30 ml, R220; 2/ Cover & Go SPF 6 Foundation + Concealer, R300

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2 • Vitamin enriched • Highly pigmented • SPF 6

• SPF 15 • Anti-ageing

3 • Silicone and mica for smooth & shimmer effect

Step 2: Highlight the strong points Using a blending sponge or your finger, apply liquid highlighter to these points: your cheekbones, bridge of nose, brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes.

Try: 3/ Glow & Tell Liquid Highlighter in Golden Bronze, R150; 4/ Shimmer & Glow Shimmer Bronzer in Bronzed Beauty, R200

4 • Illuminating particles

Step 3: All about the eyes Keep your eyes light and natural with just a touch of shimmer – pick shades that complement your skin tone, eye colour and eyebrows.

Try: 5/ Underline It Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, R80

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•Includes vitamin E • Highly pigmented

Created by our skin experts for the women of South Africa.

Available at selected

stores and Sorbet salons.

JOHN RICHMOND

Step aside millennials, the rise of Gen-Z beauty brands is dictating a more inclusive, digitally savvy beauty movement with its finger on the pulse

HAIR & BEAUTY GUIDE

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text NOKUBONGA THUSI

EDITOR’S CHOICE: GEN-Z GLOW ESSENTIALS

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The Next Gen text NOKUBONGA THUSI

What is Gen-Z beauty?

From Fenty and Milk to Florence by Mills, Gen-Z beauty is the new wave, most likely founded by your best friend. Gen Z is the age demographic of people born between 1997 and 2012 who are 23 years old and younger.

They are the “cool kids”, the born-frees who are more independent-thinking beauty consumers. They shop online, support brands that are all-inclusive, care about product ingredients and how they impact the environment, and above all, they want products that multi-task and exude fun.

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4 1. Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence 50ml, R315, luxeloft.co.za 2. Heimish All Clean Balm, 120ml, R295, glowtheory.co.za 3. Scarlet Hill Moisturising Face Mask, R40, mrp.com 4. J.One Red Jelly Pack Makeup Primer, R465, glowtheory.co.za 5. Luma Natural Radiance Bronzing Primer, 40ml, R285 splush.co.za

Skincare:

HOW TO Try skin fasting: A popular skincare tactic, especially during HAVE skin fasting involves pulling back SUMMER lockdown, on some of your normally extensive skincare SKIN IN rituals. Instead of layering on a multitude of WINTER creams, serums, and masks, go for a more

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minimalist approach to allow the skin to recalibrate for the changing environment.

Try to keep it as simple as cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Expert weigh-in: “Try not to wear makeup, and allow your skin to breathe which will create a natural glow. The break from makeup will minimise build up inside the pores, making them appear smaller and giving your complexion a smoother finish.” — Candice Thurston, founder of Candi & Co. Primer, yes, makeup, optional: Perfect skin texture without having to apply makeup everyday by having a great primer in your beauty arsenal. Primers are not only a great step before makeup to make sure that foundation glides on like a dream but they are also a great product with which to end your skincare routine. Whether you need a primer for radiance or a blurring effect, look for one that has more of a lightweight, moisturiser texture rather than a thick, silicone-like formula as it will feel and look too heavy on the skin.

Get the look: 1. Two-toned: Ever thought about placing lilac lipstick on one lip and a mint hue on the other? As obscure as it may sound, the end result is quite charming. This trend can apply to eyes or lips — just choose two complementary shades and go for it. Try: MAC Matte Lipstick in Matte Royal, R260; Essence Perfect Matte Lipstick in Time Warp, R69

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Beauty Road Test:

SOAP BROWS 1. Urban Decay Brow Blade Ink Stain + Waterproof Pencil in Brown Sugar, R360 2. Scarlet Hill Setting Spray, R60

3 Gen-Z trends to try 2. Playful stick-ons: It seems that stick-ons are all we want to wear on our faces since HBO’s Euphoria aired. Whether you like pearls, sparkly rhinestones or metallic, confetti-like shapes, a smattering of craft-shop stick-on playfulness is encouraged around eyes or along the hairline.

Use a lash glue to adhere stick-ons as it is easy to remove and will be gentle around the eye area.

Try: Essence Peel Off Lash Glue, 7ml, R55

3. Art-class lids: It’s all about expression so go wild with this trend that sees vibrant splatters of colour and whimsical designs such as clouds, rainbows or specks of metallic foils imperfectly placed across eyes, as seen on the runways of Simone Rocha and John Richmond.

Try: Swiitchbeauty #HolyGrailFlashCase Cream Pigments, R350

JOHN RICHMOND XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Summer bodies may be made in winter but if you’re trying to have summer skin all year round, here’s how

1. Choose your soap: The magic of this trend lies in a simple bar of soap. You can use any kind but the best is a transparent, glycerine soap such as Pears, found at Dis-Chem, as it dries clear on the brow hairs.

2. Have the right tools: You will need your soap, a setting spray and a spoolie brush — the small brush at the end of most dual-ended brow pencils that resembles a mascara wand.

3. Prep your soap: Spritz the soap bar with some setting spray to slightly wet it, but not too much so that it becomes foamy. Mist your spoolie brush with the setting spray and start to rub your brush on the wet part of the soap until your brush is coated with a soapy, whitish paste.

4. Create your soap brows: Starting from the thick edge of the brow, and using a gentle pressure against the skin, brush the soap paste through the brow hairs, making sure to grab every hair. You will know that you have good pressure when you see the brow hairs lying flat against the skin and not falling out of place. Achieve a fluffier brow edge by brushing brows straight up, or a more groomed shape by combing up and rounding off at the top to create a cleaner edge. Continue to comb the brows through until you are happy with your brow shape and leave to set for a few seconds.

5. Fill and finish: Use a wet wipe to clean off any soap on the skin around the brow edge before it dries. If you have naturally full brows, you can leave them as they are but if you have sparse areas, fill them in with hair-like strokes using a sharp, medium-brown brow pencil. Alternatively, use a brow powder applied with a small, precise angled brush to create the same hair-like application.

HAIR & BEAUTY GUIDE

Hair: 7 TIPS FOR PROTECTIVE HAIR MAINTENANCE

shampoo to moisturise and strengthen the hair. The best way to do this is to apply an overnight hair mask and wash it out the next day for deep restoration.

3. Limit the amount of traction from combing and

pulling on the hair by plaiting hair, especially natural hair, regularly.

Opt for the two-braid twists as they are gentler than three-piece plaits, which can apply pressure to the scalp if done too tightly.

4. Never attempt to style or manipulate natural hair in

any way without wetting it first.

Dampening the hair in the shower or using a water-spray bottle helps

6. Seal moisture into the hair

by ending off with a hair oil as the last step after applying a leave-in conditioner or hair moisturiser if your hair is feeling extremely dry.

7. In true Gen-Z fashion, keep to haircare formulas that are as natural as possible. Not only are you being a more eco-conscious consumer, but our coils and kinks also love some natural goodness and need gentle care. Look for natural oils like jojoba, coconut, shea, avocado, or marula as key ingredients.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE: 3 BEST PROTECTIVE STYLING AIDS 1. Naturally Africa Hair & Scalp Oil, 50ml, R160 2.Auntie Jackie’s Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy, 117ml, R66 3. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Hair Mask, 340ml, R190

Left: Lungile

LUNGILE LOVES:

LUNGILE THABETHE, HEAD MAKEUP ARTIST AT MRP’S SCARLET HILL, SHARES HER QUICKFIRE BEAUTY TIPS

Secret beauty hack? I am absolutely obsessed with following my skin cleansing regimen with an ice cube which eliminates puffiness especially around the eyes, reduces inflammation, and tightens pores.

Makeup techniques to practise? I have been perfecting the glitter-lip trend while cosied up at home and cannot wait to rock this look during a night out. During a live video with Scarlet Hill, I also found myself spontaneously using liquid lipstick to colour my lashes a bright pink, so there has been a fair amount of experimenting in this part of town.

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IMAGES ROSDIANA CIARAVOLO/GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

2. Do intense mask treatments whenever you

CAROLINA HERRERA

to apply heat to your hair, always use a heat protectant to prevent strands becoming brittle and damaged.

to make the hair easier to detangle and is a great starting point to add hydration.

5. To keep hair soft, mix some water in a spray bottle with a little conditioner or mask and apply to the hair before any styling .

Use a silk scarf when you sleep to prevent breakage and protect the moisture of your hair.

MARCO RAMBALDI

1. Stay away from heat styling as much as possible If you need

ALL DAY EVEN & MATTE. REDUCES DARK SPOTS FROM WEEK 1*.

NEW

EVEN & MATTE 8H LESS SHINE

VITAMIN C + LEMON ESSENCE

Dermatologically tested

Natasha Thahane

*Consumer test, self-evaluations.

God “Nah, bigger.”

Nokuthula

TRAILBLAZER

From bullies to blessings, Natasha Thahane is coming for everything

text THEMBALETHU ZULU photography ENOCK MBUYI

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INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

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nyone who has ever had to interview a celebrity will tell you that the process is not usually glamorous. It is a feat that is commonly achieved after a gauntlet of mismatched calendars, repeated rescheduling, several management calls, and countless emails.

If said celebrity is in the middle of a media storm promoting one of the biggest shows on one of the world’s biggest streaming sites, the process becomes that much harder.

This is how I finally end up meeting Natasha Thahane late on a Monday night. Still under

to just be at home… grounded throughout all of it. Not be in the club, popping bottles,” she says, laughing.

Natasha is decidedly disarming. Even from a distance, she exudes a warmth and charm that is backed up by her megawatt smile. She talks and gestures in a way that makes you feel like you have known her longer than you have. Perhaps this is the result of the star’s social-media posts that go out to her 4.9-million adoring followers.

A trawl through Natasha’s social media reveals how the young celebrity has managed to allow just the right amount of insight into her life,

all those things… it’s actually worked!”

