Month: August 2024

Ashanti has recently opened up about her journey into motherhood, offering a heartfelt glimpse into how this new chapter has transformed her life.

 

 

 

 

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, the R&B sensation shared her emotional labour experience.

ASHANTI ON MOTHERHOOD
She opened up about the profound changes motherhood has brought, and the joys of parenting alongside her husband, rapper Nelly.

The star’s life took an unexpected yet joyous turn on 18 July when she welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes.

ASHANTI ON NELLY
Reflecting on the moment, Ashanti described the birth as “such an amazing, incredible feeling.”

The singer revealed that her son arrived earlier than expected. This prompted Nelly to make a last-minute dash to be by her side.

“He came a little early, and dad had to fly in last minute — which was awesome,” she said. Nelly’s timing was impeccable, as he arrived just in time for the birth.

ASHANTI THE NEW MUM
Ashanti, who had always envisioned herself married with children, couldn’t hold back her tears when she first saw her baby’s face.

“It was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time,” she recalled.

The new mum admitted that while she had always dreamed of this moment, experiencing it with her husband made it even more surreal.

“This is your person, this is your purpose… it was such an electrifying feeling,” she explained. This emphasised the deep connection between her, Nelly, and their son.

DEVOTION TO FAMILY
Motherhood has brought significant changes to Ashanti’s life, and she candidly spoke about how her priorities have shifted.

“My son definitely dictates everything. Like, he is priority over all,” she shared.

The singer, known for her strong sense of independence, now finds herself entirely devoted to her little boy.

“It’s this overwhelming feeling of love and admiration… this little boy has my entire soul,” she added.

SPECIAL MOMENTS
Parenting alongside Nelly has been an equally transformative experience for Ashanti.

She described it as “really hard to describe in words.”

Yet, one moment that stands out is when their son, affectionately called “KK,” was struggling to sleep in the hospital.

Ashanti, feeling helpless, passed the baby to Nelly, according to Essence.

“He sits down, starts singing, and he’s cradling him… and now he’s smiling and quiet,” she recalled.

A BLESSING
The sight of Nelly soothing their son left Ashanti in awe of his natural paternal instincts, according to E News.

Nelly also shared his thoughts on parenting with Ashanti, expressing his admiration for her as a mother.

“Having kids is always a blessing. And seeing how dope Ashanti is as a mother is awesome,” he said.

Ashanti’s story resonates as a tale of love, unexpected turns, and the joys of family.

JOYS OF FAMILY
Her advice to new and expecting mothers? Trust your instincts and maintain a balance.

“Your child absolutely feels your energy, and make sure the baby feels secure and safe. And you have to have space for you as well,” she advised, reminding mums to nurture themselves too.

As Ashanti embraces motherhood, her journey is a testament to the power of love, the magic

Podcaster, DJ and reality TV star Gogo Skhotheni – real name Tumi Motsoeneng – is making headlines after she allegedly took to social media to reveal that she is being abused.

Gogo Skhotheni shared a series of posts on Facebook, and some of her leaked chats with her husband have since flooded online.

GOGO SKHOTHENI OPENS UP ABOUT ABUSE
No doubt this is not the first time the bubbly DJ has opened up about her abusive relationship with her husband, Monde Shange.

Earlier this year, Gogo Skhotheni revealed that she was a victim of abuse but did not name the perpetrator, leaving Mzansi to guess.

However, earlier this year, she made headlines when she revealed that she had been single for six months after calling it quits with her husband.

Speaking TimesLive, “I have been single for six months, and people still think I am in a relationship. Maybe because my break-up with my ex was a mature one.”

Four months after announcing her single status, ZiMoja announced that the two were back together.

At the time, Gogo Skhotheni said, “I don’t want to talk too much about it because there is a lot to announce and to explain.”

However, barely four months after getting back together, the two are making headlines for the wrong reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

In the now viral leaked chats, Gogo Skhotheni asked her husband why he abuses her constantly. She went on to reveal that he was going to rot in jail, seemingly because of his actions.

Popular X user @S_Phola_first shared the photos. The user also shared screenshots of Gogo Skhotheni’s Facebook posts exposing Monde Shange.

Gogo Skhotheni asked, “Monde Shange, are you going to beat me up every time you see me, even if we are not together?”

She also added, “I am going public because I suspect that I’m going to be killed. It’s okay, even if I get judged. But if anything happens to me, Monde Shange will be responsible.”

PREVIOUS INCIDENT
No doubt this is not the first time she has opened up about being abused. Earlier this year, Gogo Skhotheni shared that she was physically abused.

However, the mother-of-six said she will not share images as she never wants her children to see them.

