SMag June 2024

hen did you come out?” At 34, I’m running out of funny, witty, and charming ways to respond to this with politeness. It’s the monkey on my back. Surely, many queer people can relate — we’ve all become acquainted with this invasive question. But I don’t mize, so that I don’t appear rude. After all, the reason why I became a journalist is to never stop asking questions, so when people are curious about my life I reward them with answers. Sure, on the inside I’m rolling my eyes but, on the outside, I present an automated and robotic response, complemented with a withering smile so insincere I might transform into an AI-generated avatar.

Undoubtedly, “coming out” is an epiphanic experience for many that is profoundly liberating. It should absolutely be celebrated. But the assumption that this is the average experience of LGBTQI+ people is fallacious. Commonly, some are met with rejection and hatred from close ones in a vulnerable moment that may even be lonelier than the so-called closet. So, what you may see as an innocent inquiry could have triggering effects.

From the

No queer person owes the world a “coming-out” story. Even before I had the maturity to word it, I’ve always resisted the idea that my queerness should be measured by others knowing. Gen-Zs and millennials have had more liberty to vent on the internet: “Why should I come out as queer when you’ve never come out as openly straight?”

To simplify my story, I’ve always been visible in my queerness — whether it’s in the way I speak, dress or walk, I’ve been intentionally buoyant. I’m afraid I’m every gay stereotype — tutus, tiaras, and heels. And, on top of that, the universe still demands a “coming-out” story?

When I was about 19 years old at varsity I was outed for the amusement of my media-studies class. During a debate on equality and prejudice the lecturer saw it fit to use me as a case study. To his surprise, I recoiled from the engagement. “I have gay friends, I support gay rights,” he apologised, as he steadily continued with his hypocritical lesson in tolerance and discrimination. I was visibly embarrassed. Friends tried to comfort me, while I saw others skinder under their breath. That awkward moment would linger throughout my early 20s; it had scarred me. “Maybe I should have handled it better?” I would ask myself. “Does it mean I hate myself or those in my community?” I wondered.

Then, at 25, it dawned on me that I was not ashamed of who I am, I’ve never been, I’ve always walked in my truth. But I was angry with him because he had robbed me of my right to self-determination. How I shared my queer identity with my peers was supposed to be on my terms, and that autonomy was taken from me. I would never get it back, but I chose to be philosophical about it — my identity and sexuality will never depend on others knowing in order for me to find pride in it.

There is a poignant monologue in last year’s gay romance drama Red, White & Royal Blue by the character Alex Claremont-Diaz (played by Taylor Zakhar Perez) that stuck with me: “[E]very queer person has the right to come out on their own terms and on their own timeline. They also have the right to choose not to come out at all. The forced conformity of the closet cannot be answered with forced conformity in coming out of it. This isn’t about shame. This is about privacy and the fundamental right of self-determination, which are exactly the principles on which the struggle for queer liberation has always been fought.”

Stay true to yourself, the world will follow. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, fluid, non-binary, asexual, pansexual, questioning, intersex, and many other identities, we see and respect you.

Welcome to our annual Youth issue, coinciding with international Pride Month. We are going back to school with fresh-faced talents Ayakha Ntunja, Kealeboga Masango, Lebohang Lephatsoana, and Tabile Tau from the smash Showmax YA drama Youngins. The show is a breath of fresh air, tackling topics such as women’s sexual pleasure, toxic masculinity, gender variation, queer themes, and just vibez. Then designer Mpumelelo Dhlamini cooks up a storm in the kitchen for Father’s Day, yum! You can burn off some of those calories with our tips for working out like an Olympian — just in time for the Paris Olympics. Flaunt that banging body at the Hollywoodbets Durban July with our hair and beauty guide in collaboration with our pouring partner, Chateau Del Rei. See you at the Greyville Racecourse in less than a month.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMANUEL TJIYA (SMAG@SOWETAN.CO.ZA)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNA LINEVELDT

FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG

FASHION STYLIST YOLISWA MYALUZA

BEAUTY EDITOR NOKUBONGA THUSI

SUBEDITOR IOLANDI POOL

DESIGN INTERN SIMPHIWE MBANA

PATIENCE TSHABALALA

CONTENT PRODUCERS NOMBUSO KUMALO & MASEGO SEEMELA

FINAL EYE HELEN SMITH

SOWETAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NWABISA MAKUNGA

ACTING CEO PULE MOLEBELEDI

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT MANAGER

CAPE TOWN:

SAMANTHA PIENAAR

082 889 0366 pienaars@arena.africa

BUSINESS MANAGER: LUXURY

CELESTE KHUMALO (KHUMALOC@ARENA.AFRICA)

SMag is available with all copies of Sowetan newspaper, five editions a year

PRINTED by Novus Print for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

Lebohang Lephatsoana: Gema drop earrings, R6 500; Gema necklace, R9 000, both Swarovski; printed jacket, R13 200; printed tracksuit bottoms, R15 100, both MaXhosa; H&M chunky heeled boots, R529, Superbalist

Tabile Tau:

H&M sculptural gold choker, R429, Superbalist; Millenia necklace, R9 000, Swarovski; printed short-sleeve shirt, R13 400, MaXhosa; slim tulle tapestry T-shirt, R1 679, Desigual; printed shorts, R10 000, MaXhosa; grunge lace-up boots, R280, Mr Price

MAKEUP: AQUATIC AURA

TAKE YOUR CUE FROM MARINE LIFE AND CRASHING WAVES FOR THE ULTIMATE COASTALINSPIRED DURBAN JULY LOOK

text : NOKUBONGA THUSI

Ride the wave

1.

New-wave liner

Skip the razor-sharp winged liner and go for more abstract, freehand shapes reminiscent of undulating waves, as seen at Dhruv Kapoor. Opt for a liquid or gel liner, applied with an angled brush for more control, and sweep wavy shapes along the brow bone, across the eye crease or towards the temples. Don’t worry about being perfect — clean up any mishaps with a cotton bud dipped in micellar water.

Try: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Long-wear Liquid Eyeliner in Cuz I’m Black, R595; MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline Eyeliner in BlackTrack, R435

2.

Bubbly sparkle

Take inspiration from sea foam for embellishmentssparklingon the lips. At Acne Studios, models were sent down the runway with lips covered in sequins that gleamed as they caught the light, paired with fresh, pared-back skin. Use as a topper over matte lipstick or skip colour entirely by opting for a thin layer of clear or iridescent gloss with high-shine, chunky glitter packed onto the lips.

Try: DreamSQNS Chunky Glitter in Ice Queen, R285; Lottie London Lip Foil Iridescent Lip Topper in You Wish, R120

3.

Coral-reef flush

Skip the demure, romantic blush and make your cheeks and temples the main event by looking to the vibrant hues of coral reefs. At Ashley Williams and Etro, models sported electric flushes of pink, red, orange, and saturated purple swept across cheeks, eyelids, and temples in a graduating veil of colour.

Try: The Body Shop

Sheer Touch Lip & Cheek Tint in Power, R230; Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Daiquiri Dip, R545

4.

Sea-urchin lashes:

We’ve seen just about every way to wear lashes, from doll and feather to disco, so there’s no need to be modest. Try giving lashes a superspiky futuristic treatment, inspired by sea-urchin spines. Go for oversized false lashes in spiky styles for a dramatic look or stick to mascara only and create the spiky effect by using a lash primer to prep and lengthen, or dust the lashes with a bit of translucent loose powder before applying multiple lashings of black mascara.