When I try to steer the conversation to her family, Natasha makes it clear that her private life is just that — private. She feels that the characters she plays should take centre stage. Another entity that is central to her life is religion — she describes herself as “God fearing”. “More than anything I love being around my family. Being around my family and having their support throughout my career has been the biggest blessing.”

Part of her family includes her grandfather, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the

ILLUSTRATION CARIKE DE JAGER

ILLUSTRATION CARIKE DE JAGER

“I’m just a chill girl who grew up elokishini”

lockdown, we have the pleasure of doing the oh-so-2020 thing: interview by Zoom. Natasha is bang on time for her virtual interview, manager in tow. She beams across the screen in a grey Ivy Park pullover, a platinum-blonde wig peeking from under a grey beanie. She’s just gotten off a set (she can’t say for what) and is busy trying to resolve the technical difficulties we are currently experiencing. I can hear her, but she can’t hear me. “Hello… hello…” she repeats, in the hopes that the technological gods will eventually resolve our poor connectivity on what is one of the coldest days of the year thus far. After two attempts at reconnection, we finally manage to find each other somewhere in the cybersphere.

We are both equally relieved.

Soweto-born Natasha first came to our attention back in 2015 when she took on the role of Enhle in popular SABC show, Skeem Saam.

Since then she has gone on to grace the silver screen in local productions that include Saints and Sinners, The Queen, and more recently in the popular prison drama, Lockdown. But none of those roles had catapulted her to the international levels she is currently enjoying.

As part of the cast of Blood & Water, undoubtedly one of this year’s biggest breakout shows, Natasha has now expanded her fanbase to include viewers in the US, Jamaica, and Brazil where the show peaked at number one.

It’s been quite a week — we chat six days after the show premiered. “It’s been overwhelming,” she says looking down in disbelief, “but it feels great, you know. It feels great that I also get

while not actually revealing much about herself.

“So who is Natasha?” I ask. “Natasha is a 24-year-old actress, producer, director… ingane yase kasi (a child from the hood). People never get to see that side of me, but yeah, I’m just a chill girl who grew up elokishini (township),” she says, switching between English and isiZulu. “I love being around people. I’m very persistent as well when it comes to my work.”

Part of the work she speaks of is through her company Thahane Media, which hosted its first event this year — a night of worship at Wits featuring celebrated gospel artists. “Basically, I want to do everything under Thahane Media, but my biggest thing is to be able to create more jobs in the entertainment business. I’m just a young person who has been through certain things that we all go through, who actually understands what we’re all going through. And I hope and I pray that Thahane Media will set that bar and we’ll bring in all the trailblazers.”

Natasha has proved to be somewhat of a trailblazer herself, especially this year. The New York Film Academy alumna started the year off with a bang when she was announced as the face of international beauty brand Garnier’s Even & Matte product range. She is still in awe about the opportunity. “The whole experience was mindblowing, it was amazing.

From shooting the commercial and meeting, and being introduced as part of the Garnier family, and L’Oreal as well,” she says excitedly.

“Growing up, being bullied about certain things, how I live and about my thick lips and

foremost voices in the activism towards a rainbow nation. Natasha says her activism is more about doing. “For me, I believe in a whole lot of things that I would not like to say out loud because I’d want to be the change rather than just giving out problems,” she says. “I want it to be that when I say I stand for this, I am fully part of it.”

Natasha is also a big advocate for introspection and doing internal work. She goes to therapy and believes that external beauty isn’t everything. “[During lockdown] I got to grow and focus on my mental health because we’re always bombarded with everything that’s happening in our lives and forget to just be in this moment,” she says, flashing her trademark smile. The young actress is widely celebrated for her beauty, but does she think it gives her an advantage? She takes a moment to consider the question. “Growing up uGogo would say that beauty ends. And when you grow up you see that because certain things change — your body changes. Someone’s beauty is just the heart,” she says. “It’s good to be beautiful, but I’ve never tried to use it as the only thing that makes Natasha.”

With a lifetime ahead of her, she is hopeful about the future. “Obviously with everything that’s been happening right now, I can attest that ‘your dreams are valid’. The more I say it, the more I start to believe it. People always have a lot to say, about how you should do things and what you should not do. But embrace your own journey and your own story.”

JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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FASHION FASHION

text THANGO NTWASA

WHICH CELEBRITY STYLE ARE YOU?

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compiled by SAHIL HARILAL

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If Zendaya is your style star then you are well on your way to owning the rich aunty tag in your family! You’re all about sporting clothes your friends have never seen or just haven’t borrowed yet. When you aren’t spending hours preaching over the correct pronunciation of Versace, Vetements or Veuve Clicquot, you are embroiled in hot debates as to why your cousin’s bizarre entrepreneurial pursuits should not be your black-tax burden.

You are never seen without your handbag or designer shades and love retelling the fun story about the day you bought them.

You change outfits at least three times a day (all captured on the ‘Gram of course), and that’s all before brunch at the hottest spot with your girls. Your shoe game is unrivalled and you can always re-style garments in a way that transforms them into new outfits.

Inspired by ’80s glamour with a chic ’90s aesthetic, you have never been on any worst-dressed list and, much like a knock-off store, you’ll never set foot in one.

Binges on: The River, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Nollywood rom-coms.

Favourite things: Louboutin heels, limited-edition Gucci accessories, walking out of the Prada store with a bag (RIP).

You’ll find her: At the Diamond Walk in Sandton City.

Go-to hashtag: All the countries where her passport has been stamped.

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From their iconic TV roles and music hits to unforgettable redcarpet moments, these style queens have played a huge role in influencing the way we dress. We break down their styles for you to recreate at home Rich aunty-in-waiting 1. Earrings, R150, Woolworths 2. Prada Sunglasses, R4 290, Edgars 3. Daniel Wellington Classic Petite watch, R2 490, Bella Luna 4. Coat, R1 499, Forever New 5. Miss H rings, R350, Platform23 6. Shirt, R949, Mango 7. Belt, R200, Forever New 8. Skirt, R1 299, Zara 9. Crossbody bag, R260, Superbalist 10. Stilettos, R1 299, Steve Madden 11. Blouse, R999, Zara 12. Trousers, R 999, Zara 13. Necklace, R200, Woolworths

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KEKE PALMER

If she is your kind of girl, welcome to the Instagram-model family.

You can recite the names of Lightroom filters like the alphabet and have a talent for using lines from hit songs like “chomi areye Sandton” effortlessly in any conversation. You are easily bored even though you’ve been wearing lots of muted colours to keep your Instagram aesthetic consistent. You love shopping at popular, affordable retail stores, even though you don’t always like to admit it. There isn’t a thigh-high boot that doesn’t deserve a place in your home and your feet hurt every time you wear flat shoes. You’ve been using your time during lockdown to start that YouTube channel everyone has been begging you to start. You also tend to space out during conversations that take more than one minute of your time, which makes people believe you’re an airhead — little do they know that you’re just busy thinking up trendy slogans for your impending statement-tees business.

Binges on: Insecure, Keeping up with the Kardashians, The Circle and old episodes of Geordie Shore.

Favourite things: New followers, new Snapchat filters, a new iPhone, a new boo — she’s always updating and upgrading.

You’ll find her: Taboo, Onyx, or anywhere where there’s a VIP section.

Go-to hashtag: #DontRushChallenge.

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The Instagram model 1. Notable dress, R480, YDE 2. Birlin sunglasses, R250, YDE 3. Choker, R50, MRP 4. Gloves, R48, The Party Spot 5. Jumpsuit, R2 299, Mango 6. Obaku watch, R2599, Bella Luna 7. Skirt, R949, Mango 8. Clutch bag, R699, Aldo 9. Dress, R699, Country Road 10. Stilettos, R130, Superbalist 11. Coat, R2 899, Country Road 12. Belt, R150, Foschini 13. Bustier, R399, Zara 14. Earrings, R80, Foschini 15. Turban, R160, Woolworths

JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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FASHION FASHION

DOJA CAT

Sometimes problematic, brash, loud and in your face — the Doja-Cat type of girl isn’t afraid to be the centre of attention. You are fashion’s favourite risk taker, who is always open to creating an unforgettable silhouette with whatever you wear. You’re the life of the party who always has an aux cable in your purse. You are often in hot water for something you posted on Twitter, but get out of it by blaming it on Mercury’s retrograde. You only buy accessories when they “give off good vibes”, and have a knack for up-cycling old clothes you borrowed without permission.

Your taste in brightly coloured clothing is led mostly by your gay friends who are teaching you how to vogue. You’re allergic to wearing two-piece tracksuits that are not the same pastel colours — it’s all you wear on your Facebook and Instagram Live vids. You haven’t met your soulmate yet, mostly because you’d rather spend your free time updating your podcast or shooting deeply thoughtful Instagram posts in the streets of Maboneng.

Your obscene love of sequins often gets you confused with drag queens, but you ain’t mad at that.

Binges on: Date My Family: SA, Skeem Saam, Red Table Talk, uTatakho.

Favourite things: Whistles, Black Twitter, weird chatrooms.

You’ll find her: In front of a wall that matches her outfit.

Go-to hashtag: #JusticeForPeppaPig.

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Braam queen 1. Earrings, R40, MRP 2. Jumpsuit, R1 199, Mango 3. 4Flavour necklace, R190, YDE 4. Sunglasses, R80, Foschini 5. Blouse, R949, Mango 6. Dress, R1 299, Zara 7. Ruby Rings watch, R1 290, Swatch 8. Stilettos, R1 599, Aldo 9. Skirt, R70, MRP 10. Witchery blazer, R2 699, Woolworths 11. Colette Hayman bag, R560, Foschini 12. Kameo crop top, R899, YDE

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IMAGES TAYLOR HILL/RAYMOND HALL/NBC/ AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

LIZZO

Big, bold and beautiful, you are the Lizzo girl — a bad-bad with no time to apologise for being you. While you are not afraid to unleash your inner King Tha, you have a soft, feminine side that likes to play around with flirty ruffles and summer dresses.

