Youth Magazine by Youngfunfree

EDITORS LETTER I‟ve always wanted to do something like this, creating a platform for young people to share their views, create content and express themselves freely. But I am not going to lie, I‟m also a member of the procrastination-nation, so getting started just took a little bit longer. But finally we started; we here and you get to turn the pages.

There is an infinite spectrum to finding

Gosh I feel like I‟m on the stage, giving a speech after winning the Oscar, ha-ha. But I really just want to say thank you. Thank you and respect to every contributor who played a role in making this happen, one way or another. Respect to the featured young people who trusted us enough to have us publish their content, regardless of them never hearing about us before. Respect to everyone who shared the links with friends and family and respect to you, for taking the time out of your day to read this. Each and every one of you are important, valued and appreciated. -Gloria.G

could mean prayer, yoga, candle-

I know nothing about doomsday, the

return of the Gods, or anything about an underground Muchachoes‟. I am just a

what you believe in God, a multiverse, water in a bottle – belief with spirituality

brings all of these together as one entity to serve the purpose of preserving your state of mind. Worshipping in the name of your belief

making, whatever practice makes you happy and keeps you healthy. Have patience and reject prejudice.

NB!!! Happiness + Health = Peace Spirituality is finding the eye within a storm, a storm within yourself, and letting that calmness crash against your organs in ripples and tiny waves of quiet and stillness till your every nerve reaches a beautiful state of serenity, and you have become the eye in your storm. It is difficult, it is personal, it is lonely but it is necessary and eternal. Find it, and protect it.

young person caught up in a third world country going through the strangest time

Peace be within you and yours #Keep

in my twenty-something years of life. A

Safe.

person who knows that now, now is the time to really work at establishing peace within yourself and your heart – I mean, with all the uncertainty going around, there's a high chance we more likely to die from depression and anxiety before the virus! Hear me out, there is no quick fix to securing your peace and running from In

this pit of darkness, but connecting with your spirituality is a great start.

-Ruekieblue

Editors latter

Contents 5

Entertainment

Artical

Photo series

Convos

Artical

DIY

#PillowChallenge

Interview

Artical

Food

Fashion

Artical

Interview

Poem

Skin

Colouring

Who? What? Where?

Quarantine clothing trends like tie-dye outfits and sweats thrived on our feeds during the lockdown period. Many chose comfy clothing like sweatpants, oversized tees and warm slippers as their COVID-19 uniforms.

Klapâ&#x20AC;&#x;s were dished out on this seasons

Keeping up with the Kardashians as fights between sisters, Kourtney and Kimberly shook all social media platforms. This altercation started from a statement made by Kim towards her sister but ended up with Khloe being on the fence.

The party never stopped even in these #StayHome times, all thanks to the virtual lockdown house party.

Our South African DJâ&#x20AC;&#x;s have been keeping us entertained by supplying us with the greatest hits of all time, from old school RnB straight to the Amapiano hits of today.

Who? What? Where?

The parents who love you but won‟t hesitate to put you in your place whenever you step out of line, otherwise known as Black Twitter SA. Black Twitter came after most celebs during this lockdown period like DJ Shimza who snubbed DJ Ceega wa Meropa and Simphiwe Dana who called SA men „gold diggers‟.

Tik Tok managed to take the spirit of boredom, depression and anxiety out of our systems by keeping people connected through dance, music and hilarious jokes. The world has come together to create the most epic videos to keep themselves and those around them entertained.

Amalarathna Zandile Dlamini aka Doja Cat, opened up to Whoopi Goldberg about never meeting her South African father, Dumisani. The clip about the two chatting was shared widely on social media. Dumisan then hit back at the claims made by his daughter and claimed that he had been trying to get in touch with her for years now but her management would not put him through to her. Dumisani played along Whoopi in „SARAFINA!”.

Leadership

OUR PRESIDENT IS THE BEST! SO IS OUR COUNTRY. On April 23rd, Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after he had finished his live address with millions of South Africans watching from home, he looked directly into the camera, nodded, took a short step back and brought the mask to his face.

The next day, Cyril himself responded to all the laughter and memes about the mask mishap on national TV. Ramaphosa said he will be starting a channel of his own, to teach people how to wear masks as he, himself laughed.

However, his demonstration did not go as planned as he seemed to be having a battle with the mask and stumbled while putting it on.

The whole situation gained traction and even the World Health Organization praised south Africa for doing a great job thus far of curbing the spread of the virus.

Instead of the mask covering his nose and mouth, it ended up covering his eyes. This had South Africans in stitches and with the stitches came the memes. These memes flooded all social platforms and the creation of the mask challenge was born as many joked about having done it wrong this whole time. The jokes and laughter was all in the name of good fun though.