Try: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Tinted Primer, R220; Stila Magnum XXX Mascara in Hypnotic, R495

BEAUTY ROAD TEST: MOTHER-OF-PEARL SKIN: MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND ULTRA-GLOWY, THIS VIRAL TREND MIMICS THE IRIDESCENT TEXTURE OF OYSTER SHELLS

On cleansed, exfoliated skin, drench the face with a hydrating, hyaluronic-acid-rich facial mist and slather a pearlescent strobe cream over the entire face to create a glowing base. Use one pump of a tinted moisturiser or lightweight serum foundation and blend for a second-skin finish. Don’t be heavy-handed — the aim is to even out the complexion, not to conceal the skin’s natural texture. Start to create dimension by using hybrid products, such as a cream or powder blush with the shimmer of a highlighter in pink, peach or purple shades, along the cheeks. Placement is key, so focus blushes and highlighters over the entire apple of the cheek, sweeping up into the cheekbone and temples and even the eyelids, creating a consistent, seamless iridescence along the contours of the face. Layer multiple blushes, highlighters, and eyeshadows, in various textures and shimmer finishes, making sure to mix both gold and silver undertones, to help create a multi-dimensional reflection of light off the skin.

ACNE STUDIOS

PRADA ASHLEY WILLIAMS

BEAUTY & HAIR

HAIR:

1. Ocean dip: The hair at Jason Wu made us crave a coastal getaway, as strands were sleek and looked slightly damp, as if fresh out of the ocean after a dip and left to air-dry. The ends were left to reveal the model’s natural hair texture with strand separation, as some parts appeared dry while others still looked super drenched.

2. Dual-texture ’fro: Give your Afro the wet-look treatment — at Antonio Marras, models sported dual-textured hairstyles that saw hair slicked down from the roots to the mid-lengths while the rest was left dry, from the mid-lengths to the ends. Make the style racingday appropriate by bluntly trimming the ends and creating a triangular shape to your Afro for a more futuristic feel or add Afro-textured hair extensions to create some Diana Ross-style volume and length.

3. Drenched: Wet-look hair styled in dramatic kiss curls and retro waves was the memo at Giambattista Valli, Rokh, and Jason Wu. The style is perfect for relaxed hair and lace-front wigs, and models sported hair that was styled loose or in long ponytails and generously gelled until drenched and slicked across the forehead and temples to form high-gloss waves that elegantly framed the brow and cheek bones.

4. Surfer hair: Who better to pull hair inspiration from for the theme “Ride the Wave” than surfers? Models at Acne Studios showcased surfer-inspired hair — textured, imperfectly tousled, and ultra-cool — with a Y2K twist by way of dual-textured hair and loosely waved coloured extensions worked into the natural hair colour. The key is to keep hair looking tousled and straggly, as if set by salty seawater, by rubbing a bit of styling paste or wax into the ends with the fingertips.

5. Swimmer waves: If you love a sculptural piece of hair art as much as we do, then take inspiration from hard-set synchronised-swimmer’s hair, as seen at Iris Van Herpen and on FKA Twigs. Super-sleek, shiny, and guaranteed not to budge in the strongest coastal wind, hair is pulled into a high ponytail and flyaways are laid down with a styling hair gel. Create volume, length, and structure by adding hair extension pieces formed into wavy, spiky shapes that are slathered with hair gel to the point of looking wet.

6. Braided illusion: Not to sound like a broken record, but braids, especially cornrows, aren’t going anywhere. Come race day, live out your full aquatic-princess fantasy by intertwining braids into your headdress to create the illusion that your hair accessory and braids are one. Weave pieces of braided extensions into overthe-top crowns or oversized headbands and create beautiful visual interest, as seen at Iris Van Herpen.

Wave swept

THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY THEME CALLS FOR DRENCHED TEXTURE & SCULPTURAL STYLES

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

1. Mizani True Textures Curl Define Pudding 250ml, R470

Naturally Africa Locking Gel Wax 255ml, R100

Eco Style Professional Styling Gel Coconut Oil 473ml, R140 4. ghd Body Goals Total Volume Foam 200ml, R380

ANTONIO MARRAS

HOW TO: THROW THE PERFECT GRWM PARTY

LEVEL UP YOUR GETREADY-WITHME GAME AND HAVE THE PERFECT PRE-EVENT CELEBRATION

Set the mood: Any occasion is better with music, right? So don’t wait until the main event to have a good time. Create a themed playlist for the day that will have the girls dancing while getting ready and put everyone in a good mood ahead of the event.

Prep your makeup station: If you’re not booking a professional makeup artist, you want the process

to be as seamless as possible, so prep your vanity and set aside everything you’ll need. Make sure makeup

RAISE A GLASS

brushes are clean and ready to go; have products, accessories, embellishments or lashes laid out; and position yourself next to good lighting, whether it’s natural light from a window or a ring light.

Elevate the moment: Don’t let a get-ready party feel like any other day. Make the experience more romantic by adding decorations such as balloons or scented candles for a girly feel. And wear luxurious satin or silk robes, lounge pyjamas, slippers, and headbands Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf would approve of while getting ready.

Pour it up: What’s a pre-party without something bubbly? Bring out your best flute glasses and indulge in some Chateau Del Rei sparkling wine, available in sweet white, rosé or red variants.

Say cheese: If you didn’t take a photo, did it even happen? Avoid regrets and have some photo-booth fun by setting up an area where you can take selfies or Polaroids of finished makeup looks and outfits.

WE GET DURBAN JULY-READY WITH SPARKLING PARTNER CHATEAU DEL REI, WITH TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PRE-PARTY AND WINE-INSPIRED LOOKS

HAVE EVERY MARQUEE ABUZZ AND LET CHATEAU DEL REI’S THREE SPARKLING WINES INSPIRE YOUR LOOK MAKEUP: SPARKLE SEASON

Wine stained: If you’re a fan of a red lip, take your cue from lips that seem softly stained by red wine. At Max Mara, lips took on a diffused personality, making deep winter hues such as burgundy, oxblood, and plum feel more approachable. Swipe a bit of lipstick onto fingertips

and gently press onto the lips, feathering slightly along the cupid’s bow and edges.

Rosé glint: Take inspiration from Chateau Del Rei’s sweet rosé and sweep a dose of sparkling pink across the eyes by way of glitter, shimmery eyeshadow or liner. At Valentino, eyes were centre stage as glitter generously lined the eye

crease and brow bone.

White flash: Put some sparkle in your eyes, inspired by Chateau Del Rei’s sweet white, and swop out your black eyeliner for a showstopping swipe of white. At Dior, models’ eyes dazzled with bright, opaque-white liquid liner hugging the waterline and lower lash line, leaving the rest of the space bare.

AN A YOUNGINS BREAKOUT ACTOR AYAKHA NTUNJA IS ONLY WARMING UP

yakha Ntunja makes acting look easy, as though you, the viewer, could do it too — but you can’t.

Her girl-next-door portrayal of high-schooler Amo in Youngins is subtle and natural, nuanced and emotionally satisfying. The breakout star, one of the most exciting new faces on TV, has embodied the lead character with delicacy, stillness, and restraint. The brilliance of her acting is that it’s all in her eyes — before she even opens her mouth she’s captured the many layers of Amo’s emotions.

Hers is more of an internal approach to acting, rather than one of grand gestures and fierce melodrama. While most of the big performers around Amo sink their teeth into the script, Ntunja has achieved the not-so-easy task of grounding the show in reality and emerged as the heart of Youngins.

Stepping onto the set of her SMag cover shoot, Ntunja is just as easy-going and soft-spoken in real life. While her co-stars Lebohang Lephatsoana (Tumelo) and Kealeboga Masango (Buhle) immediately light up the room, Ntunja blends into the background, finding a sofa in a corner and observing the room from a short distance.