It’s pretty hard to get you down, which is why you are the glue in your friendship group and often the conduit to a wild night out with your favourite Braam queen. Men are often threatened by your sexuality, but who needs them when there’s an end-ofseason sale at Zara? No one is raving about you as a style star yet, but they also can’t hate on your impeccable eye for detail. You’ve never met a pair of mismatched earrings that you couldn’t pull off. You’ve had your fair share of wardrobe malfunctions and tend to leave strangers cringing at some of your raunchier fashion choices that are all about showing off your body. While you’re no clout chaser, there isn’t a single garment on a rack you can’t turn into a lewk.

Binges on: The Real, Sex Education, Claws.

Favourite things: Makeup tutorials, clapback threads on Twitter, girls’ night on Thirsty Thursdays.

You’ll find her: At the bar or on a dance floor.

Go-to hashtag: #ThroatsAreOpen.

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The bad-bad 1. Olivia Burton watch, R2 299, Sterns 2. Earrings, R90, Woolworths 3. Dress, R699, Zara 4. Bag charm, R130, Foschini 5. Block heels, R399, Foschini 6. Heels, R659, Zara 7. Bag, R599, Forever New 8. Gigi Hadid x Vogue sunglasses, R1 599, Superbalist 9. Dress, R949, Mango 10. Miss H ring, R540, Platform23 11. X&O dress, R550, YDE 12. Ruald Rheeder shirt, R480, YDE 13. Elastic belt, R600, The Bam Collective 14. Coat, R699, Zara Stockists: Aldo aldoshoes.co.za, Bella Luna bellaluna.co.za, Country Road woolworths.co.za, Edgars edgars.co.za, Forever New forevernew.co.za, Foschini foschini.co.za Mango shop.mango.com/za, MRP mrp.com, Platform23 platform23.com, Sterns sterns.co.za, Steve Madden stevemadden.co.za, Superbalist superbalist.com, Swatch swatch.com, The Bam Collective thebamcollective.com, The Party Spot thepartyspot.co.za, Woolworths woolworths.co.za, YDE yde.co.za, Zara zara.com/za

What are the pitfalls and the perks of our physicalcontactless new normal?

“THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO GET ONLINE, BUT IN SOME WAYS THERE HAS ALSO NEVER BEEN A MORE DANGEROUS TIME”

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leven weeks into South Africa’s weird new normal, our lives have become the sum of our presence on social media and the other virtual platforms that empower us to connect from the safety of our own homes. While it’s impossible to know yet what long-term effects this lockdown will have on our mental health, living in isolation generally isn’t great, especially given that most people are already feeling anxious about the virus and the economy.

Thank goodness for smartphones, tablets, and laptops… right? With most of us relying now more than ever on Facebook, Skype, Zoom, and Twitter (to name but a few of our favourites), it could be that our efforts to maintain our sense of community are actually making us feel more alone. Are you doing yourself a disservice by being lax with your screen time in the throes of a global pandemic?

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE The idea that social-media overuse is detrimental to our overall health certainly predates Covid-19. But being in lockdown has made many of us permissive where we would ordinarily be disciplined. People who are relatively new to social media are perhaps especially vulnerable to their pitfalls, and lacking in the support they would ordinarily receive from friends and relatives. There’s never been

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a better time to get online, but in some ways there has also never been a more dangerous time. It bears remembering that one’s privacy and one’s financial integrity are always at stake in a public broadcast, however apparently innocent. The economic uncertainties we are facing as a country have also played a part in generating a multitude of new online scams and phishing rings.

Be sure to reinforce the cardinal rules of online engagement with your loved ones, especially if they are navigating the annals of the internet for the first time. There are so many different scams in circulation: fraudsters might pose as bank representatives and tell you that your savings have been compromised; or they might seek to ingratiate themselves with you romantically and then use your personal information as leverage for a payoff. It’s terrible to have to consider these possibilities now, of course, because many of us are lonely and desperate for connection.

Remember, your bank will never ask you for your pin or for any of your passwords over the phone. They won’t ask you to send sensitive information in an email or SMS, and they won’t transact with you other than via their official apps and online platforms.

And then there’s the morbid, mindless facet of online escapism.

A friend told me the other day that she can’t stop scrolling through

CONVERSATIONS CONVERSATIONS

Instagram when she’s not busy with work, and her confession totally resonated with me — I’ve been doing exactly the same thing. Over the past few weeks, I’ve found more than once that I look up from a quick flip through my feed to discover that hours have gone by since I first started rifling through other people’s stories. It’s a really disorienting feeling, especially because there is nothing especially interesting to see on there; everyone’s in the same boat, doing their best to keep themselves occupied at home. At the same time, something about Instagram makes us feel really safe; Facebook keeps our grandparents busy, and TikTok — that renegade success story that millennials definitely didn’t see coming — has practically spawned a whole new culture in and of itself.

If you have children, and they’re old enough to use a cellphone, chances are that they’re taking refuge in social media too. As uncool as it might be, it’s your responsibility to monitor their online presence. Remember

text PAULA ANDROPOLOUS

that photos and videos that show their faces, your faces, and details of your physical whereabouts compromise their security. It’s amazingly easy to pinpoint a location on Google maps, for instance, based on the external features of a house. It’s safest to ensure that your children’s accounts are private and only accessible to their personal friends and family members.

Otherwise, it is advisable to prevent them from posting anything other than generic things. If they have a public profile, then minors should avoid posting pictures of their faces or their homes or gardens.

The fact that people frequently share information about mortality rates on their private feeds has also given social media a slightly dangerous edge: it may give some a much-needed sense of control to monitor exactly what’s going on, where, and at what rate, but for the rest of us, it’s the last thing we want to ruminate on when we’re trying to distract ourselves. This facet of social media, at least, hasn’t changed: we can’t always control what we’re going to see or how certain content is going to make us feel.

BUT DON’T GIVE UP ON IT ALTOGETHER The notion of social distancing mandates that we find alternatives to face-to-face interaction, and some mental-health professionals regard social media as a a good thing; the perfect deterrent to the spectre of loneliness. In an article

for Psychology Today, communications lecturer Professor Natalie Bazarova contends that social media “can give people a sense of normalcy during these challenging times… by allowing people to stay in touch with their friends and communities, engage in online conversations, participate in collective coping and processing of stressful life disruptions, and stay up-to-date on news and current events.” Similarly, Professor Laurie Santos, the brains behind the popular podcast The Happiness Lab, has recommended that people employ social-media platforms to keep their mental health in check, noting that “research suggests that happy people tend to be relatively social,” and that “the act of hanging out with folks in real time, in other words, things like Zoom or FaceTime, can be a really powerful way to connect with people.” Of course, there’s a pretty significant difference between zooming your sister to catch up and spending three hours Facebook-stalking your exboyfriend’s new partner (I can’t believe I just used “zooming” as a verb).

But not everybody is sold on real-time video communication either.

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE MEETINGS? Since most of the world went into its own version of lockdown, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Houseparty, and (of course) Zoom have all become an integral part of middle-class existence, enabling people to work and play from their living rooms. Zoom has reported that it went from a maximum of 10-million daily users at the end of last year to a daily average of 200-million users as of March 2020.

These virtual meeting platforms are of immeasurable value, but it’s already quite apparent that we love to hate them: they’re invasive, glitchy, and, frankly, weird, in a way that a good old-fashioned tabletop meeting simply isn’t. Speaking to The Guardian, psychologist Dr Doreen DodgenMagee remarked that, for all their worth, video chats are “a static way of communicating with people. We’re used to a full sensory experience, which is lost when we’re limited to a small square of someone’s face with audio delays. Plus, we’re always seeing our own faces, so there’s a constant sense of internal judgment on how we look and the distraction of where we should even be looking.” Because we stage video calls from the same physical location, some employers also feel comfortable now staggering one meeting immediately after another, which is extremely tiring, especially while we’re still getting used to working from home.

IT’S ALL ABOUT BOUNDARIES It almost goes without saying that we’re all getting way too much screen time. Multiple studies have indicated that this is conducive to anxiety and detrimental to sleep, but what can we do? Working from home is tantamount to staring at a screen all day.

And, without physical alternatives, virtual escapism is more or less all we’ve got going for us at this point — unless you’re one of those people who can meditate, work out, and read without succumbing to Netflix’s siren song.

Yet there seems to be consensus that when it comes to screen time, it’s all about boundaries. Social media is keeping us all sane right now, in addition to facilitating our ongoing employment on safe, affordable terms, but its well-known pitfalls haven’t gone away simply because we’re living under lockdown conditions. You can’t really do anything about your digital consumption during the workday, but the onus is on you and me to calibrate our online recreation. Logging out, literally and metaphorically, is essential. Mindless scrolling is neither fulfilling nor healthy — it’s like eating junk food every day. Sure, you get a hit of pleasure, but it’s fast succeeded by lethargy and a gnawing hunger that belies the fact that you just ate. There are so many ways to connect — actually connect — rather phone your nearest and dearest on days when you’ve overdone it on the computer. Delete the apps off your phone: this could finally mean that you stop browsing your Twitter feed mindlessly or automatically, and only check in when you really want to.

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HEALTH

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ealth trends tend to come and go. What’s in today might be out tomorrow, and what’s been around for centuries might just become the most popular trend next month.

2020 has its own hotlist for what wellness experts feel are this year’s go-to health trends. Here is a roundup of some that look set to stay.

CBD OIL

THE HEALTH HOTLIST text SANET OBERHOLZER

From CBD-laced everything to not-quite meat, would you try out any of these health trends?

MICRODOSING PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS In recent years, microdosing psychoactive drugs has grown in popularity as a means to increase productivity and creativity. It’s also been touted as a way to treat everything from chronic pain and headaches to depression and anxiety.

The drugs, taken in very small quantities, are mainly LSD and psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms. A microdose can be as small as 1/10th or 1/20th of a standard recreational dose — small enough

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IMAGE WATCHARA KHAMPHONSAENG/123RF

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of the compounds present in the cannabis plant. While it is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you high, CBD has been praised for having numerous health benefits.