“Abuse is a drug you end up normalising, but again, thank God I am alive,” Gogo Skhotheni said. “I won’t post my face or the scars I had. I have kids to protect, but I am okay,” she added.

The River actress and voiceover artist, Galaletsang Gina Koffman, will be hosting an acting workshop this September.

The workshop will take place at the Meyerton Town Hall in Gauteng. Tickets are currently on sale.

Galaletsang Koffman gained popularity for her role in the award-winning telenovela The River 1 Magic.

 

 

 

Galaletsang Koffman on her abusive ex
Last year, Galaletsang made an appearance on Mantsoe’s podcast. During the sit-down, the actress bravely shared her journey to overcoming abuse.

Koffman couldn’t make it to work because her partner was preventing her from doing so. After obtaining a restraining order, she found herself with almost nothing left.

“I showed up at The River with bum shorts and a bra because I didn’t have anything else to wear. Everyone thought I was on drugs; it was so funny. I am just telling you guys that I ain’t got anywhere to stay; I am just going through a lot, and I just need a job,” she shared.

Read more about Galaletsang’s experience here.

SHE thought her life was back on track and had returned to the studio, but tragedy struck.

Gqom star Thobeka Ndaba, popularly known as Tipcee, has lost her older brother.

Sharing the news with Daily Sun, Tipcee said she has lost part of her life as her brother, Thulani “Kala” Shabalala (44), was one of her best friends and close to her.

 

 
She said Thulani died on Wednesday morning, 21 August.

“I’m not comfortable sharing most of the details, but he suffered from asthma, and we lost him around 1am. We lost him just like that. We loved each other so much that we were always together. He used to accompany me to gigs and the studio,” said Tipcee.

“He was even known at Afrotainment. As old as he was to me, he respected me so much. He would sometimes drive me when I was tired. I’m so sad and devastated. I can’t even eat.”

Thulani
Thulani ‘Kala’ Shabalala (44), who died on Wednesday morning, 21 August.
Daily Sun recently reported that Tipcee has returned to the studio to record music after taking a break.

She told the SunTeam at the time that she took a break to deal with some issues but felt ready to make music again.

But she had to abandon everything to mourn her beloved brother’s death.

“I can’t do anything. I’m feeling pain. I’ll suspend my studio sessions and recording until I feel fit enough to work again. At least, maybe, I’ll feel much better after the funeral, although I don’t think this pain will fade away anytime soon. It’s too much and unbearable. But I have friends and family who have been comforting me,” said Tipcee.

While competing for Miss Universe Nigeria, former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina says she is still proudly South African as she fights for her diverse identity to be embraced.

Adetshina received a heartwarming welcome upon her arrival in Nigeria on Wednesday. The reception included flowers and balloons with messages such as “You are greatly loved” and “Welcome to the giant of Africa”.

 

 

 

She wore à La Jaqueta suit from the Pastel Power Collection similar to those worn by the top five contestants for Miss South Africa earlier this month.

In an interview with Rhythm 93.7FM Nigeria, she said she was excited to be in the country.

“I remember earlier this year I said to myself I need to go to Nigeria. I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but I need to go, so that I spoke it into existence and it is happening is a great start. I am excited. It feels nice to be appreciated. The love, the warmth, the support. Everything is incredible,” she said.

Adetshina joined the Nigerian crown chase after withdrawing from Miss South Africa over a citizenship probe.

Despite being born and raised in South Africa, questions were raised about her legitimacy in participating in the Miss South Africa competition due to her Nigerian father and her mother’s Mozambican heritage.

In the Miss Nigeria Universe competition, she quickly became a leading contender, securing more than 13,000 votes. Her closest competitors are Edeifo Aikhuele, who has 8,207 votes, and Queenth Igbokwe with 5,211.

Adetshina believes her diversity will be an advantage in Miss Universe Nigeria.

“I will make a powerful impact. There are a lot of people who are just as diverse as I am and I don’t want us to live in a society or community where we are excluded because of the diverse backgrounds we have. I want us to be included, to be celebrated, to be appreciated, loved and accepted.

“Me just being here, I am not only representing myself, but I am representing a lot of people who see themselves in me and are diverse in their culture.”

Adetshina plans to use her platform to share her story and bring awareness.

“My name has brought a lot of awareness into this but I don’t want it to come in a negative way because as much as I am still fighting for my identity I am still proudly South African and I am still proudly Nigerian and it’s really OK to be diverse. I want people to see that good side but also for us to start acknowledging it and accepting it.”

The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant grand finale is set to take place on August 31 at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The contestants will be in camp at the Festival Hotel in Festac, where they will undergo rigorous rehearsals and training leading up to the event.

