Link to my podcast Infinite Conversations

The Link

 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4d3HUlrcWZSEszAolADWKe?si=Us1UEGJmQOuXPI1LQFoe2Q

Lakeside Estates residents are ready for action

By: Zanele Mfaba

Twitter: @mfaba_zanele

Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

 

Residents of Lakeside Estates in the Vaal have been severely affected by cable and copper theft. The community is tired of this inconsiderate behavior by drug addicts who are known as nyaope boys in the area.

Image from Google

 Nyaope, which was discovered in 2006 is a mixture of low-grade heroin, cannabis products, antiretroviral drugs, and other materials added as bulking agents. It is a physically addictive mixture that gives in a sense of euphoria (excitement) and relaxation, but these effects soon wear off and another hit is required. This then leads the users to steal things to trade and get money for the nyaope.

 Since 2020 this has been an ongoing problem that is getting worse, and residents have tried different lengths unfortunately there has been no luck. This is one crime that South Africans are no longer new to, cable and copper theft.

 This has caused many problems for South Africans in terms of electricity supply, transport, traffic lights, and communication systems which are very important for South Africa’s economy.

South Africa’s economy is at a standstill because its revenues always have to replace the expensive infrastructure. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said cable theft costs South Africa’s economy from about R5 billion to R7 billion a year.  

 According to 360.globalspec.com, there are ways to prevent cable theft which are: Disguising cables and exposed copper, replacing typical cables with anti-theft copper wires and this has been tested worldwide. An anti-theft wire may be made of smaller tinned copper wires that are bunched together, with a ring of steel strands that surround the copper. This is proven to bring a lot of change in terms of cable and copper theft.

 Lakeside Estates residents comment on their experience with cable and copper theft:

 Mabontle Magqaza (22)

This has been happening for a very long time and it has now become even worse than before. This matter has been reported a lot but really nothing better has come out of it. Cable theft happens due to various reasons like easy accessibility and the high rate of unemployment. Cable theft leads to a lucrative business for criminals as they sell the stolen materials for cash. Life is a hassle now as this resulted in power outages, internet disruptions, and doing my schoolwork means I had to buy a power bank and always have to go charge it elsewhere.

 

Millicent Mahlobo (38)

Since 2020, meaning it's been 4 years since this has been occurring. The matter has been reported but sadly nothing serious was done to fix the cable theft in our neighborhood.  There is not enough security and the police are not doing enough to put culprits behind bars. Life has been rough as we experience non-stop power cuts and other neighborhoods don't have electricity, we practically stay in the dark causing an increase in the crime rate.

 

Beauty Mokholo (49)

To my knowledge, this has been happening for more than 5 years but started affecting us as the years went by. We have reported the matter to the police and it hasn’t been attended to, instead, we were told that as a community we need to catch the thieves and call them. Knowing the community’s anger, we would face mob justice if that were to happen. I believe this keeps on happening because the police do not do anything about it.

 Joyce Nhlapo (65)

The same electric cable is the one that supplies me with power from the transformer. I think this happens because of the unemployment we are facing as a country and now that there is load-shedding it gives the thieves more time to do this considering that the cables do not have power at that time. Life has led to a lot of adjustments now because we can’t use a lot of things like trains and when we try to get money from the ATMs there are a lot of network problems. I don’t want to have to go far to get my pension money.

Tshifularo Mashava, City Power CEO addresses the matter:

https://on.soundcloud.com/jr148

The neighborhood that faces cable and copper theft will usually feel more of its effects, so everyone who gets to witness is advised to report this crime by contacting Telkom’s crime hotline on 0800 124 000.

 Every South African is responsible for ensuring a guarded place to live, so the crime only brings the opposite of that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

A Grand Night for South Africa’s Onscreen Talent

 By: Zanele Mfaba

Twitter: @mfaba_zanele

Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

 The Royalty Soapie Awards are an annual celebration of all major contributors to the South African daily TV drama entertainment industry. The awards were filled with glitz and glamour as they were held at The Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg on the 25^th of March with the theme: An evening among the stars.

Image from Google

The awards were founded by actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist Winnie Ntshaba and this was the sixth year since these came into existence.

Image from Google

 “We are proud to celebrate the diverse caliber of nominations from across the country. The Royalty Soapie Awards aims to make the cast and crew feel that their work is noticed and it is valued,” said Winnie.