It has become a popular alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, and new research is suggesting that it could be an alternative treatment for chronic pain. It is used to treat a range of ailments, from anxiety to depression, insomnia, ADHD, and even hair loss. Some research seems to suggest that cannabis oil, which contains both CBD and a little THC (the intoxicating stuff), could help to make epileptic seizures in children less severe, or even end them.

Health practitioners have cautioned against promoting CBD as a “cureall” product, so be careful with this one. More research is needed, specifically in determining effective dosage quantities.

to trigger the drug’s effects on your mood or creativity levels without sending you on a hallucinogenic trip. People who microdose may choose to do so every day but typically do so two to three times a week.

Most of the available research on microdosing is anecdotal, and experts have called for more research to be conducted.

A DIFFERENT TAKE ON FERTILITY There’s been a cultural shift in how we talk about infertility. As numerous celebrities have come out to share their stories of personal struggle — including Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian and Michelle Obama — the subject has become less taboo.

Unfortunately, the high cost of fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and egg freezing has meant that they have been largely inaccessible to couples struggling to conceive.

But as consumer interest in fertility has grown, affordable — even free — fertility technology has become a rising trend. Pioneered by Silicon Valley femtech start-ups, this tech includes ovulation/menstruation/fertility-tracking apps, wearables, and digital platforms.

Fit pregnancies have also become a big thing. Women are increasingly incorporating prenatal-specific workouts in their fitness routines to keep them and their babies strong and healthy and to prepare for childbirth and delivery.

LYMPHATIC-DRAINAGE TREATMENTS While not new, lymph drainage seems to have experienced a surge in popularity.

It is said to speed up the transportation of lymph fluid through your body and get rid of toxins, cellular waste, pathogens, and bacteria. The allure of a lymphatic massage is to promote faster lymphatic drainage and to prevent lymph nodes from becoming blocked.

Apart from supposedly promoting a healthy immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion, lymphatic massage is also said to improve skin tone and sleep.

You can book a lymph-draining massage or facial at a spa, but DIY home solutions for stimulating facial lymph nodes using rollers, sculpting bars, and stones are equally popular.

ALT-MEAT Vegan patties that “bleed” like real beef are unlikely to become any less popular in 2020. In fact, the proliferation of alternative meat options has likely just started. The recent introduction of vegan options in select restaurants and food stores across the country means there must be demand for animal-product-free alternatives, even among traditionally meat- and cheese-loving South Africans.

But is it too soon for KFC Beyond Fried Chicken? Produced by the colonel in partnership with Beyond Meat, it’s anything but chicken… and it has already taken off to some extent in the US. Add to the mix “fish” and already-popular vegan cheeses, milks, and other products, and you’re looking at one happy, successful, growing plant-basedfood industry.

DNA DIETS AND PERSONALISED NUTRITION Tailormade diets and exercise schedules are where it’s at in 2020. Despite some scepticism from the scientific community, there’s now a whole industry that’s been built around the idea that your genes have an effect on your weight and metabolism. Your DNA data are used to determine the best exercise regimen and diet for you, as well as which supplements you should be taking and how you can assist your body in fighting disease.

Disclaimer: We are not offering healthcare advice. For advice on medical treatments and products, please consult a medical professional.

JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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LEADERSHIP

Swiitchbeauty founder Rabia Ghoor proves that age ain’t nothing but a number when it comes to securing the bag.

At just 20 years old, the selfproclaimed “child of the internet” proves that having a digital ear to the ground and being on the pulse of what South African women want are exactly where the future of beauty needs to be

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SWIITCHED ON

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hat was your first beauty memory that shaped your love for makeup? My best friend had just purchased a navy-blue eyeliner. We were probably 11 or 12 years old and we were on our first real “no-parents” outing. She put some on me and I remember looking at myself in the horribly lit bathroom mirror of a dingy restaurant and saying out loud, “Wow, it’s blue!”

What inspired you to start Swiitchbeauty at the age of 14? I think my age was more of an advantage than anything else. At 14 you are fearless; you have very little to lose.

The responsibility from adolescence into early adulthood is crippling for any kind of creativity or free thinking. My age also meant that I was born into the internet and actually had something of an upper hand back in 2014 when no one was really taking the e-space seriously in my industry. Social media is the marketing spine of any direct-to-consumer model and was also something that was native to me. I spoke that language fluently. How did you know that beauty e-commerce was the next big thing? I knew that my generation was obsessed with instant gratification. Digitally native beauty brands weren’t a reality locally at the time; it was as much of an uncharted territory as it still is today. As we move further into the reality of the

development. I start off with a problem and then I think, “If I could solve the sh*t out of this problem, what would my dream solution look/feel/perform like?” Then I ask that same question to our community. I spend hours every week trying new things. I sit in front of my mirror with a bunch of products and my phone and record my first impressions and thoughts. Sometimes the simplest tweak in packaging or formula can mean the world of difference in terms of useability or wear.

What is your advice to the young woman thinking about starting a business in this uncertain climate?

Your uncertainty should equally scare and liberate you. With everything as it stands now, there are no rules. “Business as usual” doesn’t exist and we get to play a part in whatever the “new normal” looks like. What has been a career highlight so far? There have been moments where I think, “There was a time I genuinely believed I wouldn’t do this, and now I’m here, doing it,” — even just small things in business that I never thought I’d learn or overcome.

Those moments are pretty special.

What three qualities should every beauty entrepreneur have? I don’t think you have to be good at makeup, I just think you need to be a very keen user. Confidence is really important in this industry. Another super important trait is just the ability to listen. Listen to your customer, to your team, and to your audience because the insights are invaluable.

internet, e-commerce is increasingly the most logical. My age mates are drawn to consumercentric brands that care. It’s easier to let them know you care when you’re engaging with them through social media. What has been your biggest business challenge due to Covid-19? My biggest struggle has been the mental one. As a first-time entrepreneur, the past two months have been hellish. But a few of our team members are back at the office and things are slowly starting to seem normal-ish. Have there been any business opportunities that lockdown has made you realise? I’ve had a lot more time to personally play a more active role in the brand’s social media, which is something I’ve neglected with everything else in the business being so fast paced. What is your advice to small-business owners on how to adapt now? It’s just like that scene from Friends, “Pivot, pivot, PIVOOTT!” Rules don’t apply — we’re making them up as we go — so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Whatever it is you’re selling, get on the internet!

Start small with an Instagram or Facebook page; you can work your way up to a website.

What goes into making a Swiitchbeauty product? Instead of sitting around a table and guessing what a consumer is looking for, social media has made it so easy to just ask.

Crowdsourcing has been so valuable for product

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text NOKUBONGA THUSI

FINANCE

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text MATTHEW MCCLURE

IMAGE WEERAPAT WATTANAPICHAYAKUL/123RF

1. DON’T PUT ALL YOUR INVESTMENT EGGS IN ONE BASKET

If you already have some money invested in the stock market, speak to your investment manager about ensuring that it’s as widely invested as possible. Eric Petroff, founder of investment-advisory firm Petroff Institutional, suggests making sure that your stock investments are in companies that have good balance sheets and trade in essential products such as foodstuffs, as they are better placed to weather a recession.

2. RESIST THE URGE TO CASH IN YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS

As companies retrench employees to save money or go out of business completely, it may be tempting to consider cashing in your retirement savings should you find yourself out of work. This should be a last resort, as you’ll end up crippling yourself in the future for a quick financial fix, says John Manyike, head of financial education at Old Mutual. Remember, depending on whether you are a member of a pension or a provident fund, that will determine how much money you’re allowed to cash in, and how you will be taxed on your withdrawal.

ways to manage your money better during Covid-19

unexpected) expenses to get a sense of how far your money is taking you each month as well as where you can save some money. Old Mutual has an easily accessible, downloadable PDF (oldmutual.co.za/resources/ monthlybudget) to guide you through the budgeting process.

5. FOCUS ON BEING DEBT-FREE

Many companies are considering reducing staff salaries during the lockdown in order to keep trading, so the chances are many of us will have to start getting used to a lower income each month. One of the ways to reduce the money flowing out of your account is to minimise your debt obligations, like credit cards or car repayments. Capitec’s Francois Viviers suggests making a list of all your debts, then focusing on paying off the smallest ones that generally have

3. DON’T STOP SAVING

South Africans are known to be bad savers, as many of us lack financial discipline and splurge on luxuries like cars and clothing. Even though our finances are coming under increased pressure due to the nationwide lockdown, the global recession, and the recent downgrade by Moody’s, it has never been more important to put a little extra money aside each month into a savings account if you can.

Carrie Furman, assistant tax manager at Allan Gray, advises that you should aim to save enough to cover your living expenses for three months should you become unemployed.

4. DRAW UP A BUDGET

This needs to be a monthly exercise that you get into the habit of doing, and it’s important that you try to include the whole family. Start with your total household income, then deduct your fixed, variable, and irregular (or

We’ve all been affected by the economic downturn.

If you’re financially struggling, read our tips for making your money work harder for you during the lockdown

the highest interest rates. He advises making the minimum payments due on your larger debts, then paying these off only once your smaller debts are settled.

6. GO BACK TO BASICS

It can be tempting to fill your shopping trolley with lots of added luxuries as you spend more time working from home and feeling the need to spoil yourself. To keep a check on your grocery bill, prepare a shopping list before heading out and stick to it as religiously as possible. If necessary, draw up a separate grocery budget so that you know exactly how much you can spend at the store.

JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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FOOD FOOD

Come dine with Neo

text text NOMVELO NOMVELO MASANGO MASANGO

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eo Nontso is a woman of many talents. The 24-year-old is not only a celebrity makeup artist but is also one of the most popular food influencers on social media at the moment, and now has her eye on opening her own restaurant.