Days might be dark but a little bit of laughter never hurt anybody. Showing that even in the toughest of times, we never lose our humour and that is probably one thing that really brings us together as a nation, our laughter.

CATEGORY: Linen for daysss! SA came to the party and fun was had as celebs and members of the public joined in on the #PillowChallenge.

Runway worthy looks were surved with accessories to match. Here are a few of our favâ&#x20AC;&#x;s.

By Akhona.N

WE ARE ONE

The one world: together at home, live virtual concert courtesy of the world health organization partnering with global citizen was nothing short of amazing. The digital concert was created to support and celebrate the health workers who are in the frontlines, responding to this pandemic worldwide as well as bringing people together who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to take meaningful actions to protect health and support the global response to COVID-19.

This concert was definitely enjoyed worldwide as everyone engaged through the different social platforms. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x;t have asked for it in any other way. Music definitely has a way of bringing people together even in isolation.

This historic programme included performances by world health experts and health workers, sharing their stories from all over the world. Performances and messages of comfort from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x;s top artists and comedians came flooding in. The artists who broadcasted include the likes of Lady Gaga, Elton John, Lizzo, Burna Boy and our very own Sho Madjozi and Caspper Nyovest, just to name a few. This historical digital broadcast also contributed approximately 128 million dollars to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic with proceeds going towards vaccine developments and the Solidarity Response Fund.

THE COW MOOS Faux cow skin is in to keep you warm and fashionable this season.

WARM IN COLOUR Colourful knit-wear is doing the rounds.

POPING IN POPLIN

If you looking for something airy, crisp

and versatile, look no farther than the Poplin dress. This dress, with its Puffer-Sleeves are an instant hit.

Versatile enough to rock at any occasion.

PLATFORM BOOTS I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a ballerâ&#x20AC;¦ these boots will add that extra inch or two of high while adding 100% style to your look.

MASK ON The Corona Virus outbreak makes it mandatory for all to wear face masks whenever leaving the comfort of your home. Here are some masks that emphases how you can stay protected and looking fly in one go.

MALEA Young people are taking over the fashion industry with their fresh ideas, trendy street wear culture and amazing conceptual ideas. We got to chatting to Titler Phashion. A designer, stylist, tailor and one of the people behind the street wear brand MALEA. Here is what he had to say about building a brand and following your dreams.

Q: How did your love for fashion design start?

A: my love for fashion started in grade 9, after I became friends with the most influential fashionistas in school. From there, I started with hand sewing, and then started painting caps and t-shirts in that same year. Q: What inspires your designs? A: My designs are personally inspired by nature. I use shades of green for my personal garments but for my brand, I always look at what is currently trending and try to create a similar pattern with more detail for my target market. Q: We know that the design process can sometimes be extremely stressful. How do you deal with the stress? A: I mostly get extraordinary designs when I‟m in my own space and sometimes when I see the fabric that I like.

Q: Where to from here? What are the goals, not only for the brand but for you as a designer? A: The goal of the brand is to be one of the top 10 hottest brands in the world. As for me, I want to own a boutique and be well known across the globe for my fashion sense. I always say “I‟m Titler Phashion and I am passionate about fashion”. I promised myself that I‟ll make clothes until the cloths make money.

Q: What is the one thing people are always surprised to learn about you? A: People are always surprised by my energy and the way I think. They always think I‟m crazy.

Q: Tell us about your brand. A: My brand is MALEA, meaning “expect more”. MALEA designs always get people talking. MALEA is a DOPE brand.

Q: What are your top tips for someone hoping to build their own brand? A: Have passion, never loss hope and always fight for your way in.

Q: Name three people who inspire you and why? A: Kanya West. He inspires me because he is that one artist that never lost hope and he always acts on what his mind tells him. I love the colour choice of his brand Yeezy. He created a vision and lived by it.

Instagram and Facebook @Titler_phasion Instagram and Facebook@ Malea_hof

Virgil Abloh. What I like about Virgil is that he showed us that it is possible to get to the top of the fashion industry. His running one of the most wanted and most expensive brands in the world “off-white”. This is a new brand that is conquering and fighting at the top with brands like Versace, Gucci and Dior, just to name a few. On top of that, he was hired as the male creative director of Luis Vuitton. That is success!

-Somizi Mhlongo. He is free. He loves fashion and he is wealthy. Fashion sets me free and I want to come out of the fashion industry being extremely wealthy.