When I finally get to chat with her up-close, I learn that Ntunja might appear graceful and smooth, much like the proverbial swan, but underneath there is remarkable footwork. That has been the secret to bringing Amo to life — the timid new girl from a rural area — and shaking things up at fictional boarding school Olifantsfontein High. Through flashbacks, viewers discover her violent childhood, which saw her father serving a prison sentence after killing her mother in a GBV case.

“People always say, ‘You are such a soft actor. Your face is always the only thing that speaks.’ I think it’s because of the roles I’ve played. I always try to minimise before I jump too big into it,” she agrees. “You always need to understand what your character is about and you don’t only do it for the audience. A lot of the time you get lost in it because you see the audience wanting big things and then you want to do big things, so that they can talk about it. When I go into roles that allow me to have a big personality, it will pick up. I’m only warming up. I didn’t look for a character that was already on TV. I did a lot of writing for her. I would write to her because we had diaries when we started the show. That’s how I worked into it. It’s so subtle and easy. I like that about Amo.”

INCANDESCENT I STAR

text : EMMANUEL TJIYA

INCANDESCENT

INCANDESCENT

production : YOLISWA MYALUZA

photography : THEMBA MOKASE

Gema hoop earrings, R3 490, Swarovski; Inkomo bomber jacket, R5 975; Inqina resort jumper dress, R7 500, both Ezokhetho; luxury snake knee-high boots, R6 990, Europa Art Shoes

Amo has often served as the moral compass of the YA show on Showmax, especially in the main plot of the first season. When Amo uncovers Principal Mthembu’s (Loyiso Macdonald) predatory behaviour towards female students, she takes it upon herself to expose him, going to great lengths and roping in her friends. “We are similar in the sense that we stand for that we believe in,” she observes. “However, Amo talks so much. I sit there thinking, ‘Don’t enter that drama, just walk away from it.’ I will mind my own business. I can sit in a room and just keep quiet.”

Her early success in acting is not something that the 21-year-old actor takes lightly. She matriculated in 2021 and her first encounter with the spotlight came last year when she was cast in MTV Shuga: Down South; before then she had starred in short films.

“I didn’t know what to expect [with Youngins]. You always anticipate things, but you never know how big it’s going to be,” she says. “The way people are loving it is amazing. Everyone feels like it’s so real and authentic to the high-school experience. I learnt a lot from Shuga, which prepared me for this. Now I’m trending every week and everyone is engaging with the story. Shuga was calmer and more edutainment.”

The middle child of three, Ntunja was born in Gqeberha. After moving to Joburg, she enrolled at the National School of the Arts (NSA), where she harnessed her acting skills. A career in the arts was always the way for Ntunja, although she also notes that she was strong academically.

“It started with sports — I did a lot of swimming. Then I did dance for the longest time and thought I was going to be a dancer,” she says. “I was ready to go to an academy in London and just dance. But when I went to theatre in grade 8, it switched. It felt so good and in grade 10 I made the decision to go for the NSA. People would be surprised to learn that I’m a space nerd. I love all things to do with science. That is my kind of fun. I know everything there’s to know.”

tunja teases that she has already booked her next project, which is a complete departure from Amo. She reiterates that she’s not about to rest on her laurels.

“It doesn’t come easy — you need to remember that it might look amazing right now, but there is always work to be done,” she says. “I’m not saying don’t take pride and joy in your work. Like, celebrate yourself, I think that’s something I haven’t done in a while. But also, just know that there is always more to be done. My mind is always on the next project and how am I going to kill it.”

AFTER PLAYING A STRING OF “NICE” CHARACTERS, KEALEBOGA MASANGO DOES AN ABOUTTURN IN

YOUNGINS

GOOD GIRL GONE BAD

Gema necklace, R9 000, Swarovski; Ngithwale jumpsuit, POR; Inqina double dress, R8 950, both Ezokhetho; luxury croc green knee-high boots, R7 690, Europa Art Shoes

Opposite page: Gema hoop earrings, R3 490; Millenia necklace, R9 000, both Swarovski; Desigual x M. Christian Lacroix dress, R3 089, Desigual; mesh crop top, R100, Mr Price; silk opaque stockings, R240, Falke; luxury snake knee-high boots, R6 990, Europa Art Shoes

Stockists

Desigual desi-sa.co.za

Europa Art Shoes europaart.co.za

Ezokhetho ezokhetho.com

Falke falke.co.za Swarovski swarovski.com

Women’s cover: Ayakha Ntunja: Gema hoop earrings, R3 490, Swarovski; printed wool dress, R45 000, MaXhosa; Over-ride bone boots, R1 799, Steve Madden

Kealeboga Masango: H&M diamanté clip earrings, R799, Superbalist; printed crop top, R8 800; printed pleated skirt, R13 200, both MaXhosa; Schutz leather boots, R5 990, Europa Art Shoes

Gema drop earrings, R6 500; Gema necklace R9 000, both Swarovski; Desigual x M. Christian Lacroix hooded raincoat, R3 999; Desigual x M. Christian Lacroix dress, R4 279, both Desigual; luxury croc green kneehigh boots, R7 690, Europa Art Shoes

In May 2007, Rihanna released her third studio album — Good Girl Gone Bad, a distinct career shift for the then 19-year-old Barbadian superstar. The smash hit Umbrella catapulted her into superstardom and introduced Bad Gal Riri, her famous Instagram handle.

Her first two albums, Music of the Sun and A Girl Like Me, had presented an image of an innocent goody two shoes. In a departure in style as well as sound, Rihanna cut her hair into an edgy bob. When she later sang on her fifth album, Loud, in 2010, “I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it,” she was pitch perfect and on brand. To this day, Good Girl Gone Bad is definitive of the artist Rihanna is. It has also served as a great case study of how the world loves a career reinvention, especially when it’s on the dark and rebellious side.

Rewind to October 2002, when Kealeboga Masango was born — she would have been about five years old when Good Girl Gone Bad dropped. Then fast-forward to 2018, when the 16-year-old was cast in soapie Rhythm City. The role of sweet and naive Zinhle Ngobese would keep her busy until she matriculated, with the show eventually airing its last episode in 2021. While Masango was booked and busy afterwards, she notes that most of her roles didn’t offer much range. Then, last year, just after her 21st birthday, all of that changed. Masango got the Good-Girl-Gone-Bad treatment when she scored the role of Buhle in Youngins.

Buhle is a classic queen bee in high school — bratty, popular, and mean. She puts the trouble in troublemaker. When viewers met her in episode one in February, “Ma 2K mara!” was a fitting response to some of her jaw-dropping antics. The head girl and pastor’s kid was sneaking her boyfriend Khaya (Toka Mtabane) out of her room and bragging about her Michael Kors backpack. In episode six, she proved she was sex positive when she was caught with a pink vibrator in a funny scene featuring the always-charming Sannah Mchunu as the no-nonsense Matron Lulu.

“I’m playing a different role from what I’ve played before. She is that It-girl who is sure of herself,” Masango says. “It has been so much fun and it’s interesting because there are so many layers to her, whereas, with the other

roles, there were layers but it was always the good girl. Here I’m just that bad girl.”

A day after the SMag cover shoot, it’s announced that, after 45 episodes, the show is returning for a second season. It’s already in production, and Masango reveals that the current scenes being filmed are some of her favourites — and among the most challenging, as they unpack more of Buhle’s backstory.

“Prior to shooting I thought we were different,” she confesses. “But when I sat down with her and tried to understand her, I got to delve deeper into her reasons for doing certain things. Buhle puts a lot of pressure on herself, which I also do. I want to make sure I’m the best and she does too, although on another level. So, initially, I thought she was a mean girl with no heart. But she has a big heart and she cares. I can’t wait for the viewers to see more of her growth because at the moment it’s just the build-up stage.”