A link to more of what Winnie had to say:

https://on.soundcloud.com/EQ5eG

 Entertainers and officials came in numbers to celebrate the night. Comedian, actor, and businessman Mpho Popps Modikane kept the audience in laughter as the events MC.

 The audience was graced with an opening performance by the new-age performance poet and singer Busiswa singing hits like Banomoya and My Power.

 The order of doing the award ceremony is to set out awards into five categories that focus on different people in the industry. The first one was Technical Awards under that the first award was the Outstanding Editing Team presented by actor Mpho Sibeko and actress Mimi Mahlasela. The winner was Gomora telenovela. This gave the whole team a great start for the night considering the many nominations they had.

 The second category was Creative Awards and under that became the seventh award of the evening which was the Outstanding Make-up & Hair-styling presented by House of Zwide actor Wanda Zuma and actress Londeka Mchunu. The Estate won this award and the second performance was from the Umama hit maker Sjava.

 Homegrown & World Class Awards was the third category of the evening and The Estate actor Zenzelisiphesihle Sparky Xulu won for Outstanding Supporting Actor, which was presented by radio personality and aspiring musician Khutso Theledi and BU Mthembu.

 Nomfundo Moh graced the stage by performing her hit song Soft life. The show then went on to the Most Popular Show award under the Viewer’s Choice Awards presented by Miss SA Ndavi Nokeri and public vote competition winner Johanna Ramela. To accept the award was the 7 de Laan cast members who gave out a very heartfelt written speech thanking the viewers who have been watching the soapie for 23 years.

A look at what took place at ceremony:

Still under the Viewer’s Choice the award for Best Actress was won by Lunathi Mampofu from The River making her walk away with two awards for the evening.

 This was then all followed by the fourth performance of the evening by the Amapiano sensation ShaSha giving the audience hits like Ungowami and Tender Love.

 The last category was the Special Categories; The first award under this was the Social Cohesion award which was won by DiepCity and was accepted by director and producer Mandla N who said, “Young kid out there what’s yours will never miss you and obviously I encourage every production company, every broadcaster to give every single one that you can a chance just like they gave me, thank you.” 

 The Trailblazer award was won by creator and film producer Mfundi Vundla. He said that a lot of beautiful things like showing gratitude to actors like Joe Mafela, Sello Maake ka Ncube and more.

 The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the well-deserving Gomora actress Connie Chiume. The founder Winnie made a big announcement that the Royalty Soapie Awards are going to open entries for productions across Africa.

Screenshot from Twitter

 The last award was won by Binnelanders for Outstanding Daily TV Drama. Hip Hop star K.O then closed off the show with South Africa’s favourites CaraCara and SETE.

 2024 is set to be even better with the big change that’s coming to the celebration of African arts and culture.

Here is what the two hosts from the red carpet and stage had to say about the ceremony:

Screenshot from Instagram

Screenshot from Facebook

 Some of the comments from viewers at home:

Edith Radebe (45)

Wow, what a glamorous night at the 6th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards! The red carpet looks were absolutely stunning, some of my favorite looks were from Katlego Danke, Thembi Seete ShaSha, and the talent on display was top-notch. Congratulations to all the winners, and kudos to the organizers for putting together such a fantastic show. I can't wait for next year's awards.

 

Lesego Mofokeng (22)

Watching the 6th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards was a real treat for soap opera fans like me! The production quality was top-notch, and the presenters added a fun and entertaining element to the ceremony. I'm so happy for all the winners and can't wait to see how the soap opera landscape evolves in the coming year. #RoyaltySoapieAwards2023

 

 

 

Matshidiso Habaka (24)

I tuned in to the 6th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards, I was blown away by the outstanding performances especially Busiswa and ShaSha's performances and the emotional acceptance speeches. It's great to see the soap opera industry getting the recognition it deserves. The awards show was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm already rewatching my favorite moments. 

Amakhosi beat third-tier opposition Casric Stars FC

By: Zanele Mfaba

Twitter: mfaba_zanele

Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

 

Kaizer Chiefs sure did book their spot in this season’s Nedbank Cup quarter-finals against Casric Stars on Sunday evening 12 March 2023 at the FNB stadium.

Image from Google

 In the round of 16 this is when Chiefs remember that they have to prevent 2022-23 becoming their eighth campaign without silverware. The first half gave both teams a headache, but Chiefs got awarded a penalty in the first ten minutes after the ball came off the arm of Mumuni Abubakar, from Casric Stars.