The Mthatha-born and self-taught cook started recreating recipes a few years ago in an effort to satisfy her cravings while saving a few bucks in the process. When she started posting recipes and photos of her culinary creations on her personal Instagram account, a lot changed

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very quickly. “More and more people started liking the meals I posted, and some even tagged me in pictures of their own meals when they tried out my recipes. My food content received more love than I thought it would,” she says.

After the positive response she received on her posts, a friend thought it would be wise for Nontso to start an account solely dedicated to recipes and food images. Today, @dinewithneo boasts over 200 000 followers and has inspired her online restaurant (also called Dine With Neo), from which Joburgers can order a homecooked meal on Uber Eats. “Most people crave a hearty, home-cooked meal, which they don’t always have the time to make, and that’s where Dine With Neo comes in. Instead of ordering a burger and chips, people can have home-cooked meals delivered to them.”

Just before the national lockdown hit due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nontso had been preparing to open her first physical restaurant.

While the pandemic has had a negative financial impact on her business, Nontso believes her home cooking has been affected in a very positive way. She has been trying out more new recipes now that she has more time on her hands. “I’m also finally giving my followers and my viewers the recipes that they’ve been asking for because I’m at home and I actually have the time,” she says.

One thing that set Nontso apart over the lockdown period, when ordering takeaways was not an option for us, were her popular recreations of some of the country’s favourite fast foods. Neo took to her kitchen to recreate a KFC meal, as well as decadent doughnuts as inspired by international doughnut franchise Krispy Kreme.

Through sharing recipes on her social media platforms, Nontso aims to show people that food does not have to be basic and boring. “I want everyone to know that they can cook, and have fun while doing it. Most of the dishes we order in restaurants are actually quite achievable at home.”

Going forward, she believes the landscape of home cooking has permanently changed, as well as the culinary world at large. “It’s actually unfolding quite beautifully. People have become increasingly interested in knowing how to cook at home. Our people have now stayed at home long enough to know how to make pizza, so pizza sold by any restaurant will have to be very good for people to buy it. Otherwise, they’ll feel like it’s a waste of money if they can make it better at home. Things will never be the same. People will not settle for mediocre food anymore,” she says.

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eo Nontso’s culinary creations prove that making good food doesn’t have to be time-consuming and complicated. Here are two recipes for quick and easy meals.

BOLOGNESE WITH PASTA (SERVES 4) Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 chopped onion • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Freshly chopped chilli (optional) • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs • 500g lean beef mince • 2 bay leaves • 1 tin diced tomatoes • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 beef stock cube • 1/2 a cup hot water • 1/2 a handful chopped basil • 1/2 a handful chopped Italian parsley • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon soya sauce • 1 teaspoon sugar • 250g cooked pasta • 1 cup grated cheese, for serving Method: • In a large pan, sauté the onion, garlic and chilli in olive oil. • Once the onions become translucent, add in all the dry herbs (thyme, oregano & Italian herbs) • Once the herbs become fragrant, add in the mince and brown on high heat.

• When the mince is browned add the bay leaves, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock cube. • Mix together until a thick sauce is formed. • Reduce the heat to medium-high heat and add in the hot water. • Simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat until the sauce becomes rich and dark in colour. • Add the freshly chopped herbs (basil and Italian parsley), Worcestershire sauce, soya sauce, and sugar. • Allow the sauce to cook for a further 5 minutes. • Season as desired, then add your cooked pasta. • Coat the pasta in the sauce and cook for about 1 more minute. • Serve hot with grated cheese

Bolognese with pasta

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CORNDOGS (MAKES 6) Ingredients: • 3 tablespoons maize meal • 3 tablespoons flour • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder • 3/4 cup of buttermilk • 2 eggs • 3 viennas • 1 tablespoon flour • 6 skewer sticks • Oil for frying

Corndogs

Neo Nontso is satisfying our cravings for homemade favourites and fast-food delights during lockdown

Method: • In a large mug, mix the dry ingredients together. • Add buttermilk and eggs and combine all the ingredients using a spoon. • When your batter is well combined, set aside and prepare the viennas. • Cut each vienna in half and place on a skewer stick, pushing the stick right to the end. • Place the 1 tablespoon of flour in a bowl, and coat the viennas in the flour. • Heat oil on the stove at a medium-high heat. • Dip each vienna in the batter, making sure the batter covers the entire vienna. • Remove from the batter and immediately deep fry in the oil. • Turn occasionally to make sure the corndogs brown evenly on all sides. This should take 5-7 minutes. • Once your corndogs are cooked, remove from the pan and place on a bowl lined with paper towels. • Let the corndogs cool for about 2 minutes before serving.

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Modern Vintage As our work and home boundaries begin to merge, make the most of a multidisciplinary space through vintage accents and artisanal design 1. Haus wall art, R2 600, Hertex 2. Floor lamp, R1 995, Weylandts 3. Marquee letters, R150 each, Typo 4. Hanging basket, R350, @home 5. Hoi P’loy ceiling pendant, R1 350, Design Store 6. Palm tree, R700, MRP Home 7. Chair and stool, R16 900, Esque 8. Candle stand, R1 495, Weylandts 9. Desert plant, R250, @home 10. Haus throw, R2 100, Hertex 11. Haus Azrou rug, R2 999, Yuppiechef 12. Table, R1 099, Native Decor 13. Bird statue, R299, @home 14. Sagaform candle holder, R529, Yuppiechef Stockists: @home home.co.za, Design Store designstore.co.za, Esque esque.co.za, Hertex hertexhaus.co.za, MRP Home mrphome.com, Native Decor nativedecor.co.za Typo 011 784 2485, Weylandts weylandts.co.za, Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

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GIFT REGISTRY Every day becomes a celebration when you have the right appliances, dinner ware, d ĂŠ c o r, b e d d i n g a n d m o r e from @home. Open your G i f t R e g i s t r y t o d a y.

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WEDDING text THEMBALETHU ZULU

THE PROPOSAL Nomfiso: “We had been planning our first trip together to the Seychelles. Zwelethu had suggested that it would be a good idea to get a photographer on one of the days to take pictures of us on the island.

I, of course, would do anything for a good picture, and just thought my boyfriend was being so cute and considerate. It was a beautiful trip and, on our fourth day, a photographer came for our shoot around the hotel. He suggested we change locations too, and at sunset we arrived at a mountain top on Mahé island, which was apparently the last place you could watch the sun set. While I was still gazing over the beauty of the whole place, I turned to Zwe and found him on his knee. It was the most

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elcome to the wedding of Zwelethu and Nomfiso Masinga.

THE MEETING Nomfiso: “It was at a graduation party for one of Zwelethu’s friends.

I hadn’t been invited and gatecrashed, following the wrong dress code. It was black tie and I was wearing a white dress, which probably made me stand out. Zwelethu found me and chatted me up.”

THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT Nomfiso: “Zwelethu won’t admit it, but he was ready a year into dating. I always had this idea that we would need to get to know each other for at least five years, but I was hooked way before then!”

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beautiful proposal and I ugly-cried for a good 10 minutes.”

THE WEDDING DAY Nomfiso: “It was such a beautiful day! I loved going through all the customs and traditions with my family in the morning and singing and dancing on the streets with the neighbours who came out to see what was going on. My husband’s family picking me up from home with all my gifts, and the convoy of cars following us to my husband’s home was quite memorable. When the families meet, there is a mini “battle” between them as we try to outshine each other through song and dance before we’re welcomed into my husband’s family home.

We exchanged gifts and I was officially welcomed into the family.”

TOP TIP FOR BRIDES Nomfiso: “Make sure you do things the way you want to do them and shy away from people’s advice and opinions. You only get married once (most times) and you want it to be as beautiful and memorable as possible. Also make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes because it’s a long day!”

TOP TIP FOR GROOMS Zwelethu: “Enjoy the day. Only you know if things are going wrong; no one else can see that.”

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK Make up: Elina Make Up Hair: Self-styled Dress & Suit Haute Afrika Cake: Softpeaks Decor: MS Organised Photographer: Tyme Photography

An island proposal captured for the ‘Gram was the start of forever

LOVE ISLAND

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arlier this year, many of us had plans to attend a couple of weddings and to sip deeply from the cup of questionable decisions that accompanies such joyous occasions. On the other side of that coin, thousands of brides and grooms were counting down to the moment when they could look each other in the eye and “I do” their way into a lifetime of fights about in-laws in a room full of people. But then came you-know-what, putting a stop to any impending social gatherings, including weddings.

Pop-culture show Desus & Mero recently aired a clip in which the two hosts, posing as religious officiants, conducted a real wedding via a digital platform for a couple whose plans had been derailed by the new king of party poopers, coronavirus. The clip is funny and poignant, but is it indicative of things to come?

The World Economic Forum has reported a spike in virtual weddings and New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently took steps to save people’s planned nuptials by making it legal to get married digitally.

DOES THIS MEAN VIRTUAL WEDDINGS ARE THE FUTURE? Well, that depends on what type of future you are looking at. Covid-19 is probably going to be with us for a couple of years, so they are definitely in our near future. Virtual weddings are a fun and unusual way of shaking up an institution that has existed, in some form or another, since the dawn of man. If you were taught that patience is a virtue, then wait it out.

However, times are changing and as we continue to challenge the status quo when it comes to traditional norms, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider a long engagement, or just the good ol’ vat en sit.

OUR LOVE CAN’T WAIT, SO HOW DO WE DO IT? As it turns out, Zoom is not just a tool for your colleagues to bombard you with endless meeting requests. When its powers are used for good it actually serves as a powerful digital-events space. It also helps that it comes at a fraction of the cost of traditional wedding venues and you don’t have to worry about broken glasses or uninvited plus-ones. But Zoom is not the only way. There are a myriad of options when it comes to gathering people in a digital space. If you want the world to see

your gorgeous outfit without having to hear whatever snide remarks that one aunt has to offer, then Instagram Live may be a good fit.