Blackstreet music group from US is coming to South Africa

Grammy award-winning, legendary R&B group Blackstreet will be coming to South Africa for their music tour.

the tour kicks off on Friday, 25 October at the Sun City Superbowl, with the second show on Saturday, 26 October at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

 

Closing off the tour will be the Sunday, 27 October show at Grand Arena GrandWest in Cape Town.

South African singer, Lwah Ndlunkulu is to be a supporting act at the show.

The group was founded in 1991 by Chauncey “Black” Hannibal and Teddy Riley, who split, and a new group featuring himself, Hannibal, Joseph “Street” Stonestreet, and Levi Little. The group was originally called Stonestreet but later changed to Blackstreet.

The all-male group promises sing-along classics and so much more, such as ‘No Diggity’, ‘Don’t Leave Me’, ‘Before I Let You Go’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’, ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’, ‘(Money Can’t) Buy Me Love’ and ‘Let’s Stay In Love’.

Cyril Ramaphosa saddened by William Smith’s passing

President Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to the legendary mathematics and science education innovator, William Smith.

Smith, who was born in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, died in Perth, Australia, from advanced cancer.

 

Many recalled their childhood memories, watching the mathematics and science lessons on television after school.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator who passed away at 85.

“The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, [demonstrated] the place he held in people’s hearts.

“He was synonymous with The Heads of Knysna which was the backdrop to his television presentation decades before we could think of him as the first teacher to teach “remotely,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa stated that Smith made maths and science accessible to a broad audience, reaching not only learners but also their parents and anyone interested in revisiting or further exploring these subjects long after their school years.

“William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education.”

MZANSI’S TV series Shaka Ilembe, which captivated audiences in 2023, continues to make waves on the global stage.

The Septimius Awards were held from 19 to 20 August at Tuschinski in Amsterdam.

The series earned multiple awards and nominations at the prestigious international awards ceremony, with a noticeable victory for its historically authentic costume design.

Sheli Masondo, the visionary costume designer behind the series, accepted the Septimius Award for Best Costume Design.

 

 

 

Reflecting on the honour, Sheli said: “It was an incredible feeling to be recognised on an international platform and in a category alongside other talented costume designers. I didn’t expect to win, but I’m deeply grateful that we can tell our stories in our own language, showcasing our authentic traditional attire.”

The Septimius Awards celebrate global talent and innovative ideas in film and television, with categories organised by the continent to ensure diverse representation.

Sheli dedicated over a year to researching the 1700s and 1800s to ensure historical accuracy in costume design. I visited museums in KZN, scoured archives, and consulted with historians to get the period’s look just right,” she explained.

Her research led her to artisans who still craft traditional Zulu costumes, such as the Mbata, a chest guard made from animal skin worn exclusively by the Zulu royal family.

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Shaka Ilembe consumes designer Sheli Masondo at the Septimius Awards.
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One of Sheli’s most valuable discoveries was an elder who continued to make the King’s headdress using ancient techniques, taking up to three months to complete each piece.

“It was fascinating to see how these craftsmen shaped feathers to flow differently from when a bird is flying,” Masondo shared. “I passed this knowledge on to our team of crafters.”

As a fashion school graduate, Masondo was particularly impressed by the intricate techniques used to pleat goat hide leather into skirts worn by married women of the time.

“The skirts consist of up to 500 pieces, each carefully crafted with precision,” she noted. The stitching was traditionally done with animal fibre, using a sharpened bone as a needle.

Creating the costumes for Shaka Ilembe was a spiritual experience for Sheli.

“I drew inspiration from nature, walking through empty fields, observing birds, trees, and the textures of leaves. It felt like stepping into my ancestors’ shoes,” she said.

Rea on House of Zwide, and other soap operas like Scandal and Skeem Saam. The actress herself is actually a very sweet person.

The 44-year-old once had an interview with the Daily Sun newspaper to talk about her acting career and how she got into the industry.Speaking about Cat, she said, “She gets pleasure from seeing the next person suffer. She is manipulative, and she can love you now and hate you tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Matshepo from Pimville, Soweto, said she had never played an evil role before, but had always wondered how actors brought bad characters to life.

She first fell in love with acting when she was in primary school. After completing matric, Matshepo started going to dance auditions.

“I decided to audition for acting classes with the Market Theatre Laboratory in Joburg. They were only taking 60 people and I ended up being number 59,” she said.

“After six months at the theatre, I got my first gig on the SABC1 drama series, Bubomi Sana, playing the role of Zandi.”

She said the producers were looking for a young model who could speak Xhosa.“Although I’m short and have curves, I told myself I needed the role. I dressed up like a model for the audition and I got the job,” she said.