 The penalty worked in favor for Chiefs as they were leading the game with a score of 1-0 to halftime with a goal by striker Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana. This put pressure on the Casric Stars considering that they are from the first division.

Kaizer Chiefs fans confidently rejoicing and cheering during the match:

“It's always difficult to play against teams from the first division because they play with energy more than structure,” said Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane.

 Coming back from halftime Casric Stars came back stronger as they equalized in the 62 minutes making the score sit on 1-1, with the goal coming from Kgomotso Mosadi Casric Stars striker.

 There were a lot of substitutions from both teams but it was because it was not an easy game and Casric Stars coach Joseph ‘Bucs’ Mthombeni said, “I came here as a Casric coach, but I have learned a lot because Kaizer Chiefs has disciplined players from defense, even when they move the ball around, they move it quicker and into spaces.”

Screenshot from Twitter

Yes, it would have been great to see a legendary team like Kaizer Chiefs go into halftime with the score of 2-0 but as Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot at goal was brilliantly blocked for a corner-kick by Ludwe Mpakumpaku Casric Stars goalkeeper that did not happen. This further shows the strong competition they had.

 To the rescue came Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez with the second goal in 64 minutes of the game having Casric Stars feeling the heat and trying to pull through but Chiefs was not having it. 

Chiefs continued the strong defense and managed to make it to the last eight rather the semi-finals against Royal AM. This left Chiefs fans celebrating their wins and already looking forward to the next big game. “Good luck to the Glamour Boys,” said a Kaizer Chiefs top fan Srhawu Sakamahlangu Sonnyboy.

 A score of 2-1 proves the game was not a walk in the park for Kaizer Chiefs because their opponent was a hungry and determined team that’s up and coming like Casric Stars.

This is what coach Arthur Zwane had to say about the match:

https://on.soundcloud.com/V3ptd  

 

 

 

 

 

RIXILE MABASA, A TRUE VISIONARY

By: Zanele Mfaba

Twitter: @mfaba_zanele

Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

Image from Instagram

On her road to success, she is very grateful for the love and support she has been receiving from everyone around her.

 Rixile Mabasa (23) otherwise known as "Rishile" is a young businesswoman who currently lives in Garankuwa. She was born in Malamulele, Greenfarm Village in Limpopo, and sees Pretoria as a place to make big moves she had never thought she’d make.

Here's the link to listen to Rixile explaining her name:

https://on.soundcloud.com/9ayRB

 A young woman that can juggle so many things at once like being a student, a mother, a businesswoman, a daughter and a girlfriend. “It’s a struggle but sometimes you just have to find it in yourself to push yourself harder than you’ve ever pushed yourself,” said Mabasa.

She has been deep into the roads of Limpopo,  she went to Tsundzukani Primary  School and Hlungwani High School. Mabasa pretty much enjoyed her high school years.

She completed her Matric and went on to further her studies at the Tshwane University of Technology, doing her third year in Hospitality.

Her business ventures didn’t only come to selling crocs, she started selling in 2020. “It was tough at first hey, I remember when I started selling anklets. I saw anklets from this Chinese store, I told myself this would be a great business opportunity for me considering the environment I’m in,” she explained.

Image from Instagram

She went on with her business seeing it bloom and become prosperous with orders coming in. Going door to door to deliver at Ekhaya Junction with the help of her boyfriend in all of this.

According to her boyfriend Erol Maluleke, she came back with a picture to show him that she has a business idea of selling anklets and he decided to support her by giving her some capital to start her business.

Mabasa added that she was a bit skeptical about the business especially because she was worried about what would people say. When thinking of her situation that made her throw all those doubts away.

 Her biggest accomplishment is that she has grown her business, she no longer sells anklets, has hired people and now does her deliveries using PEP paxi. Selling crocs is one of her business adventures now.

Watch the video below to see Rixile's big orders:

 Failing Computer Literacy in her first year was her biggest failure. She highlights that because of the lack of access to computers, she struggled with tests and didn’t give the module enough love. Lastly falling pregnant contributed a lot to her not giving her studies enough time. 

 “As an everyday busy person I wouldn’t say I have hobbies whenever I get some time to myself I would either be watching TV whilst decorating the crocs that I’m selling now,” responded Mabasa when asked what her hobbies are.

