Category: news and entertainment

Zozibini Tunzi selected as judge at Miss Universe Vietnam finale
by Nomonde Simelane
Picture: Instagram

 

 

 

If you were to ask many South Africans, the best and last Miss Universe was crowned in 2019 when a young woman from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape who goes by Zozibini Tunzi, who affectionately goes by Zozi, was named the winner.

This speaks to the impact and influence Zozi’s victory had on not only the country but the African continent as a whole. Millions of young girls saw themselves represented on a stage that they were often told was not built for them. As a result, the world of pageantry has transformed drastically from problematic beauty standards to more inclusive ones.

Since her reign as Miss Universe, Zozi has used the enormous platform to her advantage, asserting herself and taking up space in areas she feels passionately about. Not only does she work with brands that hold the same values and morals as she does in impactful campaigns, but she is also an executive director, bringing us exciting shows such as ‘Crown Chasers’ which offers a behind-the-scenes look into what the Miss South Africa contestants get up to before the finale.

Zozi has also tried her hand at hosting and MC’ing, which she has managed to secure a few international gigs, as the model has proven to be a natural. Her hard work and persistence have landed her an opportunity to be part of the judging panel at the esteemed Miss Universe Vietnam pageant finale, an extremely exciting opportunity for the media personality.

“Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 is honoured to receive the company of Miss Zozibini Tunzi in the judges’ chair at the final competition night. The queen promises to bring many surprises and fun for the contestants, as well as a large audience of fans,” the caption from the official Miss Universe Vietnam post reads.

Majola, whose real name is Sindisiwe Khambule was the ex-girlfriend of late South African artist Brenda Fassie.

At the height of her career, Majola who starred in Tsotsi, Yizo Yizo and Zone 14, said she used to earn R52 000 in 2 weeks but she wasn’t happy.

The video of Sindi Majola was taken by a fan who recognised the actress on the streets of Yeoville.

When the former actress was asked if she would mind being recorded, she said it doesn’t matter and that the camera always finds her.

 

 

She claims that the wealth she had at the time was the reason her family was killed and so, she prayed to God to take everything from her.

“I asked God, I had everything from her age, 22 years old. I had my car, apartments, businesses, everything, but I was not happy.

I was earning R52 000 in 2 weeks and I said ‘God please take it all because I want to be like everybody!’

God took it.”

Majola said she didn’t want or need help and told the woman recording her that she was a star in her own right.

Another actress was trending on social media recently after a video of her seeking help after her home was auctioned due to her defaulting on payments.

Mkhize shared that the new owner has started renovating her family home but said she would not leave until a court order expressly tells her to do so.

Also read: Love lives here! MamaJoy is officially off the market

South African Superfan MamaJoy is officially off the market after getting married traditionally to her French partner, known only as “PapaJoy.”

MamaJoy and her husband met in France last year at the Rugby World Cup and the couple fell in love.

Earlier this year, MamaJoy revealed she was engaged to the Frenchman, proving their connection was stronger than distance.

 

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, 14 September the happy couple celebrated their traditional marriage with loved ones at MamaJoy’s home in Limpopo.

The pair have been travelling together to attend events and awards ceremonies and MamaJoy shared moments from their traditional wedding with her followers on social media.

MamaJoy revealed that she has taken PapaJoy’s surname, sharing that she is now MamaJoy Pitaud and no longer Chauke.

Hungani Ndlovu thanks everyone for his significant casting in the TV show Skeem Saam.

He took over for Cornet Mamabolo, who departed the program in 2021 to concentrate on his business interests. The decision to cast Hungani in a new role for the character was made public by the show exactly a year ago.

The actor posted pictures from the scene on social media as he reflected on his journey of playing his character. He was grateful to the TV show’s cast, staff, and supporters.