From as early as three years old, Masango was starring in TV commercials and participating in beauty pageants. But other than mimicking her favourite shows in front of the mirror, she never had any acting training or experience. Then she was plucked out of obscurity when she was cast in Rhythm City and found herself sharing the screen and exchanging dialogue with industry titans Linda Sokhulu, Nompilo Gwala, and the late Mncedisi Shabangu.

“It was definitely overwhelming,” she admits. “It was my first gig in acting and it was a lot. I remember the first day on set I was shaking and I kept apologising. There was a lot of pressure, working with all these recognised and respected actors.”

That show opened many doors for her, landing her supporting roles in Indoda Must, Ayeye: Stripped, The River, and Stout. She’s so busy at the moment that she’s had to put her BCom law degree on hold.

“There is a lot of pressure [being on Youngins]. Just from getting to know the rest of the cast, we all are driven, passionate individuals. We all want to do well for ourselves. But it’s also amazing because we are doing something we love and it shows onscreen.”

FITNESS

TRAIN LIKE AN OLYMP IAN

text : PALESA BUYEYE

With a month to go before the Paris Olympics, hockey player Onthatile Zulu and long-distance runner Ryan Mphahlele (also see pg 32) share the secrets to their workout routines

The life of an athlete is a paradoxical tale, characterised by years of hard work for a career that is often short-lived. There are limitations related to age and having to retire while you still have stamina. Similarly, when

we start our fitness journeys, we often find ourselves putting in the weekly hours over months or years towards a body goal. And once we achieve that goal, we find a new one.

The quest for body goals has seen a growing number of

minds. But what does it really take to train like an athlete, specifically, an Olympian? What does it take to look like you are gunning for gold?

MENTAL TOUGHNESS

“More than anything, it’s a mental game. It takes a lot of sacrifice and is about making the right choices that will benefit you long term,” says 24-yearold South African hockey player Onthatile Zulu, who is on her way to her second Olympic season in Paris. “Hockey, for example, is a high-speed, intense physical sport — if you’re unfit, you’re going to struggle with the technical side of things. It is not a sport for which you can train once every other week; if you miss one week you’ve already fallen behind, so you have to make sure you are training consistently.”

Every trainer and coach will tell you that, no matter what your fitness goals are, consistency and finding ways to keep you on the journey should be prioritised over a specific training programme, as that is what gets you results.

“Although we have a coach and sports scientist from whom we get our training programmes, often our training relies on us. I am lucky enough to have been training with my teammates for the majority of this year because most of us live close to each other. This is great because I then have other people holding me accountable, which is very important,” adds Zulu.

PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY

ordinary individuals training insanely in order to not stay the same, with fitness programmes such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), CrossFit, and Hyrox gaining popularity. The truth is, we all want to train like athletes, even if it’s just in our

Zulu and her teammates represent the only African country participating in hockey at the Olympic Games, where they are the lowest-ranked country overall. In their attempts to do better this season, they are going into the games physically stronger than their opponents, adopting an underdog mentality.

“Mondays, Wednesdays, and

Fridays we do strength training in the gym with weights. The further we are from a game the heavier we go, and the closer we get to the game the lighter we go in terms of both weight and reps. Tuesdays and Thursdays are cardio and conditioning sessions, so we do a lot of running, like tempo runs at different paces and directions to challenge our agility. On Saturdays we have sprint sessions,” Zulu explains.

She spends about six to seven hours a week training in the gym and four hours a week in hockey sessions. Training is often done in the morning, with Mondays focussing on the lower body, Wednesdays on the upper body, and Fridays on the full body, with three core exercises, each made up of three sets of 20 reps.

The core is one of the most crucial aspects in being “athlete fit”. “Another big thing is getting power in your legs because it’s hockey. You need a lot of strength in your legs — it is a very physical game and you can’t afford to be knocked over, which is why we spend so much time in the gym. You need to be able to stand your ground,” says Zulu.

“We do a lot of lunges, squats, calf raises, and stability work. At the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center in Austria recently I found out my right leg is stronger than my left, so I find myself doing more reps on my left leg to make up for it,” she laughs.

As in hockey, if you want to be built like a runner you need to build your base and strengthen your legs, like long-distance runner Ryan Mphahlele, who will be making his Olympic debut this year.

“My coach and I found that going to the gym is not something I need currently, especially in season, as I already keep fit because of the races. Off-season, though, I train twice a day, with one morning jog and one in the afternoon,” says Mphahlele. “We also have a lot of drills for our

workouts and warm-up sessions and then on Fridays we do core sessions.” On average, the 25-year-old runs 100-120km a week in his off-season.

DIET

Although one cannot out-train a bad diet, both athletes focus more on how food makes them feel than on what it makes them look like. “There isn’t much restriction on food for me; it is about knowing how to fuel my body and understanding what I need and when I need it,” says Zulu. “Before a game I usually carboload because carbs produce a lot of energy, so my diet consists of pasta, potatoes, and fruit.”

Zulu snacks on bananas and peanut butter to ensure that she gets optimum sources of energy.

“For me, there isn’t much of an eating plan, it’s more of a drinking plan,” laughs Mphahlele. “For example, I don’t drink during the off-season, as my focus is on training, but in season inbetween races I can have a glass of whisky to unwind. In terms of eating, I just make sure my food is not too oily and eat dishes with minimal seasoning and spicing. The food must just be clean and cooked properly,” meaning grilled, steamed, or boiled.

REST AND RECOVERY

Sundays are often an active rest day for Zulu. She also rests for a day or two after a big game. “I fuel my body with a carbohydrate drink after sessions and games in order for energy and to replace electrolytes,” she says.

“Rest is very important, but I often struggle to sleep, which is one thing I am really working on,” adds Mphahlele.

“I don’t take recovery supplements but, when I’m tired I am honest about it with my coach, who will then give me a day off if need be. It’s really about listening to your body but not making too many excuses — that’s what makes an athlete.”

THREE FAB

READS FROM UP-AND-COMING AUTHORS

Celebrate this Youth Month with authors starting their careers and making a name for themselves in the world of books.

PIGLET

LOTTIE HAZELL

Piglet follows a bride-to-be with a ferocious appetite that swells as her anxieties grow over marrying a man who doesn’t treat her well. Piglet knows that her fiancé is keeping something from her, and her worries worsen when the secret is revealed two weeks before the wedding. She has to balance family expectations, work stress, and her quest to make the perfect cake while she unravels. Piglet is the first novel by Lottie Hazell, who is also a foodie and a boardgame designer.

I DO… DON’T I?

ZIBU SITHOLE

After the success of her debut, The Thing with Zola, Zibu Sithole has returned with another cosy romance. Sithole is a former journalist, an author, and a mother who has been surrounded by the arts since childhood, inspiring her to pursue her passion for storytelling as an author. I Do… Don’t I? follows Zola and Mbali through the growing pains of changing relationships, friendships, and commitments. Moving between Joburg and Kigali, it tells of personal desires that collide with expectations in this emotional quest for a fairytale ending.

WOMB CITY

TLOTLO TSAMAASE

Tlotlo Tsamaase is a Motswana author currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Chapman University, California, with a collection of poems and short stories under her belt, along with her debut novel, Womb City. We follow Nelah as she explores motherhood, memory, and a woman’s right to her own body. After a drug-fuelled night out ends in a car accident,

a desperate crime, and a buried body, Nelah must keep her secrets hidden or risks losing everything.