 Mabasa would like to believe that there are three things that got her where she is right now. The first one was her boyfriend as he gave her capital to start her business,  second, her fear of poverty, and lastly her grandmother because she used to sell for a living to care for her mom and aunt.

When asked who is her biggest inspiration, Mabasa happily said that she is her own inspiration because she’s one person who thinks of ideas and brings them to life. She has shown resilience and that to her is one of the things she admires about herself.

SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE IS IN FARMING

 By: Zanele Mfaba
Twitter: @mfaba_zanele
Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

Unemployment is at its highest for the youth in South Africa, young people
have to think of ways to sustain a living and to be great contributors in the
community.

What better way to do all of that than to indulge in agriculture, there has
been a turn of sectors where the government has advised the youth in South
Africa to go into like nursing, teaching, information technology, accounting and
more.

With the newest introduction of agriculture, small-scale farmers started taking
farming a lot more serious now. Small-scale farmers like Mokgadi Modiba (30)
who owns Urban Legae Poultry (Pty) Ltd was forced to make a change after
the passing of her mother with that she decided to complete her degree in
business and bought a 900 square meters plot of land to start her farming.

Image from Twitter

According to commons.ru.ac.za, South Africa comprises around 35 000 large-
scale, mostly white-owned commercial farms that occupy most of the
agricultural land and despite all of this Mokgadi was still able to enter this
sector and excel in it.

As reported by AIMS Press, more than 1 million households in the country
depend on smallholder farming for their livelihoods and nutrition. This is where
people like Mokgadi bring help to the community.

The outbreak of COVID-19 really put small-scale farmers in the most
vulnerable space ever but this was a problem helped eliminate by the
government.

Now that everyone is recovering from the outcomes of COVID-19. The
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Solidarity Fund gave out
funds to people like Mokgadi which she used as production inputs and to fix
the infrastructure on her farm.

Here is a video of Mokgadi and Maranti on the farm:

Mokgadi’s employee, Maranti said, “For the first time the government is
recognizing the crucial role that small-scale farmers play in the local food
system.”

Dinewo Ntshanana (25) raises and breeds domestic pigs as livestock for
commercial purposes. Ntshanana is one of the many young people who
received funding from the NYDA to get her business started.

“Having wonderful support from the organization as a young person is
motivation to do better on its own and I really hope this organization not only
helps me but helps all the young people of South Africa striving for better
opportunities”, said Ntshanana.

The NYDA Grant Programme is designed to provide young entrepreneurs
with an opportunity to access both financial and non-financial business
development support in order to enable them to establish or grow their
businesses.

Mr Waseem Carrim, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth
Development Agency said that he was recruited at only the age of 26 to be
part of the organization and that on its own guarantees that the NYDA is all for
youth empowerment.

Image from Google

This organization has proudly achieved having over 20 730 beneficiaries
being supported with business development support services in the township
and rural economy. With those enterprises creating and sustaining more than
14 021 jobs.

The challenges faced by the organization is that there is a lack of support as
the private and public sector doesn’t rally behind the economic recovery plan
announced by the government to ensure that young people are placed front
and center of the plan.

The NYDA wishes to continue striving for a better future for the youth of South
Africa by alleviating poverty, assisting urban and rural development,
and combating crime, substance abuse, and social decay among the youth. 

This is also said by the Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Asanda  Luwaca in the audio below:

https://on.soundcloud.com/md7wu

The country’s economy seems to be of much concern in terms of the high rate
of unemployment but with such an organization young people in South Africa
at least have something to look forward to.

Three National Newspapers

 

The Citizen is a compact tabloid and is one the three national newspapers to be talked about in this post. The Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers are the publishers of The Citizen. Their target audience is South African citizens, usually at the age of 41 years and above and households with an average income per month of R30853. They give relevant stories about Lifestyle, Business, Soccer and Sports that resonates with their audience's interests.

 

Sowetan is a tabloid and is also one of the three national newspapers to be discussed in this post. The Tiso Blackstar Group is the publisher of Sowetan. Their target audience is the basic national community with no income specified. It focuses on current community affairs, sports, business, lifestyle and leisure in the Western Cape and Free State provinces as well as nationally across South Africa.

Sunday Times is the largest broadsheet and is again one of the three national newspapers to be mentioned in this post. Tiso Blackstar Group is the publisher of Sunday Times. Their target audience is families since it has everything for everyone aiming to impart knowledge to South Africans. It focuses on South Africa and the world's Politics, Entertainment and Lifestyle.