You could also use Facebook Live but that may seem a little... old-school to the members of your audience who weren’t adults when KTV was popular.

BUT CAN IT STILL FEEL LIKE A “REAL” WEDDING? Just because it’s all happening digitally doesn’t mean your wedding should lack all the pageantry and pizzazz that a traditional wedding does. In fact, thanks to your not having to pay for a wedding venue and food, chances are you will have a whole bunch of extra budget to go around. Once you know which platform you will be using, you will need to ensure that the technical gear you need (laptops, microphones, tripods etc) is available and in good working condition. Despite restrictions, you can still look at getting a photographer, cake, and décor details. Your officiant can either join virtually or, by following social-distancing guidelines, in person. Remember to legalise the union! Guests can also be invited via a number of free digital-invite services. With all e-commerce allowed under level three lockdown regulations, you can buy almost everything online, including wedding bands. A party favour is always good manners, so don’t forget to send something to your guests. The sky’s the limit.

Have fun with it — it’s your wedding day!

VIRTUALLY MARRIED! text YOLISA MKELE

You can still have a beautiful wedding ceremony while social distancing JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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JU N E 2 0 2 0 www.sowetanlive.co.za

LANGA MAVUSO

SOLAR FLARE

FRONT ROW

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Titled “Feeling the Wind”, Issey Miyake’s autumn 2020 sailwear-inspired collection was all billowy sportswear, saturated outerwear and rubber detailing compiled by SAHIL HARILAL 1. Puma X Helly Hansen jacket, R1 899, Shelflife 2. Poloneck, R400, Markham 3. Cap, R299, Polo 4. Parka, R1 499, Zara 5. Relay sweatpants, R380, Markham 6. Bau D-Form watch, R1 060, Swatch 7. Redbat vest, R750, Sportscene 8. Adidas trousers, R1 099, Shelflife 9. Sunglasses, R120, Markham 10. G-Star Raw sneakers, R1 949, Superbalist 11. Sneakers, R999, Zara 12. Lucky Luke jacket, R599, YDE 13. Nike sweatpants, R1 499 Superbalist 14. Redbat bag, R150, Sportscene 15. Jacket, R700, Zara Stockists Markham markham.co.za, Polo polo.co.za, Shelflife shelflife.co.za, Sportscene sportscene.co.za, Superbalist superbalist.com, Swatch swatch.com, YDE yde.co.za, Zara zara.com/za

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1. Ray-Ban sunglasses, R2 550, Sunglass Hut 2. J-Exchange Sunglasses, R150, Edgars 3. Prada sunglasses, R3 570, Sunglass Hut 4. Fossil watch, R2 299, American Swiss 5. Longines VHP steel on rubber watch, R14 500, Arthur Kaplan Jewellers 6. Chronograph watch, R350, Markham 7. Scarf, R120, Superbalist 8. Scarf, R319, Zara 9. Witchery scarf, R350, Woolworths 10. Single cross earring, R320, Black Betty Design 11. Hoop earrings, R299, American Swiss 12. Hoop earrings, R349, Bella Luna 13. Signet ring, R2 200, Dear Rae 14. Signet ring, R1 680, Black Betty Design 15. Thomas Sabo signet ring, R4 225, Bella Luna 16. Bracelet, R699, Guess 17. Police bracelet, R899, Bella Luna 18. Bracelet, R499, American Swiss 19. Saint Christopher pendant, R799, Sterns 20. Thomas Sabo pendant, R2 225, Bella Luna 21. Saint Christopher pendant, R599, Sterns Stockists American Swiss americanswiss.co.za, Arthur Kaplan Jewellers arthurkaplan.co.za, Bella Luna bellaluna.co.za, Black Betty Design blackbettydesign.com, Dear Rae dearrae.co.za, Edgars edgars.co.za, Guess guess.co.za, Markham markham.co.za, Sterns sterns.co.za, Sunglass Hut za.sunglasshut.com, Superbalist superbalist.com, Woolworths woolworths.co.za, Zara zara.com/za

From vintage-inspired signet rings to sleek, architectural watches, here are some of the best in men’s winter accessories JUNE 2020 / S. MAG

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puts his heart

into everything he does

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COVER ILLUSTRATION SIPHU GQWETHA

Singer Langa Mavuso

INTERVIEW

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Music has always been a part of his life. When he was growing up, his parents participated in choral music and his early musical influences include Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Tsepo Tshola, and Ringo Madlingozi.

It wasn’t until he enrolled at the National School of the Arts as a drama student that he

SOUND OF text EMMANUEL TJIYA photography LUBABALO MXALISA

t’s the first Monday in May and social media is in overdrive trying to figure how to virtually honour the most important day on the fashion calendar, the Met Gala, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced a cancellation. Langa Mavuso and I briefly joke about the pandemonium this has brought upon the fashion set when we talk on the phone on what is a particularly chilly autumn morning. Ironically, a few weeks later, the joke is on us when we are forced, due to lockdown restrictions, to ask the musician to style and shoot portraits of himself at home as part of this feature.

It comes as no surprise that Mavuso doesn’t think twice about the idea of capturing himself. In the past five years it’s taken him to rise to fame, he has always danced to the beat of his own drum — be it in music or fashion.

Last October when he performed at the Feather Awards, which celebrate the LGBTI+ community, he married fashion and music in the pop-culture moment, mesmerising his audience in a golden-yellow Rich Mnisi ensemble, complete with an OTT birdcage hat as he belted out his single, Mvula.

While the 26-year-old admits that the lockdown has upended some of his plans, he adds that the self-isolation period has also been cathartic for him. “I’ve been doing a lot of internal work,” he says.

“I’ve been going back to childhood traumas and trying to understand who I was before the age of seven. Everything about you is defined by the age of seven — your character, discipline, self-worth, and just the way you deal with things.” Mavuso has been exploring his spiritual journey through prayer and learning more about African spiritualism. He’s also been spending the time getting to know his younger brother, with whom he is isolating, and cooking up a storm.

“I remember as a kid constantly feeling like I didn’t belong, and that developed into being an adult who constantly wants to be liked,” he reveals. Music is one place where he finds solace. He first discovered his passion for singing when he was eight years old, while watching the reality show Coca-Cola Pop Stars. “It was great to find something special about me that could get me appreciated,” he says.

Mavuso positioned himself as the rousing R&B voice of this generation early in his career with songs such as Sunday Blues and Home.

He plans to release his long-awaited debut album this year. He started writing some of the material for the album when he was 18.

Most of the album was written and recorded in London two years ago.

Released at the end of May, the track Love Lost reflects on the anger, pain and grief that came with the biggest heartbreak of his life.

“The song is about a love that I lost in high school. I talk about the night he died and how I never slept that night,” he says.

“The album is about going through heartbreak and finding your way out of it.”

Mavuso wears his heart on his sleeve. I ask how going through such a devastating loss at a young age has affected his romantic life.

“I’m open to love, but I’m also reserved to it,” he confesses. “It’s hard to date someone in the same industry as you because it just gets messy sometimes.”

THE

SOUL

started to express himself freely as a musician.

By the time he had reached grade 10 he found himself part of the school’s music department and performing in every musical. After high school, he relocated to Rhodes University to study politics and economics. “I was supposed to go to university [in Johannesburg] but I changed my whole plan because I didn’t want to be in Braamfontein. It reminded me of this person who died. I didn’t want anything to do with the arts.”

Mavuso made his way back to the arts eventually, studying jazz performance at the University of Cape Town (UCT). It was there he formed a band with Zoë Modiga and Ndumiso Manana, performing at corporate gigs. One of his career highlights included performing at then-president Jacob Zuma’s State of The Nation Address dinner in 2015.

After two years at UCT, Mavuso, who had been living with high-functioning depression for years, decided to move back home. His mother had asked him to move back to Johannesburg after he’d broken down during a telephone conversation. A few months after moving back to Joburg he decided to pursue a solo music career, subsequently releasing his debut EP, Liminal Sketches, and follow-up offering, Home.

Although already renowned for his highly personal and introspective lyrics, Mavuso says that the new album is his most personal project yet. He describes the sounds as “neo-soul D’Angelo”. “There is nothing to hide behind after this album. It’s really personal and I think it’s important that it’s personal, so people can feel my heart,” he says. “I think that’s what people like the most about the music I make; there is so much heart and honesty in it.” In these overwhelming, dicsonnected days, we could all do with a little more heart.

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GROOMING text NOKUBONGA THUSI

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BACK TO

BASICS important to buy a product that agrees with your skin type and condition. Skincare often starts in one’s adolescent years, when skin can experience hormonal breakouts and sensitivity. You don’t want to further aggravate the skin with a product that is having adverse effects.” says Summers.

“If you are in your 20s or 30s and have never used a product on your skin it’s definitely not too late, but I suggest starting now. Start with a very mild cleanser with calming properties.

A toner followed by a moisturiser is the key for a beginner’s kit.”

The reluctance towards building a grooming routine can also be attributed to the overwhelming use of confusing jargon and uncertainty about which products to use. It’s all rather complicated, right? Wrong — our grooming expert has the breakdown of what products you absolutely need when starting out.

IMAGES ROSDIANA CIARAVOLO/GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

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any men have been hesitant to develop a proper grooming routine due to misconceptions that it’s “less masculine” or only for men with money, as grooming past just a hair trim was viewed as too pricey.

In addition, most men grew up in households where grooming with anything more than soap and Vaseline was a completely foreign concept.

But now the world is changing, and grooming does not seem to be such a foreign concept anymore.

There’s no one-size-fits all a p p ro a ch . “A l l m e n g ro o m completely differently. Whether you are doing it at home or visiting your local barber, it is vital to take care of yourself,” says Glen Summers, educator and training manager at Sorbet Man. “Now more than ever, men of all ages are taking care of their appearance. Grooming doesn’t need to take two hours every morning and evening, these daily routines can be as quick as 10 minutes.”

As with anything, you need to start by building up a base, which in grooming is skincare. Without healthy looking skin and a skincare routine that’s effective and easy to maintain, having a lush beard and a fresh haircut becomes meaningless.