DISCOVER NEW BOOKS FROM THESE YOUNG VOICES

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ENTER AND YOU COULD WIN A R500 BOOK VOUCHER FROM EXCLUSIVE BOOKS.

THE MEETING

Wendy: We met at work in January 2018. I remember seeing this short person whom I instantly liked. The first time I laid eyes on Lorraine, I knew I was in love — I fell in love with a stranger, even though I was still married to my ex-husband. I had this feeling about Lorraine that I couldn’t explain and I thank God it’s still there six years later.

Lorraine: I wasn’t looking at Wendy like that — I wasn’t even aware that she was eyeing me. When she confessed her love, I didn’t buy it. I didn’t believe what she was telling me because I too was in a relationship.

DATING LIFE

Wendy: After we had worked together on a project, Lorraine had to go back to her base. The first week, I felt like I was missing an element in my life. I then asked her to meet me for lunch. That night, I sent her a text telling her how I felt. Lorraine was so shocked, but I didn’t expect her to do anything about it. The unfortunate part was that she and I had to work closely again. On 15 March 2018, we started dating in secret. Two months later I moved out of my marriage home.

Lorraine: It wasn’t easy dating Wendy because I had to lie to my partner about having to do overtime at work. Wendy and I went about secretly dating for two-and-a-half years, until I called it quits with my ex. I was depressed because of work and my relationship was toxic. I realised that I should be with someone who loves and respects me. The separation was easy, we didn’t fight — I wasn’t aware that my ex was also unhappy in our relationship.

THE PROPOSAL

Lorraine: Wendy decided to propose to me on my birthday in August 2021 — clearly, I was taking too long to pop the question. We went to Cape Town and she took me out to dinner. Little did I know she had organised with the manager and waiters at the restaurant to hide the ring in one of the dishes. I wasn’t feeling

The one with the steamy affair

text : MASEGO SEEMELA

well and wanted to go back to our hotel room, but she insisted I eat my dessert. I didn’t want to disappoint her and dug in… As I looked at my plate I saw “Will you marry me?” written on it. Things immediately got tense because I wanted to be the one to ask her. I was also trying to heal from my previous relationship. I then declined her proposal and felt super bad. Going back to the hotel was awkward; even my friends told me I was wrong. I apologised and then, as time went by, I got the strength to propose to her. It was on 25 December 2021.

Wendy: Lorraine’s proposal was different from mine. I remember not getting anything from Lorraine when we were exchanging gifts at my friend’s place in December, but I was okay with that. My friend then told me that Lorraine was calling me to come inside. I saw her standing with a ring in her hand, but she didn’t kneel. She yelled “Surprise” and then gave me the ring. I gave it back to her to put on my ring finger.

LOBOLA NEGOTIATIONS

Wendy: Lorraine decided she was sending her uncle. It was very tricky for both families because it was their first time experiencing something like this. The one family was saying “This one needs to pay for lobola” while the other felt the same. Then Lorraine said she wanted me to be her wife and that settled the whole debate. They came and paid lobola and I never paid. I couldn’t care less what some of my family members said. Some thought I was going through a phase because of my divorce, but I told them the only time I’d gone through a phase was when I’d acted straight and got married to a man. I’d been hiding my sexuality just to please my parents. I was even prepared to go to

This isn’t an episode of Friends; it’s Wendy and Lorraine Montsho’s love story

Home Affairs if my parents weren’t planning on giving me their blessing. I am not bisexual; I was just in the closet, hiding who I am.

THE WHITE WEDDING

Wendy: Our plan was to get married in 2023 but because of the type of wedding we wanted, we had to wait until March this year. We had an all-black wedding at Ayana Country Lodge in De Deur, Vaal. We had it at night and it looked like something from a romantic movie. I was so happy that day, especially when I walked down the aisle seeing that beautiful set-up — I had butterflies in my stomach when I saw who was standing at the altar. As talkative as I am, I was lost for words the whole time. Lorraine, who’s the introvert, had more of a great time. I could tell that she, too, wanted this marriage and I wasn’t forcing her.

Lorraine: Our wedding day turned out quite amazing, even though the catering company we hired disappointed us and didn’t give us what we’d expected. I was happy to see all our loved ones together, celebrating us on our special day.

THE WEDDING DRESS

Wendy: It was made by Let’s Tailor by Amos Sithole. I was very specific about what I wanted. I chose a plain, elegant design because of my height. It was silk. I had three dresses in total.

THE SUIT

Lorraine: I went with a sharp black suit, also tailored by Amos. I wanted it to be different from those of the groomsmen. I had two — one for the reception and the other for the ceremony. However, the showstoppers were my shoes: everyone kept talking about how dope they looked.

FUNNY

GIRL

SIVE MABUYA SHOWS OFF HER COMEDY CRED IN THE NETFLIX ROMCOM HOW TO RUIN LOVE: THE PROPOSAL

Here at SMag we love a fearless career shift, and starlet Sive Mabuya does exactly that with her comedic turn in her first Netflix series as a lead in How to Ruin Love: The Proposal.

Renowned for her dramatic roles in Scandal!, Shaka iLembe, and The Hot Zone, Mabuya shows off her range in the four-part romantic comedy currently streaming on Netflix. Here are three reasons why we can’t get enough of Mabuya as Zoleka Dzana:

Mjolo is showing her flames

Days before her three-year anniversary on V-Day, super paranoid and cynical about love, Zoleka decides her hunky boyfriend, Kagiso Phatudi (Bohang Moeko), must be cheating on her. What does gal decide to do, ke sana? Catch him in the act, of course. This leads to a disastrous break-up on the beach, eish!

Zoleka will always be famous

Zoleka Dzana is an It-girl and we love to see it. She is the star of fictional SA telenovela Savage Seductions. No wonder she is such a drama queen. Did we mention that gal hit jackpot with Kagiso? Kagiso happens to be monied. He is a successful businessman thanks to his flourishing alcohol delivery app. Kagiso’s family is also obsessed with Zoleka because she’s in their fave TV show. What more could a girl want?

When all fails, call a family meeting

When Zoleka realises she has screwed up, she calls a family meeting with the elders to help her rekindle her love. Smart, girlie! Expect a starstudded cast, including Marjorie Langa, John Morapama, Dumisani Mbebe, Tina Jaxa, Noxolo Dlamini, Nefisa Mkhabela, Mapaseka Koetle, S’dumo Mtshali, and Shoki Mmola. What’s even

better is that the series is helmed by Burnt Onion Productions’ Tshepo, Rethabile, and and Katleho Ramaphakela, responsible for the hilarious How To Ruin Christmas festive franchise.

Head to sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/ for an exclusive interview with Mabuya about her career shift.

YOUNGINS FOREVER

PRIDE LOOKS TO TRY WHETHER IT’S YOUR FIRST TIME ATTENDING PRIDE OR YOU’RE A SEASONED ATTENDEE, HERE ARE SOME STANDOUT MAKEUP LOOKS FOR THE NOVICE, THE STATEMENTMAKER, AND EVERYONE INBETWEEN

1. For the novice:

Stoned gaze Yes, you read that right, but it’s not what you think — we’re talking sparkling rhinestones, and lots of them! As someone new to Pride or even makeup, it can be daunting to express yourself this way. Pride looks can be quite extravagant, so if you want something more understated but that still has visual impact, try dabbling in rhinestones around the eyes paired with fresh, healthylooking skin. Take your inspiration from rapper Kid Cudi as seen at the Met Gala and dot rhinestones of varying sizes across the eyelid, inner and outer corners, and undereye area. Prep by applying eye cream to eliminate any dryness, followed by an eyeshadow primer to cancel out oiliness and allow product to adhere better.

Tip: Always finish off by grooming the brows to frame the eyes.