Q: Finish this sentence, “the future of fashion is …” A: In the past. The future of fashion is a never ending cycle of style and patterns. All we do is sauce it up with creativity.

Titler is truly a young person, making moves to try and make his dreams a success. It really is inspiring to see young people go after what they want with so much passion and drive. Reminding us that we are the creators of our own future. You have the knowledge to build, now find out how you can get the bricks.

SKIN CARE

Is your skin playing tricks on you with the constant breakouts, blocked pores and oily texture? Well here are some easy to use face masks with most ingredients coming straight out the kitchen. These masks will have you stunting out of quarantine like a boss with an amazing glow.

MORE COFFEE PLEASE

Coffee does what needs to be done for the skin to flourish. Take one tablespoon of coffee powder and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Mix it well and apply it to your face. Wash it off after 10 minutes. This mask helps get rid of those stubborn acne scars, hydrates the skin and reduces puffiness.

RIPE BANANA

Mash a ripe banana and mix it with a little bit of honey. Apply it on your face and wash off after15 minutes. This mask will leave you with glowing skin. NB: People with oily skin should avoid this one.

The Epoch Glacial Marine Mud Mask This is an easy to use facial mask that helps clear blackheads, draws out impurities from the pores and cleanses, leaving the skin feeling softer, smoother and toned.

LEMON

Application:

Add a few drops of lemon juice to an egg white and apply it on your face. Wait for it to dry, peel it off with water. This mask helps reduce acne, removes blackheads and tightens the skin pores.



Rinse face or use a mild toner if your skin is oily.



Apply mask with a brush all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Alternatively, apply to problem areas only.



Leave to dry for 15- 30 minutes



Rinse off and moisturize skin.

By Akhona.N

ONLINE LEARNING The spread of COVID-19 across the globe has impacted the world in many aspects such as business, the economy, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x;s jobs and the most important academics. Since the outbreak of this virus on the South African shores the academic life of nursery, primary and secondary learners has been put on hold. However, the situation for higher forms of learning which include students in universities, colleges and TVET colleges seem to be different from the rest. On the third of April 2020 higher institutions across the country implemented the online distance learning as a replacement to the face to face contact sessions. This was done to continue the academic programmes which were on hold from early March this year. Now with South Africa being an underdeveloped country and unequal society, the experiences of online learning have been received quite differently by students from different backgrounds and we can only imagine how unpleasing the situation for students from poverty stricken and poor backgrounds has been.

Although all these problems never seem to have a clear-cut solution, we cannot overthrow the efforts made by South African institutions. Most institutions have allocated their students with data, zero-rated their websites for easy access and provided those students who do not have devices to connect to the internet with laptops. Some lectures are also trying to reach each student as some use their social platforms (i.e. Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram) to communicate with their students. This might not be the best way to succumb these situations as student problems are way more than just accessibility. The problems that arise from online learning also termed â&#x20AC;&#x153;e-learningâ&#x20AC;? are different but all serve to be against this academic programme. Firstly, students complain that they had not been given enough time to fully prepare themselves in terms of the platforms used to engage with content and some of them are computer illiterate. Others complain about not having devices to connect with other students, lecturers and cannot access the work they have been given by the respective universities. Network coverage and data costs have also had a huge effect as most students cannot afford, let alone sustain buying data. Remote areas such as the rural Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and even most South African townships do not have the greatest network coverage so even with data being bought; it is still hard to put into good use. Many views have been shared about the success of this academic programme but the students of this country question whether this programme really considered their circumstances or if it was done from a point of a privileged mind-set.

CONVERSATIONS From online learning to not learning at all, essential to non-essential self-employed members of our society and the level 5 to level 4 lockdown at what seems to be the beginning of the peak of this COVID-19 virus. All of this and so much more are clearly conversations that need to take place.

Today we find out what people had to say concerning the lockdown as a whole and its impact on society.

“A negative aspect about the lockdown is the economy going through a recession which would cause many people to lose their jobs”

-Kananelo.M 21

“Well the situation is alright, I can‟t really complain as you have seen, Many people are dying globally so this was a wise decision from our president. If only they can start taking care of the poor people to keep them going. ”

-Ricado.J 21

“I am kind of cool with the whole situation. This has really pushed me to look into things more and work on myself holistically. I have not had the opportunity to be bored so far.”

-Katlego.M 26

“The inflation rate after this is going to destroy a lot of people. It is going to take a while for the economy to recover and get back on its feet”

-Abigain.M 22

“Businesses are suffering. Some are cutting salaries and employees are getting retrenched. Bread winners in the informal sector such as street venders, can no longer get an income to feed their families.”