“Skincare can start at any age, and it’s

ICEBERG

Whether you’re a youngin’ in the grooming game or just need to brush up on your bare necessities, we’ve got you covered

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LEANSER The first step towards healthier skin and building your grooming arsenal is choosing the right cleanser. One of the mistakes novices make is disregarding proper cleansing — it’s important to wash your face every morning and before bed. “During the day your skin, especially on your face, is exposed to dirt.

If you don’t thoroughly cleanse your skin at night you will be prone to skin irritation and breakouts. Your skin also produces oil during the day, and the more we touch our skin the more oil is produced, which is why it is vitally important for a thorough cleansing at night,” says Summers. How you choose the right cleanser depends on which of the three skin types you have. Oily skin types usually develop a layer of shine or oil along the T-zone of the face (the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks) so you want a gel cleanser with ingredients such as charcoal, clay, or salicylic acid to absorb excess oil. Dry and dehydrated skin types have a flaky or patchy appearance around delicate areas like the forehead, under eyes, and sometimes cheeks. Here, you want a foam, oil, or cream cleanser that will infuse moisture into the skin, not strip it. This skin type would also benefit from a two-in-one cleanser that

contains a cleansing and exfoliating formula to remove dry skin as it cleanses. Combination skin types can have both oily areas, mainly in the T-zone, as well as dry patches existing on the face. Go for a foaming gel cleanser or emulsifying milk cleanser that will protect the skin’s moisture balance, but remember you may need to balance the occasional oiliness out with a clay mask or mattifying moisturiser.

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XFOLIATOR This is one step that

many believe is a nice-to-have, or is just for gents who “love themselves”. But exfoliating is an important part of skincare as it helps to get rid of dead skin cells and assist with ingrown hairs for our bearded gents. If you shave regularly, you should use an exfoliator at least two or three times a week. Facial scrubs, especially granular ones, get a bad reputation for being too harsh, and rubbing the skin too vigorously can lead to skin irritation and ailments such as dryness and further sensitivity.

Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, it’s important to find an exfoliator that is not too harsh on your skin. Go for chemical exfoliators that have enzymatic ingredients such as papaya that will gently remove dead skin cells without physical scrubbing.

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OISTURISER After cleansing and

exfoliating, your skin will need that extra moisture boost. The key thing to remember about moisturisers is that you want to keep your skin type in mind as well as the time of year.

Winter will put moisture strain on all skin types — whether you have oily skin and need a mattifying moisturiser, sensitive skin that should enlist the help of anti-redness and soothing formulas, or dry or dehydrated skin that needs a hydrating moisturiser. Amp up your skin-barrier protection by swopping out the lightweight, water-based textures used in summer for rich, thicker, creamy textures.

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UNSCREEN If you learn nothing else

about grooming basics, make sure this part sticks: sunscreen is a year-round essential. Regardless of the season, your skin tone, or whether you’re in direct sun or not, you need to be wearing a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 every single day. Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun, even on a cloudy day, can cause wrinkles, skin damage, pigmentation, and skin cancer.

“While we are all working from home during lockdown, being in front of a computer all day can have negative effects on your skin. It has been said that the light emitted from computer screens and devices such as smartphones can produce the same effects on skin as the sun does, it just takes slightly longer. It’s important to purchase a sunscreen and use it during your grooming routine and reapply if out in the sun,” Summers says.

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OSE AND HAIR TRIMMERS You need basic tools to keep your facial and body hair in check and avoid looking unkempt. Invest in a pair of hair trimmers that you can use on your beard to trim the edges and any unwanted length. Use a nose-hair trimmer to get rid of any overgrown unsightly nose hairs peeking from the nostrils.

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THE SEASON’S MUST-HAVE BASICS 4

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The starter kit you need to get your hands on

1. Sorbet Man Even Tone Face Wash, 75ml, R70 sorbetman.co.za 2. WBeauty Longmarket Barber Moisturiser SPF 15, 125ml, R150 woolworths.co.za 3. Nivea Men Deep Anti-Blackheads Scrub, 75ml, R77, woolworths.co.za 4. Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF 50+, 50ml, R250, clicks.co.za 5. Wahl Battery Trimmer and Grooming Travel Kit, R299, clicks.co.za 6. Pepe Jeans Celebrate For Him EDP, 100ml, R799, truworths.co.za

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ON’T

FORGET Grooming is a holistic process so make sure that you do not leave body odour out of the equation.

A good scent is the finishing touch to any fresh cut, beard trim or skincare routine. Apply antiperspirant deodorant every day and invest in cologne that you can apply to the body’s “hot spots” such as the neck, behind the ears, and inside the wrists. The warmth of these areas helps the fragrance project from your skin into the air around you.

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STYLE text YOLISA MKELE

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he evolution of mainstream and predominantly cisgender men’s fashion, since the beginning of time, has essentially been the tale of a gender careening through different expressions of masculinity like a drunk trying to breakdance in a shop full of eggs.

At each turn, having gotten our unmanicured paws on the latest trend, we latched on to something vaguely cool and eventually turned the volume up so loud on it that the trend became little more than a distorted mess thundering out of our pop-culture speakers. If you look through your parents’ and grandparents’ photo albums (those are what people called analogue Instagram accounts) you can't help but scratch your head wondering how they went from wearing bland formal shoes to tripping at music concerts in clogs.

When we fast-forward a little, we find that everything and nothing has changed. Like our dads and their dads before them, those of us old enough to remember the show Lesilo Rula often find ourselves staring quizzically at the youth these days in their schoollength socks with slops.

That’s men for you though — we like to experiment, and our history with fashion is a clear example of that.

Cases in point:

With sweatpants and days-old t-shirts becoming the trend du jour under lockdown, Yolisa Mkele ponders the evolution of men’s fashion, and what’s next

(R)EVOLUTION THE '80s : Long ago, when both my dad and Mick

'80s

Jagger were rolling stones, the aesthetics behind what constituted a sexy man revolved around either dressing like a rogue member of Earth, Wind and Fire or Shaft going through his flamboyant phase. If you need any examples, just look to Eddie Murphy. Not the crappy Nutty-Professormovie-making version. We’re talking about the Eddie who recorded the song Party All The Time and comedy specials like Delirious. We’re talking about ’80s Murphy. The guy who wore tight-fitting red-leather jackets that exposed his midriff and still called people the f-word. That guy and his fashion sense were pretty indicative of men, fashion, and the ’80s. Cool as that time period may seem on TV, the fact is that few men had the flair to pull off big curls and garish colours. Gay culture was clearly the coolest thing in the world, but being openly gay was dangerous, so the straights decided to borrow some style tips. What resulted was a hodgepodge of colours, materials, and fits. Even in the budding realm of hip-hop,’80s attire looked like everyone had taken advantage of the same Adidas and gold-chain sale. Fortunately, by the time the ’90s rolled around, we seem to have settled on something.

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THE '90s : Cue Tupac and baggy jeans. Hip-hop was officially mainstream, which meant that you couldn’t find a correctly sized item of clothing for love or money.

Tommy Hilfiger was making more money than Dave Chapelle shooting a Netflix special, and for some reason we all seemed to think that wearing leather jackets without shirts underneath would rev the ladies’ engines. Fortunately, having learnt from the mistakes of our fathers, we had abandoned the idea of visible chest hair. On the other side of the pencil test, our Caucasian brothers were immersed in something called grunge, which essentially meant dressing like one’s cupboard was a lost-and-found box. On the South African front, pantsula culture had guys dressing like they were going straight to a bar after their impending job interview and decided it would just be easier to dress for both.

NOW

2000s

THE 2000s : At this point in

'90s

PHOTOGRAPHY EDDIE MURPHY BY PARAMOUNT PICTURES; PANTSULA CULTURE BY ALAISTER RUSSELL/ SUNDAY TIMES/GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES; TUPAC SHAKUR BY RICHARD CORKERY/NY DAILY NEWS ARCHIVE VIA GETTY IMAGES; FUBU BY THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION VIA GETTY IMAGES ; JAY-Z BY LAWRENCE K. HO/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA GETTY IMAGES; ODIN ECKENROTH/GETTY IMAGES; DOMINIKA ZARZYCKA/NURPHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES

THE 2010s : For a brief

2010s

our topsy-turvy experiment, one can only conclude that our parents had been right and hip-hop had finally rotted our brains, because the early 2000s were Fubu’s heyday. What were those shirts made of ? Why did it seem like the smallest size they came in was XXXXL? Most importantly, why did the designers feel the need to plaster “05” or “Fubu” five or six times on the shirt? After metrosexualism and hipsterism of the early 2000s, we all decided to get jacked.

period somewhere around 2010, David Beckham and Jay -Z convinced us that button-up shirts, jeans, and a formal shoe were the only way to dress when leaving the house. It didn't take long for us to realise that the only people who should be dressing this way way were brand ambassadors and people who wore Ed Hardy shirts as casualwear. In essence we were growing, evolving, becoming more decently dressed people.

In part we did this by taking control of the one thing we could control: our bodies. Leg days, bicep curls, trapezius muscles — we wanted it all and we wanted it because if our bodies looked good then we didn’t have to work so hard on the clothing aspect.

Presumably, the point was that if we modelled ourselves on Adonis we would need to do less work on our personalities than the minimal work we were already putting in.

Women were changing, and instead of trying to change and grow along with them, it would be far easier and more pleasurable to turn ourselves into walking objects of lust.

Thus, we arrive at our current day and age where another shift is happening.

WHAT’S NEXT?: As straight and boring as men’s fashion tends to be — especially after a certain age — the clothes we have worn over the years are the snapshots of our lives. Our fashion experiments say as much about the world we live in as they do about our delusions of coolness. So be fearless, my fellow XY chromosomers, for it is our fearlessness that has allowed the skrr-sexuals to flourish, and the meterosexuals before them.