To quote beloved drag-queen superstar RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else! Can I get an amen?” Amen indeed, because isn’t that the very essence of pride — expressing love for your most authentic self and sharing it with others? As Pride month begins globally, we celebrate Youth month locally and eagerly await the Pride parades due to take place in Joburg in October, where LGBTQI+ communities will continue to spread the message of joy, creativity, love, and authenticity. Now is not the time to be demure, so step outside your comfort zone, experiment with makeup and hair, and switch up your grooming routine.

LOUD & PROUD

DON’T BE A SHRINKING VIOLET THIS PRIDE MONTH; EXPRESS YOURSELF AND SAY IT WITH YOUR CHEST

2.

For the intermediate: Rocker glam Not quite a newbie but not yet at MUA status? If you want to dazzle at Pride this year but need a bit of wiggle room when it comes to your skillset, put your trust in the rock-glam look. Its beauty lies in its not always being perfect, giving way to the occasional smudged-up, smoked-out finish. Take your cue from actor Billy Porter and go for a graphic negative-space winged-liner look, using black eye kohl to line the upper lash line, extending to the outer corner and along the eye crease, and finishing off with lots of silver or gold glitter packed onto the centre of the lids. Not the best graphic-liner artist? Go the smudged-up smoky route by blending a black eyeshadow over the entire eyelid, ending at the eye crease and along the lower lash line. Finish off by tapping some glitter or metallic-shimmer shadow onto the centre of the eyelid.

Tip: Substitute the metallic accent colour with a bright shade in a shimmer finish to switch your look to rainbow glam.

text : NOKUBONGA THUSI

3.

For the pro: Brow art This is for the seasoned professionals who really love to stand out at Pride. Take your cue from singer and actor Kyle Ramar Freeman and go for larger-than-life, sparkling, artistic brows that will provide the perfect complement to a full-face beat. Whether you go for rhinestones, glitter, holographic stickers or fabric appliqué, this is your playground, so don’t be shy. First, block out your natural brows with glue stick, concealer, and translucent powder, so they don’t distract from the brow art. This will also give you more eye real estate to play with. Ensure that you use a good eyelash adhesive to stick down your design.

4.

Try: For the best results, before sticking down anything, map out your desired design using a light, neutral eye pencil that will be easy to erase or stick over without

For the extra: Acrylic drama A fearless risk taker who enjoys being extra and a little shock value, this person views Pride month as their runway. If you love to push boundaries, try rocking a set of super-long acrylic tips that would make Cardi B weep. At this year’s Met Gala, musician Lil Nas X kept things light and angelic, dressed in all-white, complete with platinum-blond hair, but paired it with long, silver, bejewelled nails that took a seemingly simple ensemble to the next level. If you want to try acrylics for the whole month, book an appointment with a nail tech to get them professionally done. Only want to sport the look for the day? Go for press-on nails that you can take off after a day or two.

5. Hair: Technicolour

buzz Buzz cuts are still having a major moment, so lean into the trend but add a twist for Pride by going for electric colourways that will stand out in the crowd. Skip the usual copper, brown, or blond and go for vibrant colours of the rainbow, as seen at Jordanluca, such as blue, purple, pink, orange, and even green, or opt for artistic designs that incorporate powerful, positive Pride messaging that will create visual interest and, well, a buzz.

6. Hair: Ornate braids If you’re a fan of braids, cornrows or dreadlocks, dress up this staple with ornate hair clips, clasps, and accessories in metallic finishes. Take inspiration from the Balmain Homme runway, where models sported cornrowed styles that featured silver hair cuffs along the crown as well as along the face, framing braided pieces.

Tip: Get the best of both worlds and ask a nail tech to create customised press-on nails.

R500

Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in Black Card, R565 3. Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Clear, R550 4. Revlon ColorStay Flex Wear Full Cover Concealer in Caramel 10ml, R230 5. Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil 150ml, R455 6. Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Restorative Skin Concentrate 30ml, R1 200

MAC Dazzleshadow

LEBOHANG LEPHATSOANA

Cover Man: Lebohang

Lephatsoana: U-Themba Zulu warrior suit, R16 000, Imprint

Thabile Tau: U-Sipho pleated suit, R14 600, Imprint

This page:

U-Themba Zulu warrior suit, R16 000, Imprint; Strutter silver boots, R3 499, Steve Madden

Opposite page: Gema drop earrings, R6 500; Gema necklace, R9 000, both Swarovski; printed jacket, R13 200; printed tracksuit bottoms, R15 100, both MaXhosa; H&M chunky heeled boots, R529, Superbalist

text : EMMANUEL TJIYA

he

Tpopularity of “mogwera” — the Sepedi word for friend — in the pop-culture lexicon has been goated. We have to thank the unapologetically fem gay character Tumelo in Youngins, portrayed by the equally sassy Lebohang Lephatsoana.

“I identify as gay; my pronouns are he/him. I’m that boy from the Vaal. I get so mad when people call me moghel [slang for girl],” he says, finger snaps, hair flip, and oh yas!

Five days before my sit-down with the Sebokeng-born breakout star, the reach of the word in everyday speech since the show’s premiere becomes apparent. I’m chatting to a friend — a Xhosa mother of two in her early 40s — on WhatsApp when she, for the first time, calls me “mogwera”.

“I like how Tumelo in Youngins says mogwera — it sounds so exotic. I didn’t know the word before. I know mokgotsi and tsala, which I’ve come to learn are Sotho and Tswana,” she offers in an unsolicited explanation about her discovery. My response? “Screaming! You are finishing me.”

When I show the 23-year-old actor the WhatsApp conversation, he seems chuffed as he sips Chateau Del Rei from a champagne flute.

On the show, the phrase has come to define the bromance between Tumelo and his highschool BFF Mahlatse, played by the always sublime Thabiso Ramotshela.

THE YOUNGINS NEWBIE IS THE PICTURE OF A MODERN LEADING MAN

photography : THEMBA MOKASE

production : YOLISWA MYALUZA

“At the audition he was reserved; I didn’t even think he would get cast,” Lephatsoana says. “But as soon as we started getting into the script we clicked. He’s very funny and wonderful. The fact that we have made this friendship come to life on-screen is no small feat.”

I’m surprised to learn that “mogwera” was improvised by the two actors and not scripted.

“In the script there was a lot of ‘friend’ and ‘chomi’. Then he [Ramotshela] told me that his mom and his friends call each other ‘mogwera’,” Lephatsoana recounts. “So, during the scene I was like, ‘mogwera’ and he was like, ‘Oh, are we there? Let’s go.’ It just took off and became our signature. Now, I’m even remixing it.”

Lephatsoana is still coming to terms with his newfound fame — for instance, he still uses public transport. This is no surprise, since a year ago he was just a performance-art student at The Market Theatre Laboratory. He remembers skipping class late last year to audition for the role.

“I won’t say this is the role I was waiting for. I knew that I would get into the industry

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playing a school kid. But I didn’t think that it would be me reliving my high-school life or getting a gay character or even playing a lead,” he says happily. “I remember at the meet and greet, Phathu [Makwarela, the show’s creator] told us that we were about to get big, but I took it lightly. This is insane.”

He went through two auditions and his whole life changed, although it didn’t immediately click when they started shooting last November.

“When I was prepping for the audition, my friends told me this was my role. Even my agent, who accompanied us because a few of us from his agency were auditioning for different characters, was like, ‘My boy, this is huge,’” he says. “I remember I had this other audition before I got Youngins and they asked me if I had the stamina to play a lead. I asked, ‘What does it take to play a lead?’ They explained that you are at work every day, working long hours. Coming from a theatre background, I’m used to working long hours. So, the work ethic, discipline, and professionalism were already there.”