-Anonoymous

“We are saving lives by staying home. I personally believe that we should all do our part and save lives by staying indoors to stop the spread of corona.”

-Andrea.VW 21

WATER COLOUR PAINTING WITH CELINE, FOR BEGINNERS If you bored in a house and you in a house bored, you might want to try and keep yourself busy by doing a few things, maybe some arts and crafts projects even, and that‟s why I‟m here. Today we‟ll be doing water colour painting to express our creative side.

Things you’ll need: . Paint brushes

Start by adding masking tape all around the boarders of the

page and use your pencil to sketch on the page.

. Watercolour paint . A4 watercolour paper . Pencil

. Masking tape

Add your first layer of paint.

Add your second layer of paint to intensify painting.

Add more detail to bring the painting to life.

Add even more detail to bring the painting together.

Add some finishing touches to wrap it all up.

Trust The Process Eldorado Park, home to entertainers and creativeâ&#x20AC;&#x;s like former Miss SA Liesel Laurie and funny guy Dillan Oliphant. Also home to self-taught artist, Wadelin Mckuur. We had Wadelin break down the fundamentals of art being more than just a hobby and what it means to uplift your community through art.

“When Eldorado Park is mentioned on the media, the bad is always highlighted. I want to be the voice of the good side of Q: Can you tell us about where it all started? When did you realize that this is what you actually wanted to do? A: It all started in primary school where we would have these drawing competitions to see who was better, by drawing Dragon Ball Z characters because that was really popular at the time. Throughout primary school, people were always stunned by my drawings and would even steal a page or two. I remember one of my art works being featured in my schools 30th Anniversary Book. I was in grade 4 at the time. I realized that this is what I wanted to do while in my final year of high school. It just made sense to me. In that year, I was a part of a competition and I ended up winning a drawing tablet and I was featured in our local newspaper. So it was evident that this is something I am really good at and something that I am passionate about. Q: What was the journey like up until this point? How did you find your voice and style as an artist? A: Honestly speaking, the journey was and still is a roller-coaster ride. It is not an easy journey, seeing that art is not recognized as a profession and only viewed as a hobby. It‟s not being “realistic enough” to get a stable income from, but God is and continues to be good to me. He guided me throughout my journey and He made it possible for me to meet people of great influence within my community.

Eldorado Park.”

People who support what I do. So like a roller-coaster ride, there are ups and downs and those are the moments that we should appreciate the most. Those are our learning moments, especially as creative‟s. I would like to believe that my voice is a voice of light, influence and positivity. I‟ve realized that this is what my community needs and art gives me that voice. My style is something that I created to stand out. Unlike any other artist, I use a pencil and pen to draw and I‟ve realized that in order for me to stand out, my style has to be unique. Q: You have created art for pretty big names in the South African entertainment industry. How was that process like for you? A: The process has been overwhelming and I say this because drawing by itself is a process and being noticed by these “Big” names is an honoring experience, especially being noticed by DJ Fresh. The fact that a big name like Fresh could notice me, gives me the hope and assurance that this is not in vain! Q: Tell us more about your slogan “Trust The Process” and what inspired it?

A: My community is what inspired Trust The Process. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x;ve realized that there is so much potential in Eldorado Park but they lack patience, persistence and perseverance. I want to use Trust The Process as a voice to those who are pushing their crafts to do so, head on and not be in a hurry to hit big. Trust The Process is a reminder that success does not happen overnight and it really is the process that builds character.

Q: What is the most valuable advice you have received as an artist? A: The most valuable advice I have received, goes something like this â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do what you love and always stay positive. The universe has a way of working in your favor.â&#x20AC;? Q: Now for someone hoping to get into the creative space, what advice can you give them? From one artist to another? A: Never allow the negative comments to dull your light. Instead, use it as a fuel to drive you into becoming that GREAT person that you are meant to be. In the end, it is all about what fulfills you.

An emphasis on following your dreams regardless of all the negativity that may surround you, because your light might just engulf the darkness one day.

Lockdown has moved most of us from eating 3 times a day to eating 16 times a day, yes! 16 But with the help of Maletsema thecakeartist, my lockdown has been nothing but the best. She shared her tips of recycling food and making something out of nothing. If you eat 16 times a day like her niece does then you definitely need to find creative ways of recycling your leftovers.

1) Rice Salad: Use left over rice from the previous dayâ&#x20AC;Śin a separate pan fry onions, add garlic, peppers, raisins, orange zest and spinach. Cook for 8-10 minutes on medium heat. Add mixed dry herbs, salt and pepper. Add cucumber and green apple. Turn off the stove but leave the pan on the stove. Add rice and finish off with a few tablespoons of plain yogurt, mayonnaise and a salad dressing of your choiceâ&#x20AC;Śadd left over chicken as well.