In 2009, she played in a movie called A Million Colors, which won her a Safta Award. “The award was proof that if you know acting is your purpose, you will be awarded,” she said.

She has been one of the talented actresses also portrayed on etvScandal, Skeem Saam, and currently she is playing Rea on House of Zwide; unfortunately, at the end of February 2024, she is leaving the show.

Caesar’s confrontation with Jaxon reveals a web of unfinished business. Sipho and his comrades stumble upon a shocking betrayal, shattering their trust.

 

Tuesday 3 September 2024
Episode 102
Phakathi realises the disappearance of Gugu means she was merely a pawn in a larger game orchestrated by the town’s power brokers.

Wednesday 4 September 2024
Episode 103
Caesar’s meeting with Bhodla introduces an unexpected twist, leading Bhodla to defy Jaxon’s desperate request to eliminate Caesar. Mamiki faces an ultimatum from Martha.

Thursday 5 September 2024
Episode 104
Caesar and Jaxon prepare for the dual. Bhodla leaves the two men to their battle and a shot is fired. Magolide dodges his landlord as he’s too broke to pay his rent.

Friday 6 September 2024
Episode 105
The duel between Jaxon and Caesar turns into a gun fight after Jaxon cheats. Thandiswa intends on taking revenge on Martha and Jaxon, should Caesar not survive.

Monday 9 September 2024
Episode 106
Jaxon and Caesar admit that they need each other and forge a new allegiance. Mandla decides to tell Philile how he feels and tries to kiss her.

Tuesday 10 September 2024
Episode 107
Thandiswa is rattled when Mpendulo tells her that Xoliswa visited his dreams, looking for Nomeva. Philile rejects Mandla’s advances and threatens to call off their marriage.

Wednesday 11 September 2024
Episode 108
Mpendulo is haunted by Xoliswa’s chilling presence, which sends shivers down his spine. Philile embarks on a bold journey to escape a forced marriage to Mandla.

Thursday 12 September 2024
Episode 109
Jaxon and Caesar find out that Nomeva is missing. Mandla professes his love for Philile, despite the family’s disapproval. The hotel is hit by a bad smell and it’s coming from Magolide.

Friday 13 September 2024
Episode 110
Philile admits her true feelings for Mandla, giving him hope. Sightings of Nomeva sends ripples through E Emnyameni, promoting a desperate race to find her.

Monday 16 September 2024
Episode 111
Phakathi’s search party stops Caesar and Jaxon from kidnapping Nomeva. Magolide begs Petunia to let him come back to work, but she says he needs to be cleansed by a sangoma.

Tuesday 17 September 2024
Episode 112
Nomeva is still unresponsive and Mamiki is unsettled by her presence. Songanga can’t help Nomeva and voices his concern, that she is under the control of an evil sangoma.

Wednesday 18 September 2024
Episode 113
Caesar visits Nomeva and Mandla is called to deliver her from the evil that possesses her. Mandla decides to get married at Home Affairs.

Thursday 19 September 2024
Episode 114
Thandiswa and Leroy search frantically when Nomeva goes missing again. She ends up at Ngcuka’s indumba where he has devious plans in store. Her disappearance also rattles Jaxon and Caesar.

Friday 20 September 2024
Episode 115
Thandiswa and Leroy entrust Mpendulo with Nomeva’s protection, a move fraught with peril as Caesar’s deadly schemes near fruition, only to be thwarted by the mysterious arrival of Ngcuka.

Monday 23 September 2024
Episode 116
Martha refuses to give Mpendulo time off to look after Nomeva. Caesar is impressed by Mpendulo’s resourcefulness. Petunia asks Martha to help Philile prepare for the wedding ceremony.

Tuesday 24 September 2024
Episode 117
Philile and Mandla’s wedding is celebrated with a surprise reception, while Magolide returns to his roots, thriving as a barman. And a heartfelt confession by Philile reveals she can’t have children.

Wednesday 25 September 2024
Episode 118
Nomeva delivers the black cockerel to Ngcuka, who then demands that she bring him a black goat. Thandiswa and Leroy worry that she’s being used for some evil witchcraft.

Thursday 26 September 2024
Episode 119
Mpendulo puts a tracking device on Nomeva. The church women insist that Philile get Martha to shut down the brothel. Sipho tries to convince Tim to report the theft of the chicken to the police.

Friday 27 September 2024
Episode 120
Sipho convinces Tim to release a video of Nomeva stealing his goat. Once the video goes viral, the whole of Emnyameni is up in arms, demanding Nomeva’s arrest.

Monday 30 September 2024
Episode 121
Tim gives in and takes Thandiswa’s money, the community finds out and are outraged. Tim is torn between the money and his standing with the community.