Through Tumelo and his onscreen love interest Sefako (Tabile Tau), Youngins captures parts of adolescent queerness not seen before on local TV. Lephatsoana, the youngest of two children, takes pride in being at the forefront of the conversation.

“In my personal journey, it didn’t take a lot for me to be proud of myself because my parents were always there for me,” he says. “I never want any member of the LGBTQI+ community to feel that in this journey they don’t have support and are alone; that’s not nice. But as much as you are proud, you have to grow a thick skin and take the insults that people throw at you. I feel that, with Tumelo’s story, people get to see that young gay boys become vulnerable in the name of love, even if it’s toxic. As much as Sefako is uncomfortable with his sexuality and treats Tumelo like sh*t in the presence of others, when they are together it’s a safe space. It’s ok to be proud and vulnerable at the same time.”

Lephatsoana highlights that the world still has a long way to go — beyond tolerance, there needs to be acceptance, understanding, and appreciation of the LGBTQI+ community.

“We are proud and unapologetic about who we are, but sometimes it still gets to me,” he confesses. “When I get home, I’m just glad that God and my ancestors protected me and ensured I got home safe and alive because things can escalate fast, from name calling to something more dangerous.”

Not one to hide behind political correctness, Lephatsoana admits that in the beginning he was nervous about filming the saucy love scenes with Tau.

“When we started, I told myself, ‘Lebohang, you are trained to be a professional actor and everything that happens here must be professional,’” he says. “For the first time, I kissed a boy and wasn’t aroused. I patted myself on the back for having the discipline, because he’s also this hot actor. Separating myself from Tumelo was very important. But now that we have grown together, it’s more relaxed.”

Now that the world is watching, the sky is the limit for Lephatsoana, and he wants to do it all — presenting, singing, dancing, and photography.

YOUNGINS HEARTTHROB TABILE TAU ON FAME, IDENTITY, SEXUALITY, AND LOVE

’’H

do you feel about kissing a guy?” It took Tabile Tau about 10 minutes before he gave his agent a resounding “Yes!” to the question of whether he wanted to play closeted soccer player Sefako in Youngins. First day on set, the 25-year-old actor was already locking lips with co-star Lebohang Lephatsoana (Tumelo). Their onscreen gay teen romance on the Showmax YA series is the year’s most daring love story, capturing TV viewers and changing the world for the better.

Tau identifies as straight, but that hasn’t mattered — he got the job, and he aced it. So much so that he’s being asked about his sexuality on social media at every turn (he doesn’t mind) when he’s not receiving NSFW content (which he does mind) in his direct messages from both women and men.

He is also in a committed relationship with a woman; madly in love, at that — “Baby, I want you to know that I love you, sofa silahlane [until death do us part],” Tau proclaims when the spotlight falls on his love life.

U-Sipho pleated suit, R14 600, Imprint; H&M chunky heeled boots, R529, Superbalist

Previous page:

Straw beret, R1 650, Crystal Birch; Millenia necklace, R9 000, Swarovski; turtleneck, POR, David Tlale; Curiosa cocktail ring, R7 000, Swarovski

But, make no mistake about it, Tau is not complaining about his newfound fame: this is every actor’s dream, he says. He notes that he is now so popular that he’s part of two viral search bars on TikTok: “Sefako Youngins” and “Tumelo and Sefako”.

He is also enjoying being on the set of his SMag cover shoot, saying that this is the life he always envisioned for himself. He, of course, photographs like a dream. Tau eats up his solo moment in front of the lens, so much so that when Lephatsoana follows, he admits he’s intimidated about topping that. Forget Zoolander’s caricature “Blue Steel” poses, Tau truly understand his modelling angles, and his body movements and flexibility are on point — watch out Denetric Malope. His “triangle of sadness” is serving moody and cheerful at will. There is a moment he’s wearing an oversized pinkie ring and he kisses it like a kingpin in a Hollywood mobster film — the camera loves it.

“I love wearing our local luxury brands — David Tlale, MaXhosa, Imprint — and

showing that, as South Africans, we have these local brands that can compete with European ones,” he later tells me.

The biggest surprise reaction to his casting came from his parents when Tau broke the news to them, especially his father, whom he describes as a traditional African man.

“He said to me, ‘Ijob ijob, mntwana wam’ [a job is a job, my child],” he remembers.

Born and bred in Cape Town, Tau is the second-born of four boys. His mother is a teacher and his father an administrator at Sassa. He studies performance at Afda.

“I grew up soft. We weren’t rich, but I could get anything I wanted whenever I wanted. My parents never made me feel like we didn’t have enough,” Tau says. “It was beautiful growing up because my mom encouraged me to do all these things based on how hyperactive I was, and I used to mimic Sarafina and The Lion King.”

Tau explains how his late friend and actor Thapelo Maropefela influenced his decision to accept the role from the other side.

“I had this internal conversation with Thapelo and I just asked him, ‘What do you think I should do?’ Knowing him as someone who liked to jump out of his comfort zone, he would have said, ‘Go for it, you might reap the most benefits out of it.’ Ten minutes later I was like, ‘F*ck it, let’s do it,’” Tau says. “First day on set, I was kissing my boy Lebo. Then I figured I’m truly a professional, I can separate my craft from who I am. That’s how I have been looking at it, but you know the assumptions and speculations about my sexuality. The reception has been amazing. As much as we do it [acting] because we love it and the work, you do want to delve into a bit of fame. I’m enjoying it because it now means all eyes are on me for the work I do. It shows me that I’m on the right track and it’s a good feeling. People are telling me that I have the potential to be one of the best to come out of this country.”

Maropefela, known for his role in The Kingdom, died in 2021 on the eve of his 25th birthday. “May his soul rest in peace… I dreamt of sparring with him on a set, but unfortunately that didn’t come to pass. The last time we worked together was at school; we would have made moves in this industry.”

In recent years, straight actors such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Nicholas Galitzine have had to defend their

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Men’s cover: Tabile Tau: Straw beret, R1 650, Crystal Birch; Millenia necklace, R9 000, Swarovski; turtleneck, POR, David Tlale; Curiosa cocktail ring, R7 000, Swarovski; silk trousers, POR, David Tlale

Lebohang Lephatsoana: Straw beret, R1 750, Crystal Birch; Gema drop earrings, R6 500; Gema necklace, R9 000, both Swarovski; abstract printed top, POR; abstract printed shorts, POR, both David Tlale

Stockists

Crystal Birch therealcrystalbirch.com

David Tlale davidtlale.com

Desigual desi-sa.co.za

Imprint imprintza.com

MaXhosa maxhosa.africa

Mr Price mrp.co.za

Steve Madden stevemadden.co.za

Superbalist superbalist.com

Swarovski swarovski.com

portrayal of gay characters amid accusations of queerbaiting and being “gay for pay”. Tau does not shy away from weighing in on the debate about queer representation.

“If I play a murderer, am I a murderer in real life? If you say no, then it ends that conversation,” he replies. “You don’t have to be queer to play queer. It’s a craft, it’s acting, you don’t just go there and read lines. You embody parts of yourself and your essence into the lines to deliver a performance. In accepting the character, I knew a lot of people were going to make assumptions about my sexuality. I was mentally prepared for it.”

This is hardly Tau’s first taste of the limelight. His breakout role came when he was cast as Bonga in the SABC 1 daily drama Generations: The Legacy in 2020.

“That was an overwhelming experience. It’s that one show you tell everyone, ‘Guys, one day I’m going to be on Generations,’” he says. “Nobody takes it seriously that you are going to be an actor and then, boom, you are on Generations. Just the reaction from my family members, it was like we’d won the World Cup. Seeing myself on screen for the first time, I was in tears because it was a life-long dream to be on Generations.”