2) Lucky Star: Clean the inside of the canned fishâ&#x20AC;Śfry onion, add grated tomato, salt and pepper. Once the gravy is cooked, add the fish followed by a tablespoon of tomato paste and one tablespoon of chutney. Allow to simmer for at least 5 minutes and remove from the heat.

So Madagascar allegedly discovered a Corona Virus Cure… Social media has been on a stand still since the Madagascar health department announced their organic magical drink that could help cure corona virus, named COVID-ORGANIC. Before the news went viral, the twitter streets suspected that the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS reaction would not be pleasant because the remedy was discovered in Africa and oh boy were they right, about the reaction. For many, the Corona Virus drink news triggered the history of Dr Seby who had allegedly cured HIV and AIDS but like COVID-ORGANIC, WHO did not approve to his organic way of treating the virus because it would allegedly affect their profits (or so the streets say) Now what I asking myself is what if the Madagascar magical juice is actually real and can help stop the spread of the virus but people don‟t approve because they expect the cure to come from Europe?

Or will we see a scenario whereby one doctor from Madagascar “dies” and the tables turn? Too a point where the magical juice is now being reproduced in Europe (under a different name of cause). I think that‟s a high possibility, PERSONALLY!. But I guess we just have to wait and see if they approve of

the magical juice or not and whether it actually really does work.

I don‟t know about you but I support Madagascar because the remedy is organic, regardless of it working or not. I believe it won‟t kill anyone for trying because it‟s a plant, unlike the drugs they produce in Europe and give to us only to affect us later on in our old age. I am ready to say congratulations to Dr Jerome Munyangi for discovering the corona juice, Ha-ha and I‟m hoping that if our president does not buy into the cure and it actually works, the government of Madagascar should at least share the ingredients with me, because I‟ve been an early supporter. But again this is just my opinions. Tell me what‟s your taken on this via our social media or over email.

Until next time. Lerato.K

We are okay ~ You are me. I am you. And we are okay… It started a couple of years ago; you know the thought of just closing your eyes… forever. At first it would only pop into my head for just a second when I was particularly emotional. But with the passage of time the thoughts became more frequent. I watched too much, I read too much and not-so-suddenly I felt too much. I was okay, I didn’t want to die. Neither did you. But I cried, every day I cried. And every time I did, I wondered about: A different life, A different me, My purpose, My pain tolerance, A world without me. I was still okay I didn’t want to die. Neither do you. But my mind was not okay. I wanted attention. I wanted my presence felt. I wanted to speak and be listened to. I wanted to be enough. I wanted to be worth my life. I wanted to hurt less. But I didn‟t want attention. I didn‟t want anyone to see. I didn‟t want anyone to ask questions. I didn‟t want to be different. I wanted to be loved and alone in the embrace of familiar comfort. I didn‟t want to be an afterthought and invisible in the cold. I wanted to be someone someone needed, enough not to discard like a piece of used toilet paper. Still okay, still didn’t want to die. Neither do you.

These thoughts are comfortable. They make you feel a little fuller, stronger and more conscious of yourself. But it‟s all a lie. Suicide is not a place of comfort – I mean how do you rest in peace when your entire being is etched it pain? Suicidal thoughts are a delusion, meant to drive you to the point of insanity. An insanity you can only escape through self-harm, and so begins another tragic cycle. But you know you owe yourself better than to be a puppet to any kind of suffering.

You are me and I am you. So I know.

Sometimes we: Struggle to breathe, Drown in our own tears, Want to fall asleep and never wake up – but often can‟t do either, Want to run - escape our lives and everyone in it, Fear life too much to live it, Get so caught up in our pain and misery we forget how to feel life around us, Never find or lose our „safe place‟ and think we‟ve lost ourselves. But we haven‟t. YOU ARE WITHIN YOU, AND AS LONG AS YOUR HEART BEATS YOU WILL NEVER LOSE YOURSELF. You are me and I am you. We are okay. We will be happier. We will be safer. We will be better. We don’t want to die.

**Pain is inevitable. But not eternal. You are doing great. Peace be with you.

Rookshana. W

COLOUR WITH US: THE SLIDE Bringing you a page every issue. Show us how creative you are by turning this into your own. Tag us on your socials or send us an email of your interpretation to be featured.

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People behind the work Gloria Godwin Rookshana Wilson Akhona Ntsume Lerato Kgasago

Features Celine H Laneigh P

Sanitize, Stay Alive