 

 

 

“A heartfelt and massive thank you to the incredible @skeemsaam13 cast, crew, production team, audience, and every single person who made this journey so seamless!🎭🤗❤️ Stepping into the shoes of Tbose Maputla just over a year ago came with its share of excitement, uncertainties, and challenges. But look at us now – I couldn’t be prouder!🙌🏾✨ Well done, Hungani! It’s only going to keep getting better from here!🆙🌟” wrote Hungani Ndlovu,

Interesting Facts About Skeem Saam’s Lethabo Mekoa (Ntswaki). When it comes to casting, Skeem Saam always gets it right. Their latest addition, Lethabo Mekoa is such a marvel to watch. Learn more about her from the 10 facts below;

 

 

 

 

 

1. Lethabo Mekoa was born on the 14th of September 2004 in Pretoria.

2. She started her primary school at Ikhwezilethemba Primary School and finished at Laerskool General Jacques Pienaar. Lethabo then pursued her high school at Prestige College.
3. At the end of 2022, the rising star bagged three major awards at Prestige College. Among those awards include, Main Character, and Best Female of the Year.
4. Just like many young people out there, Lethabo thought she was destined to be a doctor, but her passion to act got the better of her. It turns out her calling has been in the entertainment industry all along.
5. Lethabo participated in The International Arts Talent Showcase on the 25th of September 2021 where she obtained a scholarship and a callback to perform in New York, USA.
6. The talented actress and model rose to stardom in November 2022, when she made her debut on hit SABC1 drama, Skeem Saam where she plays Ntswaki. The character is Meikie Maputla’s relative, who was just coming to visit for the weekend.
7. From the get go, viewers fell in love with Ntswaki, as she brought the much needed teenage drama on the show. She is an outgoing girl, who is fearless, and just lives in the moment. The mischievous teen is now back to entertain viewers some more.
8. Lethabo is definitely taking the industry by storm, and exploring different ventures. This past December, she hosted the Red Carpet for the RSA Model Awards at Golf Reef City, Lyric Theatre.
9. Besides acting, Lethabo enjoys writing and poetry, and most importantly spending time with her loved ones. She regards her mother as her inspiration.
10. Not much is known about her personal life. A couple of weeks back however, Lethabo shared on her Insta stories that she was a newly married woman. It is not clear if she was joking or not, but nonetheless, congratulatory messages poured in.

Darlington Michaels, the legendary actor famously known for his role as Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela on Isidingo, has reportedly passed away.

Story Summary:

South African actor Darlington Michaels, best known as “Papa G” from Isidingo, has reportedly passed away.
Michaels had been hospitalised earlier in September, struggling with health issues, including breathing difficulties.
Fans are mourning the loss of the beloved TV icon, albeit a statement has yet to surface from his family.
Darlington ‘Papa G’ Michaels dies: What’s the cause of death?
Michaels, who was hospitalised earlier this month, was battling health issues, including difficulty breathing, which led to his admission to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

 

 

 

 

 

While the exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his health had reportedly deteriorated significantly in recent months, with sources stating that he had been struggling with mobility and general well-being.While news of Papa G’s death has been circulating online, with several sources corroborating the information, a formal statement from the family has yet to surface.

Darlington ‘Papa G’ Michaels biography
Darlington Michaels was a veteran in the South African entertainment industry with a career spanning over four decades.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela, the smooth-talking mobster on Isidingo, which became one of the defining roles of his career.

Michaels first joined Isidingo when it debuted in 1998, and his character became a fan favourite, known for his Tsotsi taal, flashy wardrobe, and extravagant personality.

Michaels’ career, however, began on the stage under the mentorship of renowned theatre director Gibson Kente.

In 1984, he wrote and starred in a play titled Survival, which addressed the treatment of Black prisoners during apartheid. The political nature of his work led to his arrest, where he spent three months in jail without trial.

Despite these challenges, Michaels persevered, eventually transitioning to television, where he made his mark in shows like Zone 14, The Lab, Heartlines, and Rhythm City.