He has also landed roles on The Station, Goodbye Gogo, and Grootboom & Sons.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

EZOKHETHO FASHION DESIGNER MPUMELELO DHLAMINI CARVES A NEW JOURNEY INTO THE CULINARY WORLD, INSPIRED BY HIS LATE DAD

MMpumelelo Dhlamini is running an hour late when he calls me to help him unpack crockery, cooking utensils, and groceries from his car. Based in Naturena, in the south of Joburg, Dhlamini has driven all the way to Midrand for his debut food-magazine feature on an early Sunday morning.

The Breadbox Bakery & Studio in the Carlswald Décor Centre is the perfect locale, with owner Matlhogonolo Ledwaba there for moral support — the magic’s all in the kitchen. Here, the hurried atmosphere of the morning melts away with the first sizzle of caramelised onions. Before long we find ourselves in a comfortable cooking rhythm. I’m assigned chopping-board duties, dicing onions and spinach.

“My dad was a simple man,” says Dhlamini as he peers into the oven to check on the chicken bake. “You could do your ‘tra-la-la’ in cooking, but when it came down to it, he was a traditional man. He loved chicken stew and dumplings.”

The 32-year-old fashion designer began his food journey at the age of four under the guidance of his aunts and his mother, Ntombizonke. He recalls how he shared his passion for cooking with his late father, Chris.

“Around Christmas time I would make these beef pies with sourdough pastry, which he loved so much,” he remembers. “He also loved sweet treats, and his favourites were vanillaand-blueberry muffins. He’d go buy the muffin premix and leave it on the kitchen counter and not say anything. But my mom and I’d already know he was craving them,” he says, smiling.

In 2021, Dhlamini lost his father after a longterm illness. “The food I cook carries memories of him. Making home-cooked meals such as beef stew, dumplings, and traditional food reminds me of him,” he says.

For our Father’s Day-themed Sunday lunch, Dhlamini has lined up braised beef stew with seasonal roast vegetables and fragrant spices. Then there is a spicy-mayonnaise-marinated chicken bake with plain yoghurt and cherry tomatoes. Dombolo [steamed dumplings], spinach, and mushroom wild rice complete the menu.

“I always put my own twist into everything I do. I believe in order to nail cooking you have to cook from the heart and make it your own,” he says.

Cooking has always been a creative outlet for Dhlamini, in addition to his contemporary African luxury fashion brand Ezokhetho. In his time of grief, cooking became part of his healing journey. “Cooking is my therapy. I am a fashion designer by trade, it’s my job. Food is my

BAKED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

• 8-10 chicken pieces

• 200g cherry tomatoes

• 2 tsp Texan spice

• 2 tsp chicken spice

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp mixed herbs

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1 tsp brown-onion soup-powder mix

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup double-cream plain yogurt

METHOD

1. Place the chicken and tomatoes in a bowl.

2. Add all the spices, along with the yoghurt and the mayonnaise, and mix.

3. Let it marinate for anything from half an hour to overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 200 deg C.

5. Bake chicken for 35-45 minutes.

6. Pour remaining liquid over the chicken 30 minutes into the cooking time, turning the chicken from time to time until it’s golden brown on both sides.

7. Serve with savoury fried rice.

(For the other recipes, see sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/ )

escape. When I’m done and I present the meal to you, you take it or leave it. It’s my own thing.”

Determined to soak in every moment of the experience, Dhlamini came armed with his tripod stand and phone setup, ready for any angle. “I’ll post the contents on Umpheko after the issue is published,” he says.

Umpheko is the social-media page that Dhlamini began after his father’s death. Three years on, the page has an impressive Instagram and TikTok following. “I wanted a name that speaks to who I am as a proud Zulu person — something that was unique, playful, and easy.”

Easy-to-follow recipes come alive on the vibrantly curated page, stirring the tastebuds and awakening the foodie within us all. The page is a tribute to both his late father and his aunt Gqibe Radebe.

“What I enjoy is laying out the dish, taking pictures from exciting angles, and making it look natural and appetising,” he says as he begins plating, waving the exaggerated sleeve of his black-striped, toffee-brown coat. “Hawu, I need to look good for my close-up,” he quips.

“The more I settle into my thirties, [the more] I understand the kind of man my father was. He was a person driven by value — to value yourself and people’s time, which I am working on...”

MPHAHLELE RYAN

The long-distance athlete (25) from Tembisa aims for gold at the Paris Olympics

text : PALESA BUYEYE

WHEN I GOT THE CALL

These are my first Olympics and I might be downplaying it, but I don’t feel as though it is anything special. Which is weird.

As an athlete, when you get to the stage of competing at such a high level you aren’t resting on your laurels — there is constantly

It’s a one-time opportunity that comes every four years, so I will be cheating my true self if I’m in the finals and say I’m not going for gold. I believe in auctioning the gold medal, though, and donating [the proceeds] to people in need, especially youth. I think that’s more useful and valuable than keeping the gold medal, which just ends up collecting dust anyway.

PREPARING FOR THE OLYMPICS

My focus is on running the race I have to run right now. We are currently competing in the Diamond League and travelling across Europe.

When I get back, I will start training again, but it won’t be specifically for the Olympics. It will be to keep healthy — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The Olympics are just another competition — afterwards I will be competing again. It’s about staying ready so you don’t have to get ready. I work very hard in the off-season so I can afford to relax in season.

LESSONS LEARNT

I look at every win or loss as a lesson. I have also learnt that it isn’t necessarily about how fast you run but about beating the other guys. I’m learning the importance of being competitive, which is hard because it requires me to step out of myself.

I have also learnt the importance of staying true to yourself and your beliefs.

I wouldn’t mind retiring tomorrow if I had enough in the bank and I am honest about that.

DREAMS COME TRUE

I remember pointing at the TV as a kid, thinking to myself that I should be there one day, and now I am competing alongside some of those people.

I’ve realised that everybody is just a normal human being. No one is the superhero they think they are, they are human like you.

A lot goes into understanding how different people live around the world. You’re out of your comfort zone and there is a barrier and you need to learn how to communicate with different people through it. There is also a level of being submissive, even though you’re a big athlete, because you are not at home.

CHALLENGES ATHLETES FACE

Being underprivileged is the biggest struggle many athletes face. When you are still grinding and trying to get to the world stage you only have a few helping hands, and when you start doing better those helping hands start to increase. It is funny because when you begin doing better, like I am right now, you actually don’t need that many helping hands in comparison to kids who are still at the bottom.

a bigger challenge. There is always something else you’re gunning for.

THE PEOPLE’S RUNNER

At the Olympics, there’s a first round, semi-finals, and finals. When I get to the finals, I’ll be able to say with conviction that I’m going for gold.

I am still a student at the University of Johannesburg; I hang out with my old friends who have different lifestyles to mine and it doesn’t faze me. It is about not allowing what is happening around you to be part of you.

CHING-CHING MONEY TREE

As an adult, I want to make money, nothing more. If I could find something else from which to make money, like becoming an accountant, I would do that. (laughs) Running is a career like any other.

I find that a lot of talent is being wasted because not a lot of people help them in the beginning with even the basics such as training shoes, food, or a better living environment. I’m not the exception — a lot of athletes from different sports have done it and have probably been in worse situations, but it’s an unnecessary challenge.

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

I always believed I would go far but, when I look back, I am shocked to realise that what I envisioned for myself is happening.

My parents were very strict, they never condoned drinking, smoking or any of the things a lot of my friends did, and it paid off.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

HANGING OUT WITH