Part of the reason generations before find the clothing choices of succeeding generations so odd is because what’s cool is a decision made by the young, and they rarely think that what their dads are wearing is cool. So they experiment.

They draw inspiration from a whole bunch of places, throw it all in a pot and hope it works.

What that means for the future is tough to say.

For all we know, the kids of the future will be wearing African-print faux-fur coats with matteblack gumboots. Perhaps what is more important is that those decades of experimentation will give you and your loved ones something to laugh at once you get to the age where you have to start dressing for comfort.

PRESENT DAY: Sporting short dreadlocks, shorts with long white socks, moon bags and bucket hats (worn like bucket hats not spoties), men are once again trying to reinvent themselves. Those of us who are too old to understand what’s happening have decided to call them “skrr skrrs” or “skrr-sexuals”. They’ve turned all the things their predecessors used to cringe at into cool fashion choices.

Remember when a person wearing a moonbag and socks with sandals was considered a creep? Now that person is as cool as Prince on a winter holiday. Legend has it that the South African wellspring for a lot of these peculiar new trends is Braamfontein.

Back in the day when we were able to leave the house, thrift shopping was a thing and looking like you pillaged your dad’s cupboard became the height of swag. Undoubtedly the members of Skwatta Kamp circa 2002 would probably look askance at Riky Rick’s fashion choices, but in hindsight evolution always looks a bit odd. Which makes us wonder… what’s next?

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MOTORING MOTORING texttext THOMAS FALKINER THOMAS FALKINER

a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also linked to a reversing camera to help you nip in and out of scary-tight parking spaces. Other goodies include a USB port, 12V charging socket and electric windows. Air conditioning also forms part of the deal as does a two-year/30 000km service plan and one year of free insurance.

WHAT’S BAD?

Volkswagen T-Cross Dynamic

IT’S TIME TO BUY IN So you’re young, hip, and on the up? You need independence and, most importantly, you need wheels.

We take a look at three great cars to suit the pockets of any first-time buyer. Climb in, get into gear, and prepare to blaze down the great highway of life 38

S. MAG / JUNE 2020

SUZUKI S-PRESSO S-EDITION MT | R147 900

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

A couple of days before lockdown commenced and the whole world went to hell, Suzuki, via a YouTube livestream, launched to the South African motoring press its all-new S-Presso: a small, entry-level contender designed to take the fight to the Renault Kwid and Datsun Go that have both sold very well in these cashstrapped times. Assembled in India and starting at

R134 900, the Suzuki S-Presso undercuts them in price and is currently the country’s most affordable new car.

WHAT’S GOOD?

Well, as far as these small budget cars go we think the S-Presso looks a darn sight better than most of its rivals. Especially if you pick the top-spec S-Edition model that gets protective body cladding, a blinging radiator grille, plus front and rear skid plates. Inside you’ll find a plethora of standard features including

Thanks to Covid-19 we haven’t had a chance to pilot the S-Presso so we cannot comment on what it’s like out on the road. Fortunately for the Suzuki, rivals such as the Renault Kwid don’t set the bar all that high.

While fuel consumption is claimed to be a miserly 4.9l/100km, this car’s 50kW 1.0l three-cylinder motor will no doubt feel frustratingly asthmatic out on the highway. Finally, the S-Presso is yet to be crash tested by Global NCAP so we have no idea how it will perform when involved in an accident. Be that as it may, the S-Presso does come fitted with ABS brakes (with EBD), as well as dual front airbags as standard.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

Cheap and cheerful, the Suzuki S-Presso is the easiest way to get mobile.

KIA PICANTO 1.2 SMART | R225 995 WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

What used to be the

Suzuki S-Presso interior

preserve of pensioners has matured into a sleek and almost edgy-looking hatchback that even we guys shouldn’t mind being spotted in. With those contrasting alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights set either side of that now trademark “Tiger Nose” front grille, the Kia Picanto is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune to garage a stylish and capable car that performs admirably in the city but also has the legs to handle the occasional road trip too.

Suzuki S-Presso 169

WHAT’S BAD?

IMAGES SUPPLIED

WHAT’S GOOD?

In range-topping Smart specification the Kia Picanto comes with all the stuff you desire in a modern vehicle. Automatic headlights. Partial leather seats. A reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.

Parking sensors. A sunroof. Satellite controls on the steering wheel.

There’s even a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that plays nice with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Yep, when Kia throws a small-car party you know that you’re going to be well catered for. The 61kW 1.2l engine is no fireball but it is willing, frugal and — mated to a fairly long-legged five-speed manual gearbox — able to hold an easy 140km/h cruise at 3 800RPM. WHAT’S BAD?

Although the interior is well appointed, we’re kind of disappointed with the fact that Kia hasn’t employed any soft-touch materials in its

mixed driving conditions and were able to return less than 6l/100km. The Comfortline model also comes with a seven-speed DSG transmission that makes driving in heavy city traffic so much less of a chore. While it may not have an all-wheel-drive system, the T-Cross sports enough ground clearance to help it traverse urban obstacles (oversized speed bumps) and deal with choppier rural dirt roads with ease.

KIA Picanto interior

Kia Picanto 1.2 Smart

construction.That said, the hard-plastic dashboard and accompanying inserts are of good quality and fit together well with no squeaks or rattles to speak of — everything should hold up well to years of abuse. A VW Up! is still better to pilot but the Picanto doesn’t lag that far behind in terms of overall driving enjoyment.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

Stylish and well equipped, the Kia Picanto feels way more grown up than its pricetag suggests.

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS 1.0 TSI COMFORTLINE | R364 300

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

Based on the same architecture as the muchloved Polo, the T-Cross is an attractive and surprisingly affordable compact crossover that offers space, practicality and nippy performance — not to mention an enviable brand cachet. Light and nimble around town (with decent visibility at all four corners, you will never

struggle to park it) the T-Cross also excels on longer jaunts with a degree of cabin refinement and NVH insulation that puts it at the top of its class.

WHAT’S GOOD?

Besides being great to look at, the T-Cross is a genuinely pleasant thing to pilot thanks to its punchy 1.0l three-cylinder turbo engine. Strong enough for the open road, it can also — with a light enough foot — deliver wallet-friendly fuel economy. On test we experienced 420km of

In order to get this car’s price down to a competitive level, Volkswagen had to implement a few costcutting measures.

The most obvious of these can be found in the cabin where hard, scratchy plastics dominate proceedings.

It’s not the end of the world — they seem sturdy and well screwed together — but it does lower the tone somewhat.

The Comfortline comes standard with a fair amount of kit (16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, front fog lights, a leather multi-function steering wheel, park distance and cruise control) but there are many tempting optional extras you can spec that will send that base pricetag soaring.

Be warned.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

More exclusive than a Polo and cheaper than a Tiguan, the T-Cross is probably the hottest compact crossover on the market right now.

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ECONOMICS It is critical for the “layman” to understand the economy of the country. In fact, the industry is to blame for continuing to make itself exclusionary and unrelatable to the ordinary person. The economy is everyone’s problem. Therefore, it is up to us as industry practitioners to make the work relevant and relatable.

Economics is in everything we do. The purchasing choices we make, why we substitute the things we consume when prices go up or down, why big businesses can bully small businesses. It’s all explained in economics. So really, the profession should help everyone understand their immediate environment a little better.

Societies are not a natural state, which means that we first imagine the kind of socio-economic society we want, then we ought to work to put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure that dream is realised. South Africa is certainly one of those countries that needs the right level of commitment to inclusive and broad-based participation in the economy, and as a result the economic outcomes would theoretically change for the better for everyone. I am certainly not as fearful about the future as many might be, but I also do understand that we are still in for some tough times. My intention is never to stop working to ensure we ultimately journey towards an inclusive economy.

ADAPTABILITY As a young, black man in

corporate spaces, identity plays an incredibly important role when trying to navigate corporate life. It is important not to lose yourself and stay true to your own values. You will get boxed into many things, but if it is not you, refuse it and use your work to prove it.

The second challenge is that corporate workplaces are not innately designed for you specifically. That means that for a while you are likely to feel like another number. Use that to your advantage while you build skills and relationships.

With an ever-changing world, read, read, read, read! And when you are done, read some more. Secondly, learn how to write. It helps you package your thinking, which is a critical skill in any role you will occupy. And then read some more.

LEADERSHIP Leaders are certainly born and made. There’s a leader in all of us and we lead in official and non-official capacities. A lot of the leadership we channel in non-official capacities will be characterised by the leadership talents we are born with. However, institutions require a structured and measured approach to leadership, and many leaders have to learn this. They learn through both exposure as well as official training.

When it comes to nurturing my leadership, I water that plant as often as I can. I try to reflect on and study my choices so that I can get better, and more importantly, lead with purpose and with empathy. I certainly do not get it right at all times but I am enjoying the learning experience and the ability to impact other people’s lives in both big and small ways. As a leader, never fail to apologise or acknowledge when you get things wrong. Never fail to solicit the input and feedback of others, and never stop learning.

The challenges facing our communities, industry, country, and the continent need as many subjectmatter experts as possible occupying platforms that will inform and guide the choices needed for sustainable growth.

Thought leaders should leverage their knowledge of their industries to be positive agents of change.

IMAGE SUPPLIED

Sifiso Skenjana Sifiso Skenjana, 32, is quickly becoming one of the country’s leading voices in economics. The thought leader and chief economist at a management-consulting firm is a regular columnist for leading publications.

Skenjana is also a PhD candidate, with a master’s in finance from ESADE Business & Law School in Spain. He shares some of his thoughts with us

EDUCATION We ought to think of ourselves as current and potential value creators and education as an enabler.

Maybe the question to ask is, “What value do I want this qualification to enable me to bring?” That framing starts to force us to think about attaining education as a tool for value creation and not an end in and of itself.

For me, it’s never been about the certificate or qualification, but rather how it fits into the world I imagine for myself. The danger of not doing that is finding yourself expecting a certificate to speak on your behalf.

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