In 2013, Michaels suffered a stroke while on a work trip to Cape Town. He spent several months recovering at Groote Schuur Hospital, an experience that deeply impacted him.

Although he made a partial recovery, his mobility was affected, and he had to use a walking stick in the years that followed.

Reactions to Papa G’s death
News of Darlington Michaels’ passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, with many fans expressing their grief.

Tributes have poured in from across social media, with many recalling his contributions to South African television.

Here are some of the reactions we picked:

BREAKING NEWS |
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR BELOVED ACTOR DARLINGTON MICHAELS
The South African entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a legendary talent, Darlington Michaels, who sadly passed away today. Michaels, best known for his iconic portrayal of Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in the popular soap opera Isidingo, leaves behind a rich legacy in South African television.
With a career spanning over two decades, Michaels captivated audiences with his exceptional acting skills and charismatic on-screen presence. His iconic character, Papa G, became a household name, earning him numerous awards and nominations.

 

 

 

 

Colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor, sharing fond memories and praising his contributions to the industry. “Darlington was more than just a colleague; he was a mentor and a friend,” said a fellow Isidingo cast member.
Michaels’ passing has left a void in the South African entertainment industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come. As one fan aptly put it, “Papa G may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.”
Rest in peace, Darlington Michaels. Your talent and impact will be deeply missed.

Papa Joy finally in Soweto

Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke brings her fiancé to Soweto for the first time.

The couple recently got engaged, and the superfan hasn’t denied her fans a glimpse into the beauty she shares with her French lover, Nicolas “Papa Joy” Pitaud.

 

 

 

Taking to Twitter, Joy Chauke shared a video of herself and Papa Joy in Soweto, which she reveals it’s his first time.

The couple were in Cape Town, and they had a swell time. “At Lagoon Beach enjoying the Sunset with PapaJoy what an experience Love lives here ⁦@CityofCT you were good for us thanks for making our love more memorable today is you ⁦@CityofJoburgZA let’s what you have coming bye cptwn,” Chauke wrote.

Mama Joy and her lover were in a eatry as seen in the video recently shared; she captioned, “Papa Joy finally in Soweto.”

Legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly has died age 77.

Beverly fronted the funk band Maze, which went on to have huge success with hits like Before I Let Go and Can’t Get Over You.

His devastated family announced the tragic death on Wednesday in a post on social media, revealing he died on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 
‘He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends.

‘Love one another as he would want that for us all.’The family have asked for time to grieve in private and ‘in our own way.’

‘Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.

‘During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.

‘This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.’

In a surprising turn of events, beloved South African actor Zolisa Xaluva is set to tie the knot this coming weekend with one of the country’s brightest young actresses, Zazi Kunene. The news of their upcoming wedding has caught many by surprise, as the couple had kept their relationship largely out of the public eye.

Zolisa Xaluva, best known for his roles in *Gomora* and *Generations*, is a highly respected figure in the South African entertainment industry. His announcement that he is marrying Zazi Kunene, a rising star in her own right, has sent shockwaves through fans and colleagues alike. The pair managed to keep their romance under wraps, making this wedding news a pleasant surprise for many who had no idea the two were even a couple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zazi Kunene, known for her talent and versatility as an actress, has quickly become a fan favorite in South Africa’s acting scene. The young actress has been lauded for her performances and is seen as one of the industry’s future stars. Her engagement to a well-established actor like Zolisa Xaluva has added to the intrigue and excitement surrounding the wedding.

Fans and celebrities alike have expressed their excitement and well wishes for the couple, with many taking to social media to congratulate the pair. While details of the wedding remain private, the union of two such prominent figures in the entertainment world has left many eagerly anticipating what is sure to be a memorable event.As the wedding day approaches, the couple’s fans are buzzing with anticipation, curious to see how this beautiful love story will unfold. For now, all eyes are on Zolisa Xaluva and Zazi Kunene as they prepare to embark on this new chapter of